Solutions for the assembly of XXXL-glasses

Huge unbroken facades are a fascinating sight - but the installation of them poses a challenge. Thiele Glas offers the appropriate solutions.

Looking into the distance, turning the garden into living space, creating optically large rooms – there are countless reasons for using large glass facades. However oversized, ideally multifunctional glasses have a far higher weight. This also has consequences for the installation and the support. Conventional setting blocks are suitable for a load of one to a maximum of one and a half tons (33069.3 Ibs). However, XXXL glass can weigh up to 7.5 tons (16534,7 lbs). Setting block material used so far cannot bear this load. Therefore Thiele Glas has commissioned the university “TU Dresden” to test the material POM C for compatibility, stability and properties. POM C has twice the strength and stiffness in similar temperature ranges compared to PP, the material most commonly used to date. In addition, the creep tendency is significantly lower, which is particularly advantageous for long-term stress with high loads. For the optimum effect, it is recommended that the edges are at least finely adjusted if technically possible. In addition to confirming the suitability as a block material, this test also produced a calculation basis and an example table for the block lengths. Thiele Glas has also commissioned the TU Dresden to test other material for the pading of oversized panes.

But it is not only the weight of the glass that poses a challenge. Energy efficiency plays an important role in modern architecture. For example, the masonry is constantly being further developed, that reduces the load-bearing capacity of the wall substance. In addition, for optimum insulation, the window should usually be installed in the insulation level, which in turn requires a special construction to transfer the loads into the wall. The fixing system must be selected in such a way that all the forces exerted by wind pressure and suction, operation and any special functions can be transferred to outer wall. Otherwise the internal and external seals may be damaged or the window frame may even come loose from the anchorage. The correct assembly of XXXL glass therefore begins at the planning stage.

Thiele Glas’s own fleet of vehicles is available for a safe transport to the construction sites. There, everything should be prepared for the installation, so that the glass(-edges) are not exposed to the weather for unnecessarily long periods without protection. During the installation, the connection joints of the windows must be sealed airtight on all sides of the room. Otherwise draughts, heat loss or structural damage due to condensation may occur. The external weather protection must be designed to be impervious to driving rain, while moisture that has penetrated must be discharged to the outside in a controlled manner. With XXXL glazing, sealing systems must be used which have increased movement absorption, as the expansion of the frame profiles due to thermal influences is greater. In addition, subsidence in the floor and lintel areas must be taken into account.

The right expertise is therefore important not only in the manufacture of XXXL glass, but also in its assembly. Our consultants are always available to answer your questions.

Back