Structural glass assembly
The term 'structural glass' refers to a frameless assembly of glass where a portion of the structural load is taken by the glass itself rather than by a supporting frame. This can create a brighter enclosed space, a clearer view into and out of a space, and a feeling of 'lightness' compared to more massive conventional types of structure.
Types of structural glass assembly can include:
- Glass floors.
- Frameless glass roofs and rooflights.
- Glass balustrades and staircases.
- Glass walls and partitions.
- Lift shafts.
- Glass facades and canopies.
- Frameless windows (although not all frameless windows are structural).
- Shower enclosures.
Accurate glass specification and fixing details are essential for the safe and secure installation of structural glass assemblies. This might include glass fins and beams to give additional support to the structure, or the use of minimal or hidden fixings.
Composite structures may include elements of structural glass, supported by conventional structures such as cable nets, space frames, beams and columns and so on.
Structural glass typically has additional thickness and strength compared to conventional, framed glass assemblies. It is generally formed using toughened glass or laminated glass. Structural glass assemblies are typically bespoke and so can be expensive.
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