The Aluminum Advantage in Fenestration

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available on request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

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© American Architectural Manufacturers Association 2012

Description This course details the attributes of aluminum based on structural integrity, design flexibility, impact resistance, blast resistance, thermal performance and sustainable characteristics of aluminum. Participants w ill also be exposed to case studies noting the strength, versatility, design and performance advantages of aluminum as a fenestration product, as well as its use in sustainable designs.

Learning Objectives • Understand the versatility of aluminum in fenestration applications • Demonstrate the strengths of aluminum in the selection of fenestration products • Identify aluminum's sustainable characteristics and the benefits of using aluminum in sustainable projects • Explain advantages of aluminum in relation to design and performance

William McDonough Award-winning architect and designer • • •

Sustainable Development (1996) Time magazine’s “Hero for the Planet” (1999) Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge (2003) • National Design Award (2004)

“I believe we can accomplish great and profitable things within a new conceptual framework—one that values our legacy, honors diversity, and feeds ecosystems and societies . . . It is time for designs that are creative, abundant, prosperous and intelligent from the start.”

The Benefits of Aluminum In both residential and commercial applications, aluminum offers: • Structural Integrity • Thermal Performance • High strength-to• Sustainability • •

weight ratio Long service life Low maintenance

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• Design Flexibility • •

Shape options Color options

• Blast and Impact Resistant

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Green credentials Environmentally friendly Natural daylighting and shading components Easily recyclable

• Excellent Value

Aluminum

Why Aluminum?

History

Elements in the Earth’s Crust

Source: Earth Science Teachers’ Association

Raw Material Consumption

Structural Integrity • Structural integrity is judged based upon the ability of a material to withstand loads – i.e., its strength. • Strength is quantified in terms of: • Tensile strength (the resistance of a material to a force tending to tear it apart) and • Stiffness or rigidity (defined by modulus of elasticity) Material Property Data • Tensile yield strength (stress at which material will be permanently deformed) (6061-T6 and 6061-T651) = 40kpsi • Ultimate tensile strength (stress at which material will break) = 45kpsi • Modulus of Elasticity = 10Mpsi

Structural Integrity • Aluminum has high strength per unit weight = high strength-to-weight ratio. This permits the use of less material for the same structural strength in comparison to other materials. • This property allows aluminum to support unique architectural designs, as well as heavy spans of glass present in many commercial designs • Aluminum offers undiminished structural integrity over a long service life of a product or a building. • Aluminum, with proper coatings and finishes for the application, requires less maintenance to preserve structural integrity and appearance. • This can result in longer life expectancy and savings in maintenance costs.

Structural Integrity Tomball Regional Medical Center – TX • Aluminum is a popular building material for use in hospital buildings, hotels and other hightraffic facilities. • Aluminum contributes to a building’s structural integrity for an extremely long life. • The natural properties of aluminum make for an energyefficient structure. – The combination of the strength and energy-efficient qualities of aluminum can lead to a building with a long-life, as well as cost savings from reduced energy bills.

Structural Integrity 100 United Nations Plaza Tower – New York, NY • • • •

52 floors Completed in 1986 Height: 557 feet (170 meters) The building’s north and south façades taper sharply to form a top wedge. • The balconies protrude as horizontal “ribs” around the corners of the building. Aluminum’s natural structural integrity enables and fully supports innovative and unconventional design features.

Structural Integrity Granite Park III – Plano, TX Structural Capabilities • Aluminum framing can hold the weight of the building’s heavy glass spans. • The maximized glass surfaces of the building allow for increased natural daylighting, thereby decreasing the need for artificial light. – Increased natural light contributes to lower energy needs as well as increased occupant comfort.

• Energy-efficient thermal barriers contribute to comfortable interior environments.

Structural Integrity George Bush International Airport – Houston, TX • Ultra-strong aluminum framing supports large sloped glass spans. –

Heavy (laminated) glass packages provide increased acoustical properties.

• The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum handles this increased weight with ease. • The building was designed for durability, high traffic and to last many years. • Aluminum framing is very low maintenance.

Structural Integrity Gaylord Texan™ Resort and Convention Center – Grapevine, TX • 1,511 guestrooms • Aluminum’s strength easily supports the large, heavy dome structure to provide more than four acres of “a lush climatecontrolled setting under glass.” • Aluminum provides a unique and safe environment for guests and visitors.

Design Flexibility

• Precision-extruded aluminum frames can be designed in a variety of sizes with complex shapes and unique architectural details, without sacrificing the structural integrity of the window. • Some examples of aluminum extrusions are shown above.

Design Flexibility The Resch Center - Green Bay, WI

The unique aluminum and glass façade of this building takes advantage of key attributes of aluminum, including the ability to fabricate precise and detailed extrusions with sharp angles and curves for an innovative, open, yet structurally strong design that facilitates maximum daylighting.

Design Flexibility The Metropolis – Midtown Atlanta, GA •

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This luxury high-rise condo development nicknamed “city of glass.” Two, 21-story towers, connected by a six-story unit. Both towers contains 249 condominiums (65% were sold in seven weeks). Aluminum easily supports the spans of glass in the building. This mixed-use project makes use of the first floor for retail, with residential above. – Aluminum fits the needs of both the retail as well as residential structures.

Design Flexibility The Rice School/La Escuela Rice – Houston, TX • Two-story, 167,000-square-foot facility custom-built to encourage learning in small clusters. • The school features a unique design that capitalizes on natural daylighting, which has been shown to improve learning in other education facilities. – Daylighting also helps to decrease the need for artificial indoor lighting, thus helping to lower energy costs.

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Project rooms and laboratories designed to engage students in science, art, computer-assisted learning and music.

Design Flexibility Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt – Nashville, TN

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Built in 2004 8 floors 617,000 sq. feet 200,000 pediatric visits annually • The building’s large expanses of glass highlight aluminum’s design flexibility and structural strength.

Design Flexibility Historic Renovations • The use of aluminum allowed the building’s efficiency to be upgraded and improved while the historic integrity of the building’s architectural design was preserved • The precision extrusion process facilitates replication of existing designs for historic renovations.

Duke University – Durham, NC

Drake Hotel – Chicago, IL

Design Flexibility Unsurpassed Color Options Aluminum products offer: • An almost unlimited selection of color options and custom colors to match or compliment corporate or historic building requirements • The ability to specify different colors and formulations for interior and exterior surfaces (depending on thermal break system) – in order to match or compliment color schemes • A wide selection of formulations for exterior surfaces to meet job site challenges

Design Flexibility Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School, PA

Aluminum allows matching colors of windows with vents, awnings and other trim accessories, providing a uniform look for the building, which can be vitally important for branding, as well as aesthetics.

Design Flexibility Findlay Market – Cincinnati, OH Ohio’s oldest continuously-operated public market and a registered historic building uses aluminum storefront and entrances with painted finishes.

• The windows were created to perfectly match all of the building trim components • Flexibility in color of products is a real advantage of aluminum • The ability to exactly match colors also facilitates any future renovations or additions to the building, ensuring that new or replacement fenestration will match

Design Flexibility Pinnacle Office Building, Atlanta, GA • The design shape again shows the flexibility and versatility of aluminum and the material’s strength and capability to support heavy spans of glass, such as is presented in this unique design.

Design Flexibility Color Formulations • Anodic finishes • Painted finishes (organic coatings) AAMA specifications, developed by industry consensus, designate various performance levels for anodic and painted finishes. It is recommended that the architect specify finishes based on the AAMA designation and call out a specific color, rather than simply state that color is to be selected by the architect.

Design Flexibility Anodized Coatings Anodizing is the controlled electrochemical process by which the surface of aluminum is converted into aluminum oxide. The resulting aluminum oxide film is similar in hardness to that of a ruby or sapphire.

Design Flexibility Anodized Coatings Aesthetic appearance - a variety of anodized options for aluminum are available: • Clear translucent, specular and matte • Exterior and interior colors provide excellent lightfastness • Check with the anodizing manufacturer for lightfastness data

Design Flexibility AAMA Anodized Coating Specifications • AAMA 611, Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum •

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Class I High Performance (0.7 mils minimum thickness) Class II Commercial Performance (0.4-0.7 mils thickness)

• AAMA 612, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements, and Test Procedures for Combined Coatings of Anodic Oxide and Transparent Organic Coatings on Architectural Aluminum •

Combined coatings (anodic and transparent organic)

This product displays dual finish coatings

Design Flexibility Painted Organic Coatings • Organic coatings can be in liquid or powder form • Liquid coatings have been the long-time choice in the U.S. Liquid coatings include acrylics, polyesters, siliconized polyesters and various types of fluoropolymers (e.g., PVDF). • Powder coatings are becoming more available given their environmental benefits.

Liquid & Powder Extrusion Coatings • Benefits of Liquid Extrusion Coatings • • • • • •

Brighter metallics Smoother appearance Performance in corrosive environments 40 years of success in North America VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound) can be eliminated during the process with emissions equipment Applicator on-site color matching capability

• Benefits of Powder Extrusion Coatings •

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Material efficiency up to 95% (reduces demand for raw materials compared to conventional coating systems) Overspray can be reclaimed and reused Minimal VOCs emissions in the curing process No hazardous waste according to Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Coating Conclusions • Powder coating offers advantages including hardness and environmental benefits. • Liquid coatings offer advantages such as brighter metallics and multicoat systems. • Every building project has unique needs, and coatings should be chosen based on those specific needs.

AAMA Organic Coating Standards • AAMA 2603 •

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(Liquid or Powder)

Standard and test methods for organic coatings on aluminum extrusions and panels. Pigmented Organic Coatings (1-year, 45º South Florida exposure)

• AAMA 2604 •

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A standard for high performance organic coatings on aluminum extrusions and panels. High-Performance Organic Coatings (5-year, 45º South Florida exposure)

• AAMA 2605 •

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A standard which defines the performance requirements for superior organic coatings on aluminum extrusions and panels. Superior Performing Organic Coatings (10-year, 45º South Florida exposure)

Security Levels • Aluminum is a widely-used material for protection from: • • • •

Impact (from hurricanes/tornadoes) Blast Forced Entry Ballistics

• Though an important portion of the overall fenestration package is the proper glass selection, aluminum frames designed to incorporate these infills can achieve very high levels of protection. And continuous improvements increase the level of security desired by owners, architects and occupants.

Impact Resistance • Aluminum meets ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) and Miami-Dade County testing standards and protocols. • States mandate impact-resistant products in regions subject to wind-borne debris. • The strength of aluminum makes it a viable choice for impact-resistant products.

Impact Resistance Testing Standards • AAMA 506, Voluntary Specification for Impact and Cycle Testing of Fenestration Products • ASTM E 1886, Standard Test Method for Impact and Cyclic Pressure Testing • ASTM E 1996, Standard Specification for Performance of Impact and Cycle tested products • Florida Building Code o

TAS 201 Impact Test Procedures

o

TAS 203 Testing Products Cyclic Pressure Loading

Impact Resistance Testing – Missile Impact: ASTM E 1886, ASTM E 1996

Photo courtesy of National Starch and Chemical Co.

For this “large missile” impact test, a 2x4 is hurled by an air cannon toward an aluminum fenestration product. The glass may break, but the internal film should hold the glass in place and in the frame. This helps the interior resist the pressure from outside, allowing for less damage during a storm or other severe weather.

Hurricane and Tornado Resistance • Stringent Testing – Ball bearing and/or 2x4 shot at samples

• Structural Properties and Flexibility of Aluminum Extrusions Meet Stringent Code Requirements • Years of Testing and Design

Impact Resistance Hurricane Wilma – October 24, 2005

The slightly higher initial price of impact-resistant products can help later save thousands of dollars in repair following brutal weather conditions including hurricane-force winds and flying debris.

Blast Resistance • Agencies of the government establish minimum blast size requirements, which are the basis of all design considerations. • Aluminum framing systems (windows, storefronts and curtain walls) are designed based on these charge sizes and tested to prove their resilience. • Aluminum systems are designed to stay within the surrounding conditions, hold the glass in place (even when the glass fractures) and withstand the impact itself. Even though the glass selection plays a major part in resisting damage from a blast, the framing is just as important.

Blast Resistance

Murrah Building, Oklahoma City, OK

Blast Resistance Mitigating Factors • Framing members, maximum deflection L/60 – Aluminum Material Property Data – High Tensile Yield strength

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Glass - Interior lite laminated Glazing - 3/8” Structural glazed or 1” bite Glass holding bead - Must hold glass Substrate - Analyze for anchor holding Substrate - Proper edge clearances Anchors - Size, spacing and embedment

Blast Resistance Aluminum: • Has natural high-yield strength (40,000 psi without steel reinforcement) • Blast resistance requires fenestration material to bend and not break in order to absorb energy • This is easily accomplished with aluminum extrusions used in fenestration applications

Blast Resistance Blast Parameters: • Blast Load • Standoff distance • Height of glazing above blast

Height Above Ground

Structure Blast Load Stand-off Distance

Blast Resistance

Blast Resistance Shock Tube Testing

Shock tube testing directs the blast waveform onto a test specimen. The air pressure is generated by pressurizing a chamber until a diaphragm bursts, or by employing an actual explosion. Shock tubes are generally used for smaller test specimens with lower peak load blast and impulse.

Blast Resistance Open Air Arena Testing

. The arena test is an open-field test that most accurately reproduces the blast waveform by employing an actual explosion. Because peak pressure declines with distance from the blast, but the delivered load duration actually increases, a good arena test set-up must be quite large with long standoff distances.

Blast Resistance Testing Standards • AAMA 510-06, Voluntary Guide Specification for Blast Hazard Mitigation for Fenestration Systems • ASTM F 1642-04, Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings • GSA-TS01-2003, U.S. General Services Administration Standard Test Method for Glazing and Window Systems Subject to Dynamic Overpressure Loadings

Blast Resistant Products • Blast-resistant aluminum products are available in many different fenestration applications, including: • Curtain Walls • Entrances • Store fronts • Windows • • • • •

Casement Fixed Hung Projected Sliders

Forced Entry •

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The term “forced entry” can range from someone attempting to break the glass in a frame, to someone using a crowbar to break a door lock to someone using more extreme measures, such as ramming the entrance with an automobile. For the purpose of this example, we limit it to the scope of 1304-02, Voluntary Specification for Forced Entry Resistance of SideHinged Door Systems. An oversimplification of this standard is that it consists of applying a 300-pound point load on the door frame to try to create a 6-inch gap between the door and the frame. Aluminum framing systems are sturdy by the very nature of the material. With the proper selection of glass and glazing technique (sealing the glass in place), aluminum doors could withstand all but the worst assault.

Ballistics • Aluminum framing systems can, and have been, designed and tested to ballistic standards. Though not as common as forced entry, impact and blast resistance, some projects require ballistic protection. In those situations, there are options available to the architect and owner. • It is important to select the proper frame and glass combination that will provide the protection required and desired.

Thermal Performance Any fenestration framing material must provide a comfortable interior environment while minimizing building energy use in both hot and cold climates.

Thermal Performance Thermal barriers separate cold and warm environments, for maximum energy efficiency and interior comfort.

Frost-free at 72ºF (22°C)

thermal barrier frost forms

dry ice at -148ºF (-100°C)

Thermal Performance Thermal barriers separate cold and warm environments, for maximum energy efficiency and interior comfort. This photo also displays a dry ice test.

Thermal Performance Common Types of Thermal Barriers •

Poured and De-bridged

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Polyamide Strip

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Thermal isolators greater than ¼ inch

…all of these types of thermal barriers have their pros and cons depending on the specific application and needs of the building project

Thermal Performance Poured-and-Debridged Thermal Barrier High performance polymer (e.g., polyurethane) is poured into a specially designed cavity formed by a thin metal bridge temporarily connecting the interior and exterior sections of the frame. Once the material has cured, the metal bridge is removed (debridged) to form the thermal barrier.

Thermal Performance Poured-and-Debridged Thermal Barrier Wide Cavity Design for Enhanced Thermal Performance

Thermal Performance Poured-and-Debridged Thermal Barrier

Dual cavity design improves thermal performance in storefront and curtain wall systems

Thermal Performance Poured-and-Debridged Thermal Barrier

Thermally efficient aluminum window with wide cavity thermal barrier and warm edge spacer

Thermal Performance reading polyamide

Polyamide Strip Thermal Barrier Polyamide Strips Being Inserted Between Two Separate Extrusions to Create a Thermal Break

Thermal Performance Polyamide Strip Thermal Barrier

Reinforced polyamide bars (nylon-based polymer reinforced with glass fiber) mechanically join separately extruded interior and exterior aluminum profiles

Thermal Performance Polyamide Strip Thermal Barrier Reinforced polyamide profiles (nylon-based polymer reinforced with glass fibers) mechanically join separately extruded interior and exterior aluminum profiles

Thermal Performance Polyamide Strip Thermal Barrier

Multi-functional profiles can hold gaskets, foam, and or have fins that break up large cavities improving overall thermal performance

Thermal Performance The 50-year evolution of aluminum fenestration thermal performance technology Technological Development

These Infrared images are intended only as an example to show the relatively improved performance resulting from each innovation.

Thermal Performance Evolution of aluminum fenestration thermal performance technology Progression in Technological Development

These images are intended as an example only, to show improvement in performance resulting from continuous innovation.

Thermal Performance Empire State Building – New York, NY • • • • • •

Completed in 1931 102 floors 1,250 feet tall Steel-framed windows Single-glazed World’s tallest building until 1972 (North tower, One World Trade Center)

Thermal Performance Empire State Building – New York, NY • In 1994: 5,460 windows in the historic building were replaced (Phase 1) • The building’s original steel windows had deteriorated, allowing for air infiltration, water leakage and frosting. • New windows represented 210,000 sq. ft. or 30% of the exterior. • Chemical analysis allowed matching of original paint color to satisfy the Landmarks Preservation Commission

Thermal Performance Empire State Building – New York, NY • The new windows contributed to 16% annual energy savings • Conservative energy cost savings of $948,000 in 1994 • Energy savings equate to over $1.8 million in today’s dollars

Thermal Performance Aluminum Shading Components • Aluminum shading components shade the glass against solar rays, reducing heat gain, which results in improved thermal characteristics, reduced air conditioning load and increased occupant comfort • Helps buildings meet U.S. Green Building Council LEED® requirements • Could include buildingintegrated supplemental photovoltaic electric power generating capability

Sustainability Building “Green” with Aluminum

Sustainability Sustainability of Material • • • • • • • • • •

Will it minimize energy use? Will it adversely affect health of occupants? Will it need frequent replacement/repairs? Are any of raw materials from rare or endangered resources? Are there impacts from process of mining or harvesting the material? Are significant toxic or hazardous by-products created during manufacturing? How much renewable energy is consumed during manufacturing? How much solid waste is generated during manufacturing? Are the raw materials and/or manufacturing locations far from the building site? Can the material be reused or recycled?

Aluminum scores high on all points!

Sustainability Sustainability of Aluminum • Aluminum is made from bauxite, one of the earth’s most abundant resources. • Aluminum is environmentally friendly and is non-toxic. • Aluminum products provide durability and long life cycles. o

73% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use

• Aluminum is highly recyclable. o Aluminum can be recycled over and over with no loss of physical properties

Sustainability Sustainability of Aluminum Fenestration • Enhanced thermal performance results in increased energy efficiency • The high strength-to-weight ratio permits narrow sightlines while supporting large glazed expanses in order to maximize daylighting – Daylighting supplants artificial lighting and provides views to the outside environment. There are also numerous reported health benefits associated with natural light.

Sustainability Recycling Aluminum • Easily recycled – readily recovered and reused •

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Nationwide accessibility to recycling companies and programs Aluminum recycling industry has tripled from 5 million tons in 1980 to 15 million tons in 2004

• Recycled aluminum requires only 5% of the energy required to produce primary aluminum • Aluminum components can have 80%-85% recycled content • Recycled aluminum has 100% the strength of virgin aluminum

Aluminum products offer high recycled content

Sustainability Recycled Aluminum Reduces Environmental Pressures • Using recycled materials helps to limit: • • • •

Mining Processing Ore Refining energy demand Overseas shipping

• Recycling also reduces disposal of material to landfills.

Sustainability Natural Daylighting Glebe Elementary School – Arlington, VA • Unique architecture heavily features windows to promote daylighting. • Natural daylight creates a positive learning environment for students. • Uses shading to control solar heat gain, while still allowing natural light to pass through. • Research shows increased test scores for students in daylit classrooms.

Sustainability Bren School of Environmental Science and Management University of California, Santa Barbara Model of “Green” Practices: • The building was the first of its type to achieve Platinum LEED® certification. • The design includes 47 kW solar photovoltaic system to provide 10% of building’s electricity. • Natural flow-through ventilation is made possible via operable aluminum windows and transoms • Daylighting and energy-efficient lamps.

Sustainability Bren School of Environmental Science and Management University of California, Santa Barbara • Sustainable practices and materials are incorporated into virtually all of its 85,000 square feet. • Due to energy-efficient features and designs, the building uses 27 to 40% less electricity than a comparable conventional structure • The building surpasses CA Title 24 requirements for energy efficiency standards by more than 31%

Sustainability The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center Muskegon, MI • 25,000 square foot distributed energy center • Gold LEED® certification • Offers business incubator space, energy laboratory, conference center, and classroom facilities • Part of the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone • 2004 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Building Award and Sustainable Design Award winner

Sustainability The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center Muskegon, MI Features: • High-temperature molten carbonate fuel cell • Photovoltaic solar panels • Combined heat/power micro turbine • Nickel metal hydride battery energy storage system • Polyurethane poured and debridged thermal barrier aluminum windows

Sustainability Green Circle Shopping center – Springfield, MO Interior: • • • • •

Geothermal heating High-efficiency aluminum windows Recycled products Daylight harvesting 54% reduction in energy costs

Exterior: • Extensive preserved green space • Porous concrete pavement • Roof-top garden spaces

Sustainability Capitol Area East End Complex – Sacramento, CA • Designed to be sustainable and energy-efficient. • Was awarded the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for sustainable facilities. • 1.1 million square feet facility, consists of four buildings on four connecting blocks, with entrances that face one another.

Sustainability Capitol Area East End Complex – Sacramento, CA • Includes: • • • •

Public retail space Community police station 300-seat auditorium Childcare center with an outdoor play area

• Design criteria: •

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Meet or exceed California Building Code Title 24 for energy efficiency and green buildings Goal: Exceed the standards by 30%, saving $400,000 annually in energy savings alone

Sustainability Capitol Area East End Complex – Sacramento, CA • Design/build strategies: • To maximize daylight penetration, open workstations (cubicles) were placed along the perimeter; interior offices include windows that take advantage of the available natural light • A combination of four custom unitized, fixed and punched window/curtain wall systems for each of the four interconnected structures and their entrances maximize sunlight, conserve energy and provide visual transparency • Spectrally selective, low-E glass allows most of the visible light to penetrate the building while blocking nearly all of the infrared wavelengths.

Sustainability QS/1 Data Systems – Spartanburg, SC

Silver LEED-certification

• Six stories • 115,000 sq. ft. of thermally improved aluminum framing • First commercial, new construction high-rise to be LEED- certified in South Carolina • Demand-controlled energy recovery ventilator uses building exhaust to precondition outside air supply • Monitors occupant fresh air demand with sensors • Consumes less energy than the previous 45,000-square-foot facility

Sustainability QS/1 Data Systems – Spartanburg, SC (continued) Green Features • High-performance window glazing system consists of thermal barrier system and high-efficiency insulating glass • High-efficiency lighting and plumbing systems • Energy-efficient HVAC system • 30% annual energy savings compared to customary building standards

The Aluminum Advantage Let’s review!

Aluminum Advantage Structural Integrity Ritz Carlton – New York, NY • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio Accommodates large openings Lower investment in building structure Reduced shipping costs Narrow sightlines for optimized daylighting and appearance

• • • •

• Superior structural strength • •

Wind load capacity Dead load capacity

Aluminum Advantage Design Flexibility

Frame size and shape options plus a full range of accessory items (trim, panning, etc.) provide an aesthetically unique and consistent look to the building.

Aluminum Advantage Design Flexibility Virtually unlimited color options to compliment or match any color scheme or existing building features

Aluminum Advantage Thermal Performance Aluminum thermal performance can meet demanding code requirements in the harshest climates from Miami to Chicago

Aluminum Advantage Sustainability • Aluminum is environmentally friendly • Aluminum is highly recyclable • Allows for increased energy efficiency and reduced energy bills • Aluminum fenestration products allow for smaller sightlines, which maximize daylighting and views to the outside environment, decreasing the need for interior lighting

Aluminum Advantage Impact and Blast Resistance

• Aluminum has a high yield strength for blast loads. • Aluminum fenestration products can be designed to perform well in blast environments, as mandated by governmental agencies.

Aluminum Advantage Sustainability Henderson City Hall – Henderson, NV • Natural Daylighting •

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The offices arranged around the central exterior courtyard Building design allows for easy occupant access to fresh air and sunlight to boost productivity and job satisfaction

• Shading Component

Course Summary • Understand the versatility of aluminum in fenestration applications • Demonstrate the strengths of aluminum in the selection of fenestration products • Identify aluminum's sustainable characteristics and the benefits of using aluminum in sustainable projects • Explain advantages of aluminum in relation to design and performance

Additional Resources For more information about aluminum fenestration options, contact these industry and government groups: • Aluminum Association, www.aluminum.org • Aluminum Extruders Council, www.aec.org • American Architectural Manufacturers Association, www.aamanet.org • American Society for Testing and Materials International, www.astm.org • Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association, www.cwdma.ca • Efficient Windows Collaborative, www.efficientwindows.org • ENERGY STAR® program, www.energystar.gov/windows • Glass Association of North America, www.glasswebsite.org • International Energy Conservation Codes, www.energycodes.gov • National Fenestration Rating Council www.nfrc.org • U.S. Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org