Brackets for ventilated façades: Material-structural parameters, mechanical-thermal characteristics, and operational reliability. A review

The object of research is bracket systems in ventilated façade assemblies, which serve as critical load-bearing and thermal-transfer elements that directly govern the energy performance and service life of building envelopes. Method. A systematic review and synthesis of experimental, numerical, and bibliometric data from recent publications quantified dependencies between material selection, geometric configuration, mechanical performance, and thermal behaviour under static, dynamic, and climatic loads. Results. The analysis establishes quantified relationships between bracket parameters and façade performance. Steel and aluminium brackets provide high load-bearing capacity (60−140 kg/point) but generate significant point thermal bridges . Hybrid aluminium-polyamide and FRP systems reduce , decreasing annual building heat losses by 8−12%. Geometric optimisation, including console shortening and perforation, increases thermal resistance by 8−40%, while doubling the mounting spacing cuts thermal losses by 18% but requires compensatory anchoring reinforcement because stress increases by 25%. Long-term exposure to 5,000 cyclic loads reduces secant stiffness by 10−15%, and combined UV-moisture degradation diminishes polyamide insert strength by 15−20% over a decade. FEM-based topology optimisation reduces bracket mass by 25−30% without compromising structural integrity. Critical gaps in standardised testing for hybrid fatigue, fire safety, and long-term polymer durability are identified, providing a scientific basis for next-generation, digitally optimised, and energy-efficient façade fastening systems.