Project: Load Bearing Timber-Glass Composite Structures
The project LBTGC aimed to develop a building system composed of timber and glass sections. The project included an evaluation of current experience with timber-glass composite (TGC) elements in respect to an optimization as load-bearing structures, a study on adhesives, timber and glass as composite components including an identification of relevant material properties events and a study of a variety of commercially available adhesives with inclusion of results of previous research on TGC-elements with reference to their response to long-term and seismic loads. The experimental studies on adhesives aimed to take into account all steps in the process of bonding and included a chemical and physical classification as well as the identification of crucial parameters such as adhesion to timber and glass surfaces, resistance to environmental influences, long-term performance, homogeneity of materials and application processes. Currently used TGC systems for walls, beams and floors were critically assessed with regard to structural performance (including manufacturing, workability, erection etc.). The most important characteristics of the different components were identified and optimization potentials were pointed out. Concepts for coactive LBTGC-elements were developed and tested. Ideas for applications were developed and the possible use of LBTGC shear wall elements in a façades or glazed roofs was evaluated. The connection details of LBTGC-elements (beams and walls) and their connection details for a row of different construction typologies were designed and assessed. In addition, the problem of seismic loads and other horizontal and dynamic forces was a point of interest and investigations. Various types of components have been studied so far: 1) Shear walls with soft, medium and stiff adhesives and 2) Beams with soft, medium and stiff adhesives. The project results indicate that LBTGC-elements can be a) adequately designed using a traditional strength approach, b) described using a combination of strength and buckling analysis and c) described by beam theory using the γ-method according to Eurocode 5. The results can provide a basis for material models used for numerical analysis and engineered design solutions. Conceivable applications are numerous ranging from entire façade elements to interior wall partition systems etc. The developed TGC multi-story façades were implemented within the framework of various pilot projects with the aim of a long-term monitoring under different climatic conditions.
| Acronym | LBTGC |
| Duration | 01/01/2012 - 31/01/2015 |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | WoodWisdom-Net 2 |
| Call | Joint Call 2010 between ERA-Nets WoodWisdom-Net 2 and ERA-NET Bioenergy |