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 Glasstec
to Feature Cold-Bent Glass Bridge
Within the "glass technology live" special show, glasstec 2008 will
feature the first transparent bent bridge made of cold-molded glass
with a span of 7 meters (approximately 23 feet). The exhibit will
be presented by the Seele Co. in cooperation with Stefan Behling
and Andreas Fuchs (IBK Reasearch + Development, University of Stuttgart)
and Stefan Peters (Engelsmann Peters Ingenieure).
Glasstec, the world's largest event dedicated to architectural glass
and metal, will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, October 21-25.
For the first time, innovative cold-bending technology allows the
molding and forming of glass with a span of 7 meters without using
heat. The result is a particularly brilliant surface clarity and
purity, maximum efficiency and safety characteristics (laminated
safety glass) for structural glass construction. Cold-bent glass
is therefore particularly suited for designing wide-span facades
or roofs. Its use as a bridge proves the capability of the new glass
finishing and presents a multitude of possibilities for architects
to implement their visions.
The glass bridge, which visitors can actually walk on during glasstec
2008, consists of individual 4 millimeter-thick (0.15 inches) bent
glass lites, each with a dimension of 3.7 centimeters (1.4 inches)
total lamination. These material-optimized panes are connected by
using a special laminating technology and therefore withstand extreme
stress and strain. At the widest point the bridge measures 2 meters
(6.5 feet), is transparent and also light weight; 1.7 tons of glass
support a 7.2 ton load over a span width of 7 meters (23 feet).
In addition to the glass bridge, visitors at glasstec will see a
wide range of other innovations regarding glass and energy. Particularly
architects, facade builders and engineers will find creative ideas
in the glass technology live special show with the four sectors
(innovation, solar technology, solar protection and heat insulation
and light and transparency) as well as practical examples in the
"architecture projects" category. Over 50 companies will
show product developments, manufacturing processes and technologies
and present the latest research results.
Modern production methods not only enable creative glass forms but
also extend the functional properties of the material glass. As
a result, modern laminated glass composed of several glass layers,
films and resins are now used for applications which were previously
the exclusive domain of steel or concrete.
In the area of solar technology, glasstec 2008 will showcase solutions
that expand the design spectrum of photovoltaic applications, such
as colorful solar cells. The Institute for Building Construction
and Design at the University of Stuttgart will present a research
project featuring thermal solar collections used for energy recovery
and sun protection in buildings.
The exhibits will be complemented by a symposium, which will feature
speakers such as Armand Grüntuch from Grüntuch Ernst Architekten,
Erich Volz from Renzo Piano Building Workshop, and Knut Göppert
from Schlaich Bergermann & Partner.
CLICK HERE for
more information on the event.
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