Transparant ductility

Reinforcing a structural glass girder

Master thesis (2009)

Authors

Contributors

L.A.G. Wagemans (mentor)
P.C. Louter (mentor)
Department
Design and Construction (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2009 Rademakers, M.
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Published Date

10-06-2009

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Faculty

Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Department

Design and Construction

Abstract

Transparency and light are hot items in building design and massive structural elements often form an unwelcome necessity for architects. The structural use of glass could be an ideal solution to this problem, but as yet it has not been widely applied. The problem is that although glass is a transparent, strong and stiff material, it is feared by structural engineers for its brittle and unpredictable failure behavior. Many studies have proven that the introduction of reinforcing elements can provide a safe failure behavior for glass girders, but none of them seem transparent enough. This study focused on developing a new and more transparent solution to reinforce a structural glass girder. An exploratory study into the subject has resulted in a selection of appropriate reinforcing materials and adhesive systems.