Long valued for its transparency and lightness, glass is now also being considered for its structural and protective capabilities. Beyond the technique known as structural glazing—an umbrella term that includes spider fittings, structural silicone, and other means for attaching glass to a support structure—today there are more uses of glass as a true load-bearing element.
After taking this course, you should be able to:
- List the potential structural properties of glazing and glass systems of use in commercial building and how they impact sustainable design.
- Explain how glass is incorporated into structural systems for optimal design and environmental benefit.
- Detail recent advances in glazing and structural glass technology and how they contribute to buildings’ energy performance.
- Discuss key aspects of building performance affected by glass system design and construction, notably energy savings.