Composite Glass Beams, the Third Chapter

F.A.Veer, H. Rijgersberg,D. Ruytenbeek, P.C. Louter ,J. Zuidema

In the 1997 GPD conference a concept for a composite glass polycarbonate glass beam was shown. In the 2001 GPD conference a much-improved version was shown. After two more years of development a final model has been developed. This uses overlapping glass segments with a polycarbonate foil in between the glass layers and a hidden stainless steel profile in the tension zone.

This combination has unique properties combining transparency with structural safety. In essence a composite with the transparency of glass and the stiffness, strength and toughness of aluminium is obtained. This has been developed on a 3m scale demonstrating that technically significant specimens are possible.

The problems with laminating the structure are discussed and the methodology required to achieve a
transparent and durable adhesive inter layer are discussed.

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The Authors

Dr. Frederic Veer Dr. Delft University of Technology Frederic Veer has been involved in glass research since 1995, developing new combinations and structures which use glass as a structural material in innovative ways. Currently the author is head of a ... Read more