Connecting through the reinforcement – design, testing and construction of a folded reinforced glass structure
Corresponding author: Paulo L. Carvalho, School of Architecture, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, Guimarães, Portugal. Tel.: +351 253 510 500; E-mail: paulo.carvalho@arquitectura.uminho.pt A reinforced glass folded structure has been developed using an innovative connection method. The concept...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Stichting OpenAccess
2014-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Facade Design and Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://content.iospress.com/download/journal-of-facade-design-and-engineering/fde0013?id=journal-of-facade-design-and-engineering%2Ffde0013 |
| Summary: | Corresponding author: Paulo L. Carvalho, School of Architecture, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, Guimarães, Portugal. Tel.: +351 253 510 500; E-mail: paulo.carvalho@arquitectura.uminho.pt A reinforced glass folded structure has been developed using an innovative connection method. The concept relies on extending the reinforcement outwards from the laminated glass and using it to transfer a significant part of the load. The goal is to accomplish a glass element with high stiffness, connected by using a discrete almost invisible and easily assembled/disassembled mechanism. This paper addresses the main issues regarding the design and fabrication of a 90° folded structure, the experimental investigation of the out-of-plane compressive response and the construction of a full-scale prototype (2,95 m high and 5,5 m long) at the campus of the University of Minho. It is demonstrated that the system offers both structural and aesthetical advantages. It combines a specific aesthetic, deriving from its hybrid character, with a considerable amount of out-of-plane compressive strength before and after failure. |
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| ISSN: | 2213-302X 2213-3038 |