An innovative solution for hybrid steel-glass self-bearing modular systems

- Design of composite self-bearing steel-glass system for facades an
- Structural performance analysis of the composite system
- Experimental tests on full scale prototypes
- Calibration of the numerical model basing on experimental results
- Simplified assessment methodology

The performance of a quadrangular steel-glass self-bearing system for roofs and facades is analyzed through numerical simulations and experimental tests. The system is characterized by a double deformed configuration obtained using cold bending procedure, applying displacements in correspondence of two opposite corners and avoiding spring back phenomena through the steel frame. Nonlinear analyses were executed to simulate the assembly process of the system and to determine the load bearing capacity of the deformed system under vertical loads. Experimental tests were executed allowing to validate the model and to assess the behaviour of corners. A simplified resistance domain is finally proposed.