Timber-glass composites: calculation and sizing concept

Glued glass front constructions have long been in use and are generally considered the state of the art. However, with these solutions the glass serves no stiffening or bearing function, but merely functions as an outer cover. The objective of several research projects was to investigate alternative constructions of stiffening glass fronts, which replace St. Andrew's cross wind bracings and costly frameworks. To this end, the Department of Structural Design and Timber Engineering (ITI) studied and optimized the load-bearing capacity of these existing construction components and subsequently developed simple calculation and sizing concepts. Based on the results of the research project "Timberglass composites: calculation and sizing concept (HGV III)" the ITI coordinated the follow-up international research project "Load bearing timber-glass composites (LBTGC)" within the framework WoodWisdom-Net. In consideration of its long-term behavior and practical application, the objective of the research project LBTGC was to develop "stiffening timber-glass composite (TGC) structures". With the purpose to meet the highest standards of cost effectiveness, alternative stiffening TGC constructions for multi-story buildings were investigated. This paper illustrates these developments.