Production and Testing of Kiln-cast Glass Components for an Interlocking, Dry-assembled Transparent Bridge

Conference paper (2017)

Authors

T. Bristogianni Steel & Composite Structures - CEG
F. Oikonomopoulou Structural Design & Mechanics - Architecture and the Built Environment
F.A. Veer Structural Design & Mechanics - Architecture and the Built Environment
A.H. Snijder OLD Structural Design
R. Nijsse OLD Structural Design , Steel & Composite Structures - CEG
Research Group
Steel & Composite Structures (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2017 T. Bristogianni, F. Oikonomopoulou, F.A. Veer, A.H. Snijder, R. Nijsse
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2017-6

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Engineering Structures

Research Group

Steel & Composite Structures

Abstract

A pedestrian glass bridge, located at the TU Delft campus site, is being designed by the TU Delft Glass & Transparency Lab. Specifically, the arch-formed bridge consists of cast glass, dry-assembled, interlocking components. To validate the shape of the components, glass mock-ups in 1:2 scale are kiln-cast and tested. This paper follows the elements’ production process from the 3D milled MDF model and the construction of disposable moulds via the lost-wax technique, to the kiln-casting at 940ºC with the “flowerpot method”. Steps are taken towards the refinement of the production technique, with emphasis in minimizing the occurrence of air bubbles, surface flaws and internal stresses that can reduce the load-bearing capacity of the components. Polarisation techniques are employed to define the residual stress distribution of the cast elements as well as to map the consolidated flow of molten glass and the areas of inhomogeneity or non-cohesion. The structural performance of the components and their interlocking behaviour are studied by conducting shear tests on three series comprising three glass bricks with a transparent PU interlayer in-between. The fracture patterns of the specimens are analysed and correlated with the flaws and internal stresses resulting from the kiln-casting process.