Freiform-Glasstützen
| Project Title | Freiform-Glasstützen |
| Project Subtitle | Freiform-Glasstützen aus geschichtetem Verbundglas für den Lastabtrag. |
| Project Leader | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann (TU Dresden) |
| Researcher | Dipl.-Ing. Paulina Bukieda (TU Dresden) |
| Partners |
Kölling Glas GmbH & Co. KG Objekt Linthe |
| Funding | BMWi – Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM) |
| Time Span | 2022-2024 |
Project Description
In load-bearing structures, such as glass beams, fins or swords, the loading of the elements often occurs in the plane of the pane via the glass edges. The dimensions of the components are limited by the characteristic flexural strength of glass. In order to exploit the potential of glass with respect to the transfer of high compressive forces, the present research project focuses on the development of free-form glass columns with material-specific connections and homogeneous load distribution across the column cross-section.
Free-form glass columns consist of float glass sheets with comparatively small dimensions, which are often layered on top of or behind each other. By rotating or translating the glass panes during layering with different pane sizes and geometries, design geometries can be created. Until now, layered glass supports have only been used as a design element. However, the high compressive strength of glass makes them suitable for use as load-bearing elements. In order to participate in load transfer, a safe and effective interlayer and a load transfer system suitable for the material must be developed. The materials of the interlayers must ensure cohesion of the glasses - even in case of glass breakage - and tolerance compensation between the individual float glass panes. In addition, precision connections are required for the transfer of the loads into the free-formed glass support in order to enable material-specific load introduction into the glass as well as constraint-free support at the head and foot points.
The aim of the project is to develop and shape efficient glass supports made of layered laminated glass for use as load-bearing elements with an exceptionally transparent and translucent appearance. With the help of manufacturing possibilities to be developed, load-bearing glass supports and precision connections in construction-relevant sizes are aimed at, which in the future will enable safe use in structural glass engineering and thus come a step closer to the architectural visions of all-glass structures.
Contact Person TU Dresden
© Franziska Rehde
Research Associate
NameDr.-Ing. Paulina Bukieda
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Institute of Building Construction
Institute of Building Construction
Visiting address:
ABS 30, Haus 116, Room 06-011 August-Bebel-Straße 30
01219 Dresden
© Franziska Rehde
Professor of Sustainable Building Construction
NameProf. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann
Head of the Institute of Building Construction
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Institute of Building Construction
Institute of Building Construction
Visiting address:
ABS 30, Haus 116, 06-018 August-Bebel-Straße 30
01219 Dresden