Composite Aluminium-Steel Curtain Walls for Refurbishment of Historical Buildings: Proposed Solution and Preliminary Experimental Tests

Aluminium curtain walls are widely chosen for the facade restoration of historical buildings due to their light weight, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. However, the high deformability of aluminium alloys can make it challenging to meet code requirements for serviceability under wind- and seismic-induced building sway. This research explores a novel reinforced aluminium curtain wall profile to address these limitations. Previous numerical studies have investigated the use of tensioned steel wires within extruded aluminium profiles to enhance stiffness and strength. Building on this earlier work, the current study presents an experimental investigation of the aluminium curtain wall system with wire reinforcement. Various configurations of the wire reinforcement are tested to identify the optimal arrangement for maximizing stiffness and strength compared to unreinforced aluminium profiles. The experimental results for the reinforced curtain wall system, designed to restore historical building facades, are discussed. Key performance metrics, such as lateral drift control and load-bearing capacity, are evaluated to assess the system's suitability for retrofitting existing structures while preserving architectural heritage. These findings contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the protection and restoration of historical buildings.