Timber–Glass Composites Used for Bracing of Mid-Rise Timber Buildings

Abstract

Various façade-glazing systems have long been in use and are generally considered state of the art. However, with these solutions, the glass serves no stiffening function. The objective of several research projects was to investigate alternative systems that could replace costly frameworks and/or St. Andrew’s cross bracings. For this purpose, the Department of Structural Design and Timber Engineering (ITI) studied and optimized the load-bearing capacity of existing timber–glass composite (TGC) constructions and subsequently developed new TGC constructions. Based on the results of these research projects, the ITI coordinated the follow-up international joint research project “Load bearing timber–glass composites (LBTGC) ” within the framework WoodWisdom-Net. Since TGC elements were just used in one or two storey buildings, the objective of the research project LBTGC was to develop “stiffening” TGC elements for mid-rise buildings considering their long-term behaviour and practical application. Investigations were made to evaluate the possibilities and limits of such systems. Different types of TGC façades were compared with each other. The results showed that all structural systems have sufficient stiffness against horizontal displacement. The executed calculations proved the efficiency of newly developed TGC structures. The results provide a marketable component system for mid-rise timber buildings.