Research on building projects

in structuralglazing

(three projects in the field of glass

beams)

Introduction

Structural Glazing

Structural glazing is a building process where the glass itself supports part of the structure. It is also used to describe glass that is bonded together without any framing or extra support.

Advantages of Structural Glazing▪ Allows for broader architectural design flexibility▪ Increases the thermal efficiency of buildings, because the exterior exposure of metal framing is either reduced or eliminated▪ Reduces or eliminates water and air infiltration▪ Reduces the potential for thermal breakage of glass

Definition

Glass Beams• Glass is as strong as aluminum when used as a beam in either a vertical or horizontal situation.• A glass beam is constructed from layers of toughened glass laminated together. • The number of layers and thickness of the glass will be dependent on the span needed.• For stability it is necessary for either end of the beam to be secured and this is most usually done

with a stainless steel shoe, into which the beam is structurally bonded.

What information characterizes the building project?

How do you give documentation?

How do you compare the projects in order

to analyze the discovered results?

What sources are available?

TASK

Do research on building projects in structural glazing

Find three projects in the field of glass beams

Research and structure information

What information is necessary?

Glass roof for International Chamber of Commerce (IHK) Munich

Glass roof for International Chamber of Commerce (IHK) Munich

Architects:Betsch Architekten, Munich

Engineers: Ludwig Und Weiler Gmbh, Augsburg

Specialist Contractor: Andreas Oswald Gmbh, Munich

Construction Completed:2002

Type of supported element Roof

Number of beams Five main beams

Dimensions Outer: 2*(12mm*0.9m*4.5m) Inner: (10mm+19mm+10mm)*0.9m*4.5m

Full Span/weight 14m/3.5 tones

Supported area 151.2 square meters

Glass type/ Number of glass

layers

Outer Glass Fins (2 x 12 mm heat- strengthened glass) Inner Glass Fins (3-layer laminate with a 19 mm fully tempered glass pane sandwiched between two 10 mm panes)

Connection details Bearing bolt connections at the end and center points of the fins. The main beams are stabilized by the binding piece connection of the secondary beams .

Any other specialties

Multipart simply supported single span .Primary load-bearing structure of the lean-to roof with an incline of 10°.

Specification

M10 bolts

Glazed roof great western dock, Bristol

Glazed roof great western dock, Bristol

Architects: Alec French Architects, Bristol  

Engineers: Arup, London  

Specialist Contractor: Space Decks Ltd, Chard

Construction Completed:2005

Type of supported element

Waterline Glass Plate

Number of beams

3

Dimensions (10mm*0.9m*4.5m)

Full Span/weight 14m,weighing about 50 tones

Supported area about 1000 square meters

Glass type/ Number of glass

layers

To maximize the reliability by avoiding nickel sulphide inclusion breakages, Heat-strengthened glass was chosen

Connection details

3 x 10 mm heat-treated glass are connected to the main steel beams by shoe brackets.

Any other specialties

supports a bow-to-stern flow of 50 mm of water

Specification

Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Architecture:MUMA

Engineer:Dewhurst Macfarlane Engineers

Construction Completed:2009

Award:‘Structural Design of the Year Award’World Architecture Festival 2010

Type of supported element Roof

Number of beams 73

Dimensions 11m*450mm*36mm

Full Span span up to 11 meters

Supported area approximately 370 square meters

Glass type/ Number of glass

layers

heat-strengthenedthree, 12mm-thick toughened white glass panels with a white PVB interlayer

Connection details A stainless-steel profile is glued onto the upper side of the glass beams and connects the roof panels with the clamping plates

Any other specialties

cold-twisted glass panels as both laminated and insulated .The ‘hypar surface’ of the warped roof is created by ‘cold bended’ IGU panels.

Specification

Comparison overview

TOPICS (IHK) Munich Dock, Bristol Museum, LondonType of supported

elementRoof Waterline Glass Plate Roof

Number of beams 5 3 73

Dimensions Outer: 2*(12mm*0.9m*4.5m) Inner:(10mm+19mm+10mm)*0.9m*4.5m

10mm*0.9m*4.5m 11m*450mm*36mm

Full Span 14 meters 14 meters 11 meters

Supported area 151.2 square meters 1000 square meters 370 square meters

Glass type/ Number of glass

layers

Outer (heat- strengthened glass) Inner (3-layer laminate fully tempered glass )

Heat-strengthened heat-strengthenedthree, 12mm-thick

Connection details Bearing bolt connections Main steel beams by shoe brackets.

Stainless-steel profile is glued on upper side of beam

• www.arbo.co.uk/wp-content/.../11/Structural-Glazing-Information

• http://www.cantifix.co.uk/components/glass_beams

• Glass Structures: Design and Construction of Self-supporting Skins By Jan Wurm (chapter 7-projects)

• http://www.octatube.nl/en/projects/4/victoria-albert-museum/

• http://quintinlake.photoshelter.com/gallery/SS-Great-Britain-passenger-steamship-Isambard-Kingdom-Brunel-Bristol-UK/G00005UGnZdzmLRk

Sources of Information