Solar Material

Solar material: Sun + Sand = Glass. Sintering silica constituents of desert sand together using the heat from concentrated solar radiation creates a glass-like material, the production of which is extremely sustainable. Research has been conducted into the material properties and subsequently on its potential as a (structural) building material. Finally an architectural design was conceived in which several different structural applications of the material are explored and tested.Architectural EngineeringArchitectureArchitecture and The Built Environmen

Building and Testing Lenticular Truss Bridge with Glass-Bundle Diagonals and Cast Glass Connections

On the campus of Delft University the Glass and Transparency Research Group is preparing to build a pedestrian bridge as a low arch consisting of dry-stacked glass blocks. As temporary support for the arch, a lens-shaped truss has been constructed and placed on location. This truss has been fitted with as many glass components as was structurally feasible. The diagonals in the truss are glass bundle struts and the nodes of the truss are cast glass components. The lenticular truss will serve as a temporary bridge during the time the team needs to prepare for construction of the eventual Glass Arch Bridge. Due to the experimental nature of the truss, with its unusual and novel applications of structural glass, a number of demonstrative proof loadings were performed to ease concerns about the safety of the structure. The glass bundles have been proof-loaded to twice their maximum expected load just prior to their installation in the structure. The whole system has then been proof-loaded for several critical load combinations (static and dynamic) just after installation. During the proof-loading the strains in the glass diagonals have been measured. These lie easily within the acceptable limits. In the paper the structural design of the bridge, in particular the glass node connector and the glass bundle diagonals will be explained. Then the proof-loading of the bridge will be described. Then the results of the proof-loading are presented and discussed.OLD Structural DesignApplied Mechanic

The glass truss bridge

A Glass Truss Bridge has been constructed on the Green Village on the campus of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) by the Glass & Transparency Research group (faculties of Architecture and CiTG). The bridge has been fitted with as many glass components as was structurally feasible, showcasing the group’s research into the structural application of glass in the built environment. The diagonals in the truss are glass bundle struts and the nodes of the truss are cast glass components. The lenticular truss will serve as a temporary bridge. Because of the experimental nature of the truss, with its unusual and novel applications of structural glass, a number of demonstrative proof loadings were performed to ease concerns about the safety of the structure. The glass bundles have been proof-loaded to twice their maximum expected load just prior to their installation in the structure. The whole bridge, once installed, has then been proof-loaded for several critical load combinations (static and dynamic) just after installation. During the proof-loading the strains in the glass diagonals have been measured. These lie well within the acceptable limits. In the paper the structural design of the bridge, in particular the glass node connector and the glass bundle diagonals will be explained. Then the proof-loading of the bridge will be described and the results of the proof-loading are presented and discussed.OLD Structural DesignApplied Mechanic

Kinematics of Folded Glass Plate Structures: Study of a Deployable Roof System

The purpose of this paper, as part of a MSc graduation project, has been to explore to which extent the kinematic potential of folded geometries can benefit from the structural and architectural properties of glass plates. Using as a case study the covering in an adjustable way an outdoor swimming pool area, the course of this paper consists of form evolution based on structural performance and development of a dual purpose connection and deployment principle developed through experimental testing. Both aspects are examined independently, in parallel processes, and the findings are combined and further evaluated. This study has shown that it is possible to create a self-supporting structure made out of plate elements which is also directionally deployable, without compromising the system’s stability and thus provides an important beginning to implementing complex structures that make use of the benefits of glass.Structural Design & MechanicsDesign Informatic

Design of a mobile stage-tent transformer

Architectural Engineering + TechnologyArchitecture and The Built Environmen

Production and Testing of Kiln-cast Glass Components for an Interlocking, Dry-assembled Transparent Bridge

A pedestrian glass bridge, located at the TU Delft campus site, is being designed by the TU Delft Glass & Transparency Lab. Specifically, the arch-formed bridge consists of cast glass, dry-assembled, interlocking components. To validate the shape of the components, glass mock-ups in 1:2 scale are kiln-cast and tested. This paper follows the elements’ production process from the 3D milled MDF model and the construction of disposable moulds via the lost-wax technique, to the kiln-casting at 940ºC with the “flowerpot method”. Steps are taken towards the refinement of the production technique, with emphasis in minimizing the occurrence of air bubbles, surface flaws and internal stresses that can reduce the load-bearing capacity of the components. Polarisation techniques are employed to define the residual stress distribution of the cast elements as well as to map the consolidated flow of molten glass and the areas of inhomogeneity or non-cohesion. The structural performance of the components and their interlocking behaviour are studied by conducting shear tests on three series comprising three glass bricks with a transparent PU interlayer in-between. The fracture patterns of the specimens are analysed and correlated with the flaws and internal stresses resulting from the kiln-casting process.Steel & Composite StructuresStructural Design & MechanicsOLD Structural Desig

The glass swing: a vector active structure made of glass struts and 3D-printed steel nodes

The majority of glass used in load-bearing structures is as planar elements. Some projects exist that use linear glass elements. This paper discusses in broad terms the design, engineering, and fabrication of a unique vector active glass structure consisting of glass bundles and partly printed steel connections. A structure was conceived that utilizes the glass bundles in a way that can be directly experienced by the users: a swing. To create a non-standard form for the swing, a structural optimization procedure was used. To realize the structure, a novel steel node was developed and produced using an additive manufacturing technique in steel. These novel applications have made the project innovation heavy, particularly considering the limited timeframe for its development and construction. Description is given of the several optimization techniques incorporated in the digital process, the assembly and testing of the glass bundles, and the manufacturing of the steel nodes by Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing.Structural Design & MechanicsApplied Mechanics(OLD) MSE-