Point-Supported or Structural Glass

As the term implies, structural glass is designed to withstand loads. One common example of structural glass is point-supported glass, named such because the glass is supported at points where high stress concentrations develop, rather than along a continuous edge. Structural glass systems can utilize structural silicone and embedded laminated elements for the connection of the glass to glass or metal support members. Structural glass systems typically utilize tempered glass. Tempered monolithic, laminated, and/or insulating glass can be used in entrances, building facades, and overhead applications. Structural glass can be described as virtually frameless, as traditional aluminum mullion supports are not used.

There are two typical connection configurations for point-supported structural glass: through bolted and edge clamped. Through-bolted point-supported structural glass utilizes fittings that are attached through holes that are drilled in the glass. Edge-clamped point supported glass utilizes fittings that are clamped to the edges of the glass. Point-supported canopies and facades often utilize stainless-steel “spider” fittings with tempered glass to resist wind and snow loads. The spider fittings attach to the steel structure or glass fins and are typically designed to flex under load.

Structural glass systems require careful and early planning. Engineering is required to ensure that the systems will be able to withstand the complex stresses to which they will be subjected. It’s best to work with a system manufacturer that offers comprehensive services and experts who can work with architects to help translate a vision to reality.

Shown is a structural glass application comprised of point-supported face glass connected with vertical glass fin supports at the Bayer Corporation North American Headquarters in New Jersey.

Decorative Glass

Decorative glass enables interesting aesthetic expressions while maintaining performance. It is often used in spandrel applications when non-vision glass is desired. Spandrel glass has many applications. It is often used between floors to hide construction elements such as duct work, or to achieve a desired aesthetic in curtain and window walls. Decorative glass can also be used for solar control.

Decorative glass can be classified according to the type of treatment used to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. Common treatments include ceramic enamel frit, painted coatings, digitally printed glass, and etched and frosted glass.

Ceramic Enamel Frit

Ceramic enamel frit consists of finely ground glass particles mixed with pigments. The frit is applied to the glass surface in a horizontal roller coating process, where heat is used to fuse the frit to the glass surface and create a hard, durable coating.

Painted or Back-Painted Glass

Water-based, elastomeric coatings can be applied to glass by rolling or spraying. Painted glass is opaque; thus, it may block light and views, making it appropriate for spandrel glass. Silicone paint creates a rubber film on the glass, which will help the glass shards stay together if breakage occurs and keep the glass within the framing system.

Digitally Printed Glass

Digital printing technology enables designers to create custom graphics that are applied directly to the glass surface. Images can be applied via decal transfer or direct printing. In decal transfer, digital art is transferred to a ceramic decal and fused to the glass surface using heat. With direct digital printing, ink heads deposit ink directly on the glass, which is then cured using UV light or the tempering process. Multiple colors can be applied simultaneously, opening up nearly endless design possibilities.

The new Parkland Hospital, located in Dallas and designed by HDR, uses digitally printed architectural glass supplied to achieve an interesting graphic effect at the hospital’s entrance. From a distance, the image transforms from a dense summer canopy on the western facade to a delicate branch pattern that covers the south-facing lobby. A closer inspection reveals that the “tree” is formed by the names of donors who contributed to this public building.

A digital printing process was used to apply ceramic inks in varying levels of opacity to create the intricate tree design at the entrance of Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Silk-Screened Glass

Ceramic frits can be applied to glass through a screen-printing process. Silk screening can be applied to monolithic, IGUs, and laminated. Colors, patterns, and transparencies can be used for different effects. Light colors and open patterns enhance brightness, while dark colors reduce glare. Silk-screened glass is often used in indoor applications, such as interior partitions, doors, glass ceilings, and enclosures.

Etched and Frosted Glass

Etched glass is either acid-etched using hydrofluoric acid or sandblasted with a machine. The opacity of the glass is determined by the depth of the etching: a deeper sandblasting yields a less translucent and more opaque product. Frosted glass simply refers to etched glass with a translucent, cloudy aesthetic. Stencils, sometimes called masks, can be placed on the glass to produce patterns, and the finished glass can also be back painted. Applications for etched and frosted glass include interior partitions, doors, and balustrades.

IMPACT-RESISTANT GLASS FOR COASTAL ZONES

The Orlando Utilities Commission building features laminated glass with a high VT and low SHGC.

Coastal zones present special challenges. These buildings are subjected to regular high winds and corrosive salt air, as well as extreme events like hurricanes, which bring with them not only extremely high winds but also wind-borne debris and wind-driven rain. Building codes have established areas along the coast where impact resistance is required. In these areas, glazing systems must be tested for impact resistance and pressure cycling using ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996. South Florida has even stricter requirements. As per the Florida Building Code, units must meet the criteria set forth in standards TAS-201, TAS-202, and TAS-203.

Yet even in these difficult climates, glass can still be used to achieve the benefits of natural light.

To meet the strict criteria, manufacturers have developed products, including storefronts, curtain walls, and skylights, specifically for coastal zones. These typically consist of laminated glass and can offer the same energy performance and daylighting benefits as non-impact-resistant glass. For the best performance, the outer lite of an insulating glass unit is tempered and the inboard laminated lite is heat strengthened. The casual observer would not be able to tell that the units are different from other glass units.