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STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

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Resources and<br />

Technology<br />

Maturity: Cable trusses represent newer façade<br />

structure technology, especially as a function <strong>of</strong> design<br />

and installation.<br />

Materials and Processes: Materials are minimal.<br />

Spreaders can be hollow mild-steel sections <strong>of</strong> simple<br />

and economical construct. However, since they are a<br />

predominate element in a minimalist system, they<br />

represent an opportunity for expression. Designers<br />

Figure 6.8 Horizontal cable truss<br />

bracing a rectangular tube.<br />

frequently elect to develop this component in stainless steel, and even cast stainless that<br />

frees the component from the constraints <strong>of</strong> a uniform section.<br />

Material suppliers and subcontractors<br />

Durability and Maintenance: Advantage should be taken <strong>of</strong> these minimal material systems<br />

by specifying those materials <strong>of</strong> premium quality. Most cable truss systems utilize stainless<br />

rods or cables. Spreaders are stainless steel or mild steel with a premium finish.<br />

Sustainability: General parity with other systems, but advantages are possible with efficient<br />

design that minimizes the prestress requirements such that the inherent efficiency <strong>of</strong><br />

tension-based systems is not compromised by its impact to the anchoring structure.<br />

Structural Performance<br />

Spanning capacity: Complexity increases with span.<br />

Span/Depth (L/d) characteristics: 12 to 15 depending on load combinations, truss and truss<br />

system geometry.<br />

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