Development of innovative steel-glass structures in respect to structural and architectural design (Innoglast) : final report

The Innoglast project addresses the development of new and innovative steel-glasstructures. Hybrid steel-glass beams, comprising of steel flanges and a glass web, and steel-supported glazing facade systems for buildings were considered. The solutions proposed are based on utilising adhesive connections to obtain the optimal structural interaction between steel and glass. For hybrid steel-glass beams, analytical design procedures have been developed which are verified by experimental and numerical studies. These design procedures have been simplified, presenting accurate analytical calculations which can be used in engineering practices. These analytical tools enable safe and economical designs to be prepared when estimating the bearing behaviour of hybrid steel-glass structures with semi-rigid shear connections, bonded together by polymer adhesives. For steel-supported glazing facade structures, an analytical model has been developed. This model enables the inherent in-plane stiffness of steelsupported glass facade panels to be calculated, and to be used in providing vertical bracing to multi-storey buildings. The model, which is based on results obtained from physical tests and finite element modelling, enables the horizontal forces acting on the building from wind loading and sway effects to be apportioned between the glazing facade and the steel vertical bracing, thereby potentially reducing the size of steel bracing members that form part of the overall building frame. This report summarises theoretical investigations, background testing and numerical modelling that have been performed and presents design guidance which can be used for the design of hybrid glass beams and steel-supported glass facades.