Glass Construction - Dimensioning and Construction

Lightness and transparency are decisive for the appearance of modern architecture with large-scale vertical and overhead glass structures often being the norm. Primary load-bearing structures made of glass are also being designed more frequently. Due to persistent demand, we offer a compact seminar in cooperation with the Chamber of Engineers and Engineering Academies that is intended to convey the basics of dimensioning and construction in the field of structural glass construction in a clear and understandable way.

The seminar presents the glazing used in construction. Types of glass finishing, surfaces and physical properties of the glass products are discussed and evaluated. The presentations focus on proper handling of the brittle glass material in construction, as well as on the joining and connection methods used in glass construction. Typical cases of damage are presented and analysed in order to highlight problem areas in glass construction and to prevent errors.

The current technical regulations and latest version of the DIN 18008 standard for the design of load-bearing glass materials are presented and the construction planning requirements and any required component testing are explained in detail. Numerical calculations for vertical glazing, overhead glazing and safety glazing are presented and explained step-by-step.

Seminar organisation

These compact seminars are offered as day-long events and are divided into four teaching units, each lasting 90 minutes. Structures are illustrated in detail and the calculations are explained using prepared practical examples from the field of glass construction. The seminars offer ample opportunity to pose questions.

Seminar Content

Glass in Construction

Fundamental Principles and Glass Products
Functional Glazing and Structural Physical Principles
Glass as a Load-Bearing Element

Load-Bearing Structures and Support Structure Elements
Proper Use of Construction Materials

Load Transfer and Joints in Glass Construction
Cases of Damage in Glass Construction

Causes and Evaluation of Glass Defects due to Improper Construction
Regulations and Testing in Glass Construction

Construction Planning Requirements and Component Testing, DIN 18008
Verifiable Calculation and Construction
Vertical Glazing

Safety Glazing

Glazing as Flooring

Overhead Glazing in accordance with TRLV Regulations

Overhead Glazing in accordance with DIN 18008
Practical Examples of Overhead Glazing

Individual Approval for an All-Glass Roof Support System
Innovative Joints and Connections

Comparing Friction Joints and Adhesive Bonds
Summary and Outlook

Potential Applications in Structural Glass Construction

Glass Construction - Dimensioning and Construction