Frameless Glass Structures

Düsseldorf

research and development, special structures Services

Architect

Frameless, self-supporting and thermally-insulated glass construction

Project

As a rule, glass panes in facade constructions are used exclusively as filling elements to ensure spatial closure. The load is transferred via a substructure. This leads to resource-intensive constructions, where the static potential of the glass panes is not considered. For this reason, as part of the ZIM research project “Frameless Glass Construction”, a linear connection detail for horizontal and vertical glass shell structures was developed, which enables structural activation of the glass elements and thus resource-optimized glass shell structures in the future. A first prototype was exhibited at Glasstec in 2024.

Funded by: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action based on a resolution of the German Bundestag

The prototype demonstrates the newly developed connection detail for a self-supporting thermally insulated double-glazing shell

CONSTRUCTION

By laminating a thin linear steel profile between the two inner glass panes, the specially developed connection detail minimizes material usage while partially transferring loads to the glass and to the connecting PVB foil. Punctual bolt connections were used to connect two neighboring elements together, ensuring the structural integrity of the construction is maintained. An oversized hole was introduced on one side of the bolt connection to account for tolerances during assembly, allowing for flexible adjustment of the components and facilitating assembly.

A parametric tool was developed to digitally generate various geometries, allowing for customized design solutions

GEOMETRY

The tool is based on the geometrical rules of translation surfaces, which ensure the generation of complex geometries consisting of planar glass elements. It features a seamless connection to the structural analysis software, facilitating informed design decisions. Additionally, the tool automates the generation of 3D models and shop drawings for the fabrication of all necessary parts, including the steel fittings, glass elements, and bolt connectors. All parts are automatically labeled to assist in the assembly process, streamlining the overall production workflow. The tool can be used for any type of shell geometry, making it versatile for various architectural applications.

Assessment of the structural integrity of steel-glass connections under thermal stress to investigate durability across different climates

THERMAL ANALYSIS

As part of a project, advanced thermal simulations were developed to assess the suitability of the steel-glass connection in various climates. The simulations examine the behavior of the connection under high-temperature conditions and the effects of differing thermal expansion rates of steel, glass, and the PVB film, which could lead to delamination. The goal is to verify whether the connection maintains its structural integrity and load transfer under extreme temperatures to ensure safe applications in façade and roof constructions.