Mechanical Mounting of Structural Glazing in Australia

This presentation covers the critical evaluation of structural glazing in Australia. Learn about the types of structural glazing, components of a structural glazing system, and the roles of professionals involved. Discover the advantages and common problems faced in mechanical glazing and their solutions.

MECHANICAL MOUNTING
PRESENTATION BY:

INTRODUCTION
• This presentation covers the critical evaluation of structural glazing in
Australia .
• Glazing- this refers to the facades of a building comprising of glass. It is
derived from the word glass.
• Structural glazing refers to the utilization of a silicone sealant that exhibits
strength and high performance to bond glass to the structural members of a
building (Aiello, et al., 2011). The sealant used in this case has to undergo
thorough testing for structural glazing purposes. This type of technique can
be utilized with most of the glass types.

TECHNOLOGICAL AREA: CONVENTIONAL
MECHANICAL MOUNTING
• GLAZING
this refers to the facades of a building comprising of glass. it is derived from the
word glass. some of the common glazing systems on accounts of explicit
knowledge include:
1. STRUCTURAL GLAZING
2. CURTAIN WALLING
3. BOLTED GLAZING
4. FIN SUPPORTED GLAZING
5. CABLE STAYED GLAZING
6. SUSPENDED GLAZING

TYPES OF STRUCTURAL GLAZING
• FOUR SIDED FRAMED GLAZING
• TWO SIDED FRAMED GLAZING
• SLOPE GLAZING
• FRAMELESS GLAZING
• GLASS FIN GLAZING

COMPONENTS OF A STRUCTURAL GLAZING
SYSTEM
• LOCATION BLOCKS
• SILICONE SEALANT
• SETTING BLOCKS,
• GASKETS AND SPACERS
• STRUCTURAL FRAMING
• GLASS

PROFESSIONAL FACTUAL KNOWLEDGE
The interviewed professionals included the glazing expert, architect and main contractor.
Glazing expert accounts on glazing technology
• The main problem experienced was the main factors that affect the strength of a sealant after
application which include the shelf life of the sealant.
• Proper application should ensure good contact between the surfaces and not have air voids
and have enough curing time.
• Weather elements such as rain, dust, air and temperature may affect the quality of the
application process.
• Only tested silicone sealants that possess adequate strength for the resisting of the loads
imposed on the structure should be used
• The insulating glass edges must be compatible to the sealant used.
• the glass to be used must be high quality insulating glass with a dual seal and a secondary
silicone seal

Architects work on glazing technology
Roles of the architect in the mechanical mounting of the glazing.
• Interpreting their own architectural design development to other professions.
• Provision of the construction drawings as well as the detail drawings to be used on site.
• Checks the adequacy of the structure to resist different loads over its lifetime.
• Supervision of the other professionals on site and general administration work.
Main contractor work on glazing technology
• Interpretation of the architectural plans to enable realization of the project.
• Manage the workmanship on glazing installation.
• Coordinating the activities on site.
• Oversee the sub contactors and other skilled laborers on site to ensure that the
specifications given by the architect are complied with

TECHNOLOGY SELECTION
• The selected technology is mechanical or mechanized mounting of
structural glazing. Glass is an elegant and beautiful material. The
spread of modern architecture principles has led to the rise in the use of
structural glass.
• For glass to be fixed efficiently , the mechanical mounting of the glass is
done as opposed to the manual mounting. Mechanical mounting also
gives an aesthetic finish that fulfills many of he functions of the building
• Use of structural bonding aides in the transfer of loads imposed on the
structure such as static and dynamic loads to the building sub structure

HOW KNOWLEDGE IN CONSTRUCTION OPERATES
• Personal construct theory was invented in 1955 by George kelly
• The theory explains that we create our own way of viewing the world we live in.
• Constructs gives us a framework through which we interpret the world to tackle
the challenges.
• Effectively managing knowledge is critical to the survival of construction
companies.
• Nonaka and Takeuchi designed SECI model which illustrate the process of
knowledge management. This process include;
Socialization (tacit-tacit knowledge)
Externalization (tacit – explicit knowledge)
Combination (explicit – explicit knowledge)
Internalization ( explicit – tacit knowledge)

GROUP DISCUSSION
• The discussion was focused on the mechanical mounting
technology advantages and some of the hardships experienced
in the use of the technology as well as possible solutions to the
problems.
PROS
• Allows for flexibility in design
• Prevents water and air infiltration
• Contributes to a buildings thermal efficiency
• Prevents glass breakage

• COMMON PROBLEMS FACED IN MECHANICAL GLAZING AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
• Infiltration of air and water – this may result in the damage of interior spaces. The
solution to this problem is the undertaking of a water test to confirm the source in
readiness for repairs
• Failure of the aluminum coating – this is because of poor application of the finish,
to solve this problem a survey of the glazing is taken and collection of samples for
testing in the laboratory is done. The repairs can then be done accordingly
• Noise from the exterior – in a case where there is infiltration of noise into the
building the glazing can be retrofitted with laminated glass to reduce the noise
penetration
• Failure of the IGU ( insulated glazing unit) - this is as a result of the failure of the
sealants in keeping moisture outside. It can be solved by the application of the
sealant

CONCLUSION
• Conventional mechanical mounting of glazing is easy and cost effective.
However in Australia there is strict supervision by the law on the conducting
of the work this is due to the continued rise in the use of structural glazing
quality control remains to be a concern to ensure that the works done by the
various professionals are above board. There are various guidelines to be
followed by the professionals to keep pace with the quality control of the
highest order.
• Quality workmanship – to be able to achieve superior work, companies with
good experience in the handling of big projects demonstrated on site should
be considered when giving the work. In the implementation of the project, it
is important that the handling of the engineering systems is effective and the
glazing procedures laid out by the professionals followed (Sitte, et al., 2012).
• Attention to detail – the construction and assembly details of the different
parts of the structural glazing system should be followed for the expected

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