WO2015055686A1

WO2015055686A1 - Prefabricated load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal for structural elements in glass

Info

Publication number: WO2015055686A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/072066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Azzimonti; Stefano BOSSI
Original assignee: Azzimonti Paolino S.P.A.
Priority date: 2013-10-16
Filing date: 2014-10-14
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Also published as: ITMI20131722A1; EP3058152A1; EP3058152B1

Abstract

A prefabricated load-bearing pillar (10) made of glass and metal for structural elements in glass, especially suitable for use to support glass building facades, or to support walkways, stairs or similar architectural/structural elements made of glass, comprising a glass panel (12) of the laminated type formed by two or more plates (12') joined together by means of interposed layers of a plastic film and a metal profile (14) disposed on a thickness (19) of the glass panel (12) in correspondence of a long side and, possibly, of two short sides of the same, the pillar also comprising rigid end elements rigidly coupled with joining means for quick connection and without cells or frames with respect to glass architectural structures (11) and to a supporting surface such as a floor (40), ceiling (42) or other supporting surface.

Description

PREFABRICATED LOAD-BEARING PILLAR MADE OF GLASS AND METAL FOR STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS IN GLASS

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a prefabricated load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal for structural elements in glass.

More in particular, the present invention relates to a load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal, especially suitable for use to support glass building facades, or to support walkways, stairs or similar architectural/structural elements made of glass.

As is well known, the use of glass in architecture has become increasingly widespread, starting from structures initially characterized by a mix of steel and glass until obtaining modern structural elements made entirely of glass; all this with the aim of obtaining increased transparency, less distinction between internal and external space and, in substance, a "dematerialization" of the architectural product.

Due to substantial technological developments and to consequent improvements in its mechanical and physical properties,, glass is no longer used purely for purely aesthetic or decorative purposes or as an element to clad and protect the shell of a building, but also as an actual structural element.

There is known in architecture the use of glass walls formed by laminated glass or double glazed plates with many different properties chosen as a function of specific needs (e.g. security glass, fireproof glass, glass with heat or sound insulating properties or the like).

Theses glass plates are assembled, fixed and supported with respect to one another and stabilized to the load-bearing structures, for example by means of fixing elements with radial arms commonly defined as "spider fittings", with exposed section bar elements or with supporting and fixing structures such as to conceal, to as great an extent possible, metal materials (frames, cells, perimeter window frame and the like) that are used to hold these glass plates or panels fixed in place. Said last mentioned fixing method (frames, cells, etc.) is particularly advantageous as, unlike the case of the use of "spider fittings" no holes require to be made on the glass plates and, consequently, there is no need to use of bosses, plates, rotules and the like; this enables a noteworthy increase in the aesthetic uniformity properties of the glass wall. In addition to these embodiments and to the technical solutions developed to meet the specific needs of modern architecture, the application of supporting structures for the structural elements described above and not only, defined by glass also in glass in place of conventional pillars made of steel, reinforced concrete, wood or the like, is becoming increasingly widespread.

In fact, considering that the pillars are subject to compression stresses, the glass manifests its maximum application capacity; in fact, the typical compression strength values of glass are between 220 and 1000 N/mm , much greater than the typical tensile strength values, variable between 20 and 200 N/mm .

However, the use of glass to produce pillars has some noteworthy disadvantages linked to high production costs, to limited dimensions of the semi-fmished products and to the consequences, on the stability of the structural system, of any sudden failure of the glass. A further disadvantages of load-bearing pillars made of glass is linked to the possible presence of parasitic bending moments that can generate stresses such as to compromise the structural reliability of the pillars.

To overcome this disadvantage it is possible to use redundant fail-safe structural systems in which, already in the design phase of the overall structure, complete failure of the pillar is envisaged and therefore the structure is sized to be able to withstand normal operating loads even without the pillar; however, although advantageous and sophisticated, this solution implies the need for extremely precise and strict structural modelling, that requires a considerable amount of calculation and design time and consequently an increase in the related costs.

A further fail-safe method of solving the problems mentioned above consists in the use of elements with several layers, integral with one another or maintained separated and in which some of said layers have the property of substituting the load-bearing layer in the event of failure of the structure.

However, also in this case the actual construction of the pillars is somewhat complex due to the particular care that must be used when designing the geometrical details for grinding and/or bevelling operations on the plates, which must be implemented to obtain perfect correspondence of the edges during the gluing/assembly phases; also in this case, care during design combined with complex machining operations results in considerable related costs. Moreover, conventional pillars have perimeter cells or frames that require perforation of the glass and that, in the connection to the structural elements or the like, tend to penalize the final aesthetic appearance of the structure as a whole.

The aforesaid disadvantages, together with problems linked to high production costs, structural complexity, etc. are found, for example, in the solution described in EP1843001, which refers to the use of a pillar for glass structures having an inner recess adapted to enable gluing of a recess for a screw suitable to provide a rigid constraint between said pillar and the facade elements, or in the solution described in GB2259925 in which an upright or pillar is rigidly constrained to glass panels defining the facade by means of structural silicone disposed between intermediate metal elements between the panels of the facade and the pillar, with said latter rigidly connected with respect to said metal elements by means of a screw-bolt connection.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages indicated above.

More in particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a prefabricated load- bearing pillar made of glass and metal suitable for installing glazing for cladding building facades or for other types of glass architectural structures. Another object of the present invention is to provide a prefabricated pillar made of glass and metal that can be used to produce glass structures without the need to perforate any glass plates either during production of the load-bearing pillar or during assembly of the same with the structural glass panels for cladding a facade or for other suitable and specific purposes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal in which the glass plates have no cell or perimeter window frame.

One more object of the present invention is to provide users with a load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal adapted to ensure a high level of resistance and reliability over time and also such as to be able to be easily and economically produced. These and other objects are achieved by the device of the invention having the characteristics claimed in Claim 1. According to the invention, there is provided a prefabricated load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal for structural elements in glass, especially suitable for use to support glass building facades, or to support walkways, stairs or similar architectural/structural elements made of glass, comprising a glass panel of the laminated type formed by two or more plates joined together by means of interposed layers of a plastic film, a metal profile disposed on a thickness of the glass panel in correspondence of a long side and, possibly, of two short sides of the same and end elements rigidly coupled with joining means for quick connection and without cells or frames with respect to glass architectural structures and to a supporting surface such as a floor, ceiling or other supporting surface. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims.

The constructional and functional characteristics of the load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal for structural elements in glass of the present invention will be better understood from the detailed description below, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings that represent a preferred but non-limiting embodiment wherein: Fig. 1 schematically represents a horizontal sectional view of a prefabricated load- bearing pillar made of glass with metal profile of the present invention and, in particular, a portion of said pillar that blocks a structure formed by one or more glass plate panels for structural use (for example to produce all glass glazing);

Fig. 2 schematically represents a vertical sectional view of a portion of said prefabricated load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal profile of the invention fixed with respect to a floor;

Fig. 3 schematically represents a vertical sectional view of a portion of a prefabricated load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal profile of the invention fixed with respect to a ceiling.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, the prefabricated load-bearing pillar made of glass and metal profile for structural elements in glass of the present invention, indicated as a whole with 10 in Figs. 1 to 3, is defined by a glass panel 12 whose end portions comprise coupling means with respect to integrated elements suitable for fixing and stabilizing of the thus formed glass pillar and metal profile, for example with respect to a ceiling and/or to a floor or another supporting surface of structural modules formed by further glass panels used for cladding building facades or for other types of glass architectural structures (such as stairs, walkways, canopies, floors and the like). The glass panel 12 is preferably of the laminated type formed by two or more plates 12' (the embodiment shown in the figures the plates are three) joined together by means of interposed layers of a plastic film made of PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) or another known material adapted to prevent the glass from falling in fragments in the event of the plates breaking, with potential and consequent risks for the safety of people and/or objects.

The thicknesses of the single glass plates 12' and of the interposed film of the panel 12 vary as a function of the specific structural safety requirements (loads that the glass pillar must sustain), in accordance with the specific standards in the sector (e.g. the standards UNI 7172 and 9186) and, moreover, as a function of the thermal, solar, acoustic and similar insulation requirements.

With specific reference to Fig. 1, this schematizes the structural conformation of the pillar 10 of the invention, for fixing to the same, of glass architectural structures (facade cladding panels, stairs and the like), indicated as a whole with 11.

The pillar 10 comprises a glass panel 12 and a profile 14, preferably positioned on the thickness 19 of said glass panel in correspondence of the long side and, possibly, on the two short sides of the same panel and facing the glass structure 11, said profile having a longitudinal development corresponding to that of the end edge of the panel on the short sides thereof.

The profile 14 comprises two chambers, a first chamber 14' and a second chamber 14", with the same longitudinal development and different height, overlapping one another (with reference to the arrangement of Fig. 1) and separated by an integrated septum or wall 7.

In particular, the first chamber 14' has a closed tubular section, while the second chamber 14" has a C-shaped section.

Preferably, the profile 14 is made of metal material or of another known type suitable for the purpose and is coupled to the group of two or more glass plates 12' preferably by means of a glass beading 13 and an interposed layer 15 of adhesive or silicone material adapted to produce adhesion and stable connection between the group or pack of glass plates 12' and the profile 14.

With reference to the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the glass beading 13 is inserted with clearance into the second chamber 14" of the profile 14 and stabilized therein by means of suitable and known filling material (not represented in the figures) defined, for example, by nylon, putty, glue and the like.

Fitted on the profile 14, fixed to the glass panel 12 as described in detail above, is a section bar 16, made of metal or another material suitable for the purpose, whose geometrical/structural properties vary as a function of the different types of fixing of the pillar 10.

With reference to Fig. 1, there is represented a coupling between the pillar and a structure 11 defined by glass cladding panels 17 (the constructional properties and constituent components of which will not be described as they do not form the subject of the invention) by means of a section bar 16.

The section bar 16 is generally shaped as a double "U" and is formed of a first U-shaped portion 16' and a second portion 16", also U-shaped, opposite one another, with said first portion 16' having a width generally greater than that of the second portion 16" and height and longitudinal development substantially corresponding to those of the second portion 16"; the second portion 16" has a width substantially corresponding to the thickness of the pillar 10 defined by the two or more glass panels 12'.

The section bar 16 as defined above can be made, for example, of a metal material extruded in one piece or be obtained by coupling, with a glued or welded connection, the two opposed first and second portions 16' and 16", for example made of bent sheet metal; it should be noted that the material forming said section bar 16 can also be of different type and equally suitable for the specific purpose of the invention.

The second portion 16" is fitted on one end of the pillar 10 and is stably and rigidly constrained thereto by means of a removable connection of bolt type comprising a screw 20, a clamping nut 22 and, possibly, self-locking washers 24, with said screw 20 transversely disposed and passing through said second portion and the profile 14, in correspondence of the first chamber 14'; according to alternative embodiments, know and conventional retaining means of screw type or the like can similarly be used.

Internally to the second portion 16", in an intermediate position between the base or bottom inner surface of said second portion 16" and the upper external front of the profile 14, there is disposed a layer of insulating material (typically transparent) 26, for example consisting of polycarbonate or the like, and adapted to insulate the profile 14 from the structures connected to the pillar and, in particular, to produce a thermal insulation.

Likewise, the first portion 16' is suitable to receive the structure 11 defined, for example, by glass cladding panels 17, with said structure that is also stabilized with respect to said first portion by means of a bolt connection consisting of a screw 20, of a clamping nut 30 and, possibly, of opposed self-locking washers 32, or through differently known retaining means adapted to create a rigid connection between the aforesaid structures.

A further layer of insulating material 34, also defined by polycarbonate or similar material suitable to insulate the structure 11 with respect to the structure of the pillar 10 is disposed in intermediate position between the inner bottom of the upper portion 16' and a lower portion of the structure 11 opposite the glass cladding panels 17.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, there is represented the coupling method of the panel with respect to a floor 40 or a ceiling 42 or to another supporting surface, preferably by means of a further section bar 18.

Said further section bar 18, generally U-shaped with a width substantially corresponding to the thickness of the pack of two or more plates 12' defining the glass panel 12, is fitted on the pillar 10 and safely stabilized and stiffened with respect thereto by means of a bolt connection in exactly the same way as described above with reference to the section bar 16.

Also in this connection method, internally to the further section bar 18 in an intermediate position between the base or bottom inner surface of said section bar and the upper external front of the profile 14 of the glass panel 12, on the opposite side with respect to the plates 12', there is disposed a layer of insulating material (typically transparent) 26, for example consisting of polycarbonate or the like and adapted to insulate the profile 14 from the structures connected to the pillar and, in particular, to produce a thermal insulation.

As can be understood from the above, the advantages achieved by a prefabricated panel forming load-bearing pillars made of glass and metal of the invention are evident.

The prefabricated panel forming the load-bearing pillars of the invention advantageously enables use as load-bearing "strut" to produce and install glazing and/or other types of glass architectural structures such as stairs or walkways or the like without requiring to perforate the glass, either during production of the load-bearing pillar or in the assembly phase of the same, facilitating installation and in this way improving visibility and aesthetics with a related reduction of costs.

More advantageous is the fact that the pillar of the invention comprises glass plates without cells or perimeter window frames.

A further advantage of the load-bearing pillar of the invention is represented by the modular nature of said pillar, which enables easy and rapid juxtaposing and connection of single pillars in correspondence of their short side so as to obtain longer pillars to produce, for example, higher glass facades without requiring to use suspended floor slabs; in this way it is possible to produce modular pillar structures.

While the invention has been described above with particular reference to an embodiment thereof provided purely by way of non-limiting example, numerous modifications and variants will be apparent to those skilled in the art the light of the description above. Therefore, the present invention is intended to include all the modifications and variants that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WO 2015/055686 " y " PCT/EP2014/072066 CLAIMS

1. A prefabricated load-bearing pillar (10) made of glass and metal for structural elements in glass, comprising a glass panel (12) of the laminated type formed by two or more plates (12') joined together by means of interposed layers of a plastic film and a metal profile (14) disposed on a thickness (19) of the glass panel (12) in correspondence of a long side and, possibly, of two short sides of the same, characterized in that said profile (14) comprises a first chamber (14') and a second chamber (14") overlapping one another and separated by an integrated septum or wall (7), and adapted, respectively, to produce a rapid and rigid coupling with connecting means defined by a section bar (16) or by a further section bar (18) fitted on the profile (14) of said pillar (10) in correspondence of said first chamber (14') for connection with respect to a glass structure (11) or supporting surfaces and a rigid coupling with said two or more glass plates (12') of the glass panel (12) by means of a glass beading (13) disposed internally to the second chamber (14") of the profile (14) and an interposed layer (15) of adhesive material disposed externally to said second chamber (14") in an intermediate position between said glass beading (13) and on the thickness (19) of said glass panel (12).

2. The load-bearing pillar of glass and metal according to claim 1, characterized in that the first chamber (14') of the profile (14) has a closed section and the second chamber (14") of the profile (14) has a C-shaped section, said first and second chamber (14', 14") having equal longitudinal development and different height.

3. The load-bearing pillar of glass and metal according to claim 1, characterized in that the section bar (16) is generally shaped as a double "U" and is formed of a first portion (16') and a second portion (16"), both U- shaped, opposite one another and with the first portion (16') having a width generally greater than that of the second portion (16") and height and longitudinal development substantially corresponding to those of the second portion (16") whose width corresponds to the thickness of the glass panel (12), with the first portion (16') suitable for connection of the glass structure (11) and the second portion (16") fitted on the profile (14).

4. The pillar according to claim 1 , characterized in that the further section bar (18) is "U" shaped with a width corresponding to the thickness of the panel (12), fitted on and fixed to the profile (14) of the pillar (10) in correspondence of one of the two end portions of the same.

5. The pillar of glass and metal according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact of comprising a layer of insulating material (26) disposed internally to the second portion (16") of the section bar (16) and preferably internally to the further section bar (18), in an intermediate position between the base or bottom inner surface of said second portion (16") and further section bar (18) and the upper or external front of the profile (14) opposite the front of connection with the pillar (10), with said insulating material layer (26) consisting of polycarbonate or the like and adapted to electrically insulate the profile (14) with respect to the structures connected thereto.

6. The pillar of glass and metal according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigidly stable connection between the pillar (10) provided with a glass panel (12) and profile (14) and the section bar (16, 18) is made by means of removable retaining means.

7. The pillar of glass and metal according to claim 6, characterized in that said removable retaining means comprise a screw (20) or bolt or the like transversely inserted into said section bar (16) and further section bar (18) and passing through the profile (14) in correspondence of the first chamber (14'), a clamping nut (22) and, possibly, opposing self-locking washers (24).

8. The pillar of glass and metal according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact of defining a module suitable for the construction of structures of elongated pillars juxtaposed to one another, in correspondence of their short side, to realize facades without suspended floor slabs.