Comprehensive testing at plain transparent space grids

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Weller, Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Stefan Reich, Dipl.-Ing. Jan Ebert

At Technische Universität Dresden sustainable and transparent roof constructions have been developed in research project. These structures base on a double layer grid at which the glazing is part of the primary load bearing system and transfers significant in-plane loads. The panes are connected by steel knots at their corners.

At this structure the used materials steel and glass are applied according to their maximum strength (steel for tension, glass for compression). The glass panes transfer large in-plane forces and serve either as primary load bearing components or as protection against the environment.

New developments need to be proven by extensive testing. In this contribution the testing at a plain, 15 m spanning full-scale mock-up and at single panes is described. The mock-up is a complete modular construction of single pyramids. Each module consists of a glass pane, steel knots, tension rods and steel bars. The glass panes are 1.25 m square and consist of laminated glass. Different ways to erect such structures were experimentally investigated. The modularisation allows free-cantilevered assembling of single modules or prefabrication on the ground.

The glass panes transfer large inplane forces and therefore buckling investigations are required for them. Comprehensive load tests to prove numerical calculations were done. They are basis for the required individual approval, demanded by building authorities for a new structure. Tests for walk on access and post breakage robustness define the suitability as overhead glazing. The positive test results encourage the authors to pursue their research and are the basis to build these sustainable and material saving roofs.

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The Authors

	Prof. Dr. Bernhard Weller Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Building Construction Bernhard Weller is Professor of Civil Engineering at the Technische Universitaet Dresden and Director of the Institute of Building Construction. He has expertise in design, testing and use of glass. T... Read more
	Mr. Stefan Reich Technische Universität Dresden Read more
	Mr. Jan Ebert Herr student Read more