GB2259925A

GB2259925A - All glass and structural silicone facade/curtain wall

Info

Publication number: GB2259925A
Application number: GB9120473A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Luciano Antonio Vitali
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-09-26
Filing date: 1991-09-26
Publication date: 1993-03-31
Also published as: GB9120473D0

Abstract

The structural silicone facade/curtain wall has glass mullions (1) and glass infill panels (2) which can be single, double or triple glazed. structural silicone (4) being bonded along the two vertical edges to metal members (3) which arc in turn mechanically fixed to the vertical structural glass mullions (1) by means of through bolts and nuts (5). Glass panels (2) may be chamfered or recessed on their vertical edges for the receipt of metal clips for added fixing strength. <IMAGE>

Description

ALL GLASS STRUCTURAL SILICONE FACADE/CURTAIN WALL This invention relates to an all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall.

Structural silicone facades/curtain walling are now well established all over the world, normally consisting of a structural grid of metal members onto which are fixed glass or other type panels. These panels usually have, in turn, a peripheral metal frame onto which the glass or other material is bonded using a structural silicone compound.

The present invention provides for a silicone structural facade/curtain wall that is composed of a structural grid of glass members onto which are installed glazed panels having, on two sides only, metal members onto which the glass is bonded using a structural silicone compound.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings 4 no. ] in which: Figure 1 Shows the general front elevation of the facade/curtain wall.

Figure 2 Shows the horizontal cross section Á-A) of the facade/curtain wall.

FigureS Shows the vertical cross section (B-B) of the facade/curtain wall.

Figure 4 Shows the glass edge ground to form a wedge.

Figure 5 Shows the glass edge ground to form a recess.

The facade curtain walling is an all glass structural silicone facade.

The basic compositions are mullions in glass, with in fills in single, double or triple glazed panels. These panels can have a mix and match on the same facade also using other materials in conjunction with glass, ie marble, stone, metal, plastics, ceramics.

The mullion, Figures 2 & 3 - (1)J is a glass composition of three or more compounded layers of glass, giving a specific 'U' shape, or of a single glass unit machined to form the same 'U' shape.

The depth, width and height of the mullion are variable to suit structural conditions particular to project requirements.

The mullion is trilled and machined to allow the passage of special bolts Figure 2 - t5)1 in various metals, choices, shapes and sizes to suit project requirements, the main shapes being a straight through pin bolt with threaded heads on either side of the flat or cone shape. The bolts have a soft metal or non-metal sleeve in direct contact with the glass. The number of fixings is determined by the size of the panels used, which vary from project to project.

Cladding panels (Figures 2 & 3 - (2)1, mainly designed for use with glass; tempered, laminated or laminated with tempered or just float, being plain, reflective through colour, flat or curved. The glazing can be single, double or triple, using any combinations of the above.

The thickness used in the combination or single glazing is determined by the size of the panel used, geographical location of the project, and standards related to structural stability of the facade.

The glass panels (Figures 2 & 3 - (2)J have a metal angle (Figures 2 & 3 (3)1 bonded to two vertical edges using structural silicone (Figures 2 & 3 s4)J of patent product, normally Dow Corning using a two compound structural silicone (Figures 2 & 3 - (4)1 in white, black or any other colours available, which will conform to structural specification required for its performance in the design.

The metal angle (Figures 2 & 3 - (3)1 used will vary in material, dimensions, thickness and quality of finish depending on the project requirements from architectural choice to panel dimensions, structural stability and material compatibility. The material used would normally be stainless steel, bronze or aluminium. Other materials can also be used.

The structural silicone (Figures 2 & 3 - (4)1 bond between the metal angle (Figures 2 & 3 - 3) ] and glass must only work (labour) in the compression and tension mode. The silicone is never under vertical shear as the metal angle (Figures 2 a 3 - (3)1 has a return (Figure 3 - 66)1 to the underside which will carry the weight of the glass. The structural silicone (Figures 2 & 3 (4)J will be in a state of rest.A non-metal pad is inserted between the glass and metal angle return (Figure 3 - ((5)1. The structural silicone (Figure 2 a 3 - (4)1 bonding the glass to the metal angle (Figures 2 & 3 - 3)] is factory applied, of thickness and width to allow for the structural stability requirements in merit for each individual project.

The metal angle (Figures 2 & 3 - (3)1 is pre-drilled on the return leg to match the holes drilled in the glass mullions (Figures 2 & 3 - (1)1 in order to receive the supporting pin bolts and nuts (Figure 2 - (5)J . The number of fixing points will again be determined by the size of the panels (Figures 2 & 3 (2)J used, and wind loads imposed on the facade.

When specific conditions demand it, the glazed panels (Figures 4 & 5 - (2)1 can have a mechanical retention incorporated in the vertical metal angle (Figures 4 & 5 - (3)1 in such a way that the glass will then be retained in position if and when the structural silicone (Figures 4 & - (4)1 should fail. The metal clip will retain the glass in more points, distributed along its vertical edge, the number and size of said clips is variable and will be determined by project requirements. The clip retains the glass on the outer edge, where said glass edge is cut in, in the form of a wedge (Figure 4 - (7)1 or a recess (Figure 5 (8)1.The clip is, in turn, mechanically fixed to the main structural siliconed metal angle (Figures 4 a 5 - (3)1. A non-metallic pad is inserted between the metal clip and the glass.

The site erection sequence of the facade is as follows:a) The glass mullions are fixed to the building structure by means of the special metal brackets. The mullions must be set at perfect level, and on two axes directions. The former related to site levels, and the latter related to modules using a pre-formed jig for accuracy.

b) The panels are then inserted between the mullions in sequence of erection to allow fluidity of work, and in such a manner that the structural silicone metal angles touch at the centre line of the mullions. The panels are held in position using the through bolt fixing in the pre-drilled holes. When the panels are secured into position and the metal pins tightened the gap/space between the glass panels is cleaned with an approved solvent, and the whole totally filled to be flush with the outside edge of the glass in silicone. This is applicable to the vertical and horizontal spaces/gaps. The choice of silicone used is made from project to project, but must be compatible with all the materials that it comes in contact with.

Claims

1) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall comprising of structural vertical glass gridwork members with glass panel in fill units (these can be either single, double or triple glazed), having on the two vertical sides only metal elements bonded to the glass panels with structural silicone.

2) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall as claimed in Claim 1, wherein vertical structural glass grid work members are so manufactured to form a 'U' section.

3) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein vertical metal elements pre-bonded to the glass using structural silicone are inserted in the 'U' shaped section of the vertical structural glass members.

4) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the vertical glass 'U' shaped structural members and the vertical structural silicone pre-bonded metal elements are pre-drilled in a co-ordinated manner so as to allow a mechanical fixing device through and between them.

5) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the structural silicone bonded glass to the vertical metal elements has the two vertical edges intermittently ground to form a recess or wedge shaped edge. (This is a requirement where a project might need the additional support.) 6) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the ground recess or wedge shape will receive a metal securing clip which will wrap around, or insert into said recess, and will be mechanically fixed to the structural silicone bonded metal elements. (This is a requirement where a project might need the additional support.) 7) An all glass structural silicone facade/curtain wall as described herein with reference to the accompanying 4 no. drawings Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 51.