Simulation and Application of Reflected Light Impact from Glass Curtain Walls in Low-Latitude Regions Based on Ray Tracing

MENG Ning; GAO Chao

doi:10.3969∕j.issn.1004-440X.2026.01.006

Abstract：While shaping the skyline of modern cities,glass curtain walls also cause reflected glare pollution,which has negative impacts on the urban environment and residents'visual comfort.Current simulation methods for the reflected light of glass curtain walls are mostly based on the Boundary of Reflection Area(BRA)theory.These methods have limited analysis efficiency develops when addressing the impact of reflected light in complex environments.This study develops a simulation method suitable for complex urban morphologies based on the ray-tracing algorithm.The method allows for quantitative analysis of the influence range and duration of reflected light at different times,as well as residence range of fight spots in specific visually affected areas.At present,research on the reflected light of glass curtain walls are mainly focused on mid-to-high latitude regions,and quantitative simulation methods suitable for complex urban forms in low-latitude areas remain scarce.This study simulates and analyzes the characteristics of reflected light from glass curtain walls in low-latitude regions.It analyzes the effects of glass curtain wall materials,orientations,morphologies,and shading components on reflected light,and summarizes technical approaches to reduce the intensity of reflected light.On this basis,the method is applied to evaluate the reflected light performance of glass curtain walls on five newly-built super high-rise buildings in Sanya.It clarifies the potential glare influence range and duration of the project,and puts forward targeted prevention and control suggestions.This study can provide an analytical method and practical reference for light pollution control glass curtain walls in low-latitude regions.