When choosing the right structural glass wall system, there are several options. For instance, suspended systems utilize vertical tempered glass mullions that hang from the building’s structure. They can span vertically without progressive collapse, but they are increasingly expensive. So, again, your budget can help you decide which options are best for your project.
Monolithic Toughened Glass Fins
Structural glass walls can be designed to include many different elements. One type involves the use of glass panels and engineered connections. This system can provide a solid structure while maintaining a modern look. It is ideal for large office spaces, retail spaces, and trade shows. You can choose the type of system that best suits your building. Here are some important questions when selecting a structural glass wall system.
When considering a structural glass wall system, consider the type of load it will be supporting. A suspended system, for example, will rely on vertical tempered glass mullions that hang from the building structure. The structural glass wall must withstand the load without buckling over time. This type of system is typically more affordable than other support systems.
Bolted Structural Glazing Systems
A bolted structural glazing system comprises a glass pane connected to the supporting structure with a cable. The cable is attached to a steel box by threaded studs and secured by a nut. A hydraulic jack pulls the cable tight against the tension box assembly.
Bolted structural glazing systems can also be incorporated into a masonry structure. This system can include laminated glass, which increases safety. It may also include independent steel or rod rigging for optimum performance and safety. Bolted structural glazing systems can use a wide range of stainless steel bolts.
Frameless Glass Balustrades
Several types of glass are used in the construction of frameless glass balustrades, such as tempered, laminated, and safety glass. These materials are much stronger than regular float glass and can withstand high impact without chipping. This type of glass is also perfect for outdoor applications. The glass panels in this type of railing are held together with a PVB plastic interlayer.
One of the most common types of frameless glass balustrades is the side-mounted type, a more cost-effective option. These balustrades are mounted on the sides of a building and are fixed with stainless steel stand-off fixings. Unfortunately, while these fixings are strong, they cannot eliminate deflection.
Float Glass
There are many types of structural glass walls. Two of the most common are structural glass walls and float glass. Structural glass walls are non-load bearing and can be made of float or Annealed glass. Structural glass walls are also called balustrades. Balustrades are essentially low walls that are attached to a surface. They also feature bead-like structures that hold the glass in the rebate.
Compression Buckling
Compression buckling of structural glass walls is a major concern of glass construction, and a practical case study is presented here to illustrate its effects on overall shear buckling performance. This research study also highlights the role of restraints in the overall buckling performance of structural glass walls. Future work could also include full-scale experimental tests to explore the performance of a structural glass wall under compression.
The design of structural glass walls involves a complex interaction of the glass wall and its supporting substructures. The glass walls are often connected to steel, aluminum frame, or timber framing systems. These connections are important because they limit the buckling forces within the system.