Automatic Sliding Doors Have Operational Limitations
Automatic Sliding Doors . It’s important for glazing contractors to get information from the automatic sliding door manufacturers. In advance, on operational limitations for their systems.
Some automatic door manufacturers have stringent criteria on how much the supporting header. And also jambs can deflect from wind load.
One automatic door manufacturer had a limitation of 3/8” maximum lateral movement. Where the header was supported by framing. Curtain wall framing members that supported the automatic sliding door system. And also found to have over 1 ¼” deflection. This required significant reinforcing at the header and the jamb to reduce deflection to within allowable limits.
Jamb deflections also need to be considered. In the overall deflection of the system under wind load.
Finding out operational limitations of the system, in advance, provides a higher quality installation. Many glazing systems will not offer the stiffness required to adequately ensure operation of the automatic door system. Some automatic sliding door manufacturers’ information. States that the header must be attached to “something rigid”. So the question becomes, “What do they consider rigid”? If door systems are installed and framing is deficient. It could void the manufacturer warranty and the glazing contractor may become liable. So after investigating the definition of ridged with one particular manufacturer.
When glazing contractors communicate with automatic door manufacturers, it’s important to reach the engineering department and ask for the operational limitations for deflection of the supporting framing.
Clear upfront communication can save weeks of time, to improve client satisfaction, and also reduce the risk of liability down the road.
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Authors:
Stewart Jeske, P.E
JEI Structural Engineering
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