Glasstec 2008 To Feature Cold-Bent Glass Bridge

Within the “glass technology live” special show, glasstec 2008 will feature the first transparent bent bridge made of cold-molded glass with a span of seven meters (23 feet). The spectacular exhibit will be presented by the seele company in cooperation with Prof. Stefan Behling and Dipl.- Ing. Andreas Fuchs (IBK Reasearch + Development, University of Stuttgart) and Dr. Ing. Stefan Peters (ENGELSMANN PETERS Ingenieure).

For the first time, innovative cold-bending technology allows the molding and forming of glass with a span of seven meters without using heat. The result: particularly brilliant surface clarity and purity, maximum efficiency and safety characteristics (laminated safety glass - LSG) for structural glass construction. Cold-bent glass is therefore particularly suited for designing wide-span facades or roofs. Its use as a bridge proves the capability of the new glass finishing and presents a multitude of possibilities for architects to implement their visions. 

The glass bridge, which visitors can actually walk on during glasstec 2008, consists of individual four millimeter-thick (0.15 inches) bent glass panes, each with a dimension of only 3.7 centimeters (1.4 inches) total lamination. These material-optimized panes are  connected by using a special laminating technology and therefore withstand extreme stress and strain. At the widest point the bridge measures two meters (6.5 feet), is transparent and also light weight: 1.7 tons of glass support a 7.2 ton load over a span width of seven meters (23 feet).

In addition to the glass bridge, visitors at glasstec will see a wide range of other innovations regarding “Glass and Energy”.  Particularly architects, facade builders and engineers will find creative ideas in the glass technology live special show with the four sectors “Innovation”, “Solar Technology”, “Solar Protection and Heat Insulation” and “Light and Transparency” as well as
practical examples in the “Architecture Projects“ category. Over 50 companies will show product developments, manufacturing processes and technologies and present the latest research results.

Modern production methods not only enable creative glass forms but also extend the functional properties of the material glass. As a result, modern laminated glass composed of several glass layers, films and resins are now used for applications which were previously the exclusive domain of steel or concrete. At glasstec 2008, Innoverre GmbH & Co. KG will show glass supports which
can be used in roof construction and designed in a length of twelve meters (39 feet). The strength of glass will be demonstrated by a glass bridge, constructed by industrial adhesive manufacturer Delo and the Dresden Technical University (TU Dresden): with a length of six meters (19.6 feet) it easily supports a heavy fork-lift truck.

In the area of solar technology, glasstec 2008 will showcase solutions which expand the design spectrum of photo-voltaic applications, such as colorful solar cells and accessible modules which can be used as screens incorporating LED technology. The Institute for Building Construction and Design at the University of Stuttgart will present a research project featuring thermal solar
collections used for energy recovery and sun protection in buildings.

Innovative creations for energy efficiency generated by sun protection and heat insulation will also be on show by Roschmann GmbH & Co KG: an insulation glass element with a mechanical sun protection feature integrated between the inside and outside pane, enabling it to be functionally adjusted in every position. EControl-Glas GmbH & Co. KG will display electro-chrome switchable panes with tinting that electronically changes according to the sun’s rays.

The exhibits will be complemented by a top-ranking symposium. Speakers will include Armand Grüntuch from Grüntuch Ernst Architekten, Erich Volz from Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Knut Göppert from Schlaich Bergermann & Partner and Dr. Ingo Hagemann from the company with the same name.

In addition, the International Architects’ Congress “Transparency! Glass and Facade Technology“ will be held on October 24. Renowned speakers such as Lise Anne Couture from Asymptote Architecture in New York will discuss topics including high-performance architecture, supporting glass and integrative glass facades. The congress is a recognized continuation training event for architects.