Which type of curtain wall is designed to bear loads?

A load-bearing curtain wall is specifically designed to support vertical loads in addition to withstanding lateral forces such as wind pressure. Unlike non-load-bearing walls, which are mainly used for enclosing spaces and do not support any structural weight, load-bearing walls play a crucial role in the overall structural integrity of a building. They are integrated into the building’s framework, allowing for a more efficient distribution of weight and enabling the structure to withstand various stresses. This type of curtain wall not only helps in reducing the overall material required for support but also offers additional benefits in terms of design and aesthetics.

In contrast, non-load-bearing walls do not provide structural support and rely entirely on the building's framework for stability. Standard may refer to traditional types of construction that do not necessarily imply load-bearing qualities, and temporary walls are designed for short-term use, often for partitions or to withstand specific conditions during construction. Thus, the characteristics of a load-bearing curtain wall make it essential for projects where both aesthetics and structural integrity are important.