Use of laminated glass in structural glass enclosures

Tali Mejicovsky, PE LEED AP, Associate, Façade Engineer & Neil McClelland, Principal, Façade Engineer
Ove Arup & Partners

The Washington Dulles International Airport expansion features an Automated People Mover system with interior glazed enclosures along the length of the station platforms. These structural glass enclosures were designed to undergo extreme in-service loadings, be structurally redundant in the event of breakage and remain intact for a short period of time in the event of a train fire within the enclosure.

Issues concerning glass technology, processing and procurement, material selection for compatibility and rationalization of detailing were all addressed in the design process. Full scale testing was conducted to demonstrate the behavior of the structural glass enclosure under the design fire conditions as well as verifying the structural redundancy of the enclosure when key glass elements were broken.

The design process was influenced by client demands, material properties and the ability of the industry to deliver reliable façade products in a cost effective way. Safety, procurement and fabrication, as well as the selection and detailing of laminated glass, are examined.

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The Authors

Ms. Tali Mejicovsky Associate / Facade Engineer Arup Facade Engineering Tali Mejicovsky is a senior facade engineer with background skills in structural engineering. She has worked on a wide range and scale of projects with particular expertise in airports, museums, and g... Read more