STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

A simple example is a long-spanning
truss with a square or rectangular outer
chord, presenting a flat face for the
attachment of a veneer glazing system. If
the same or similar square or rectangular
section is used for the strongback, the
glazing system can be applied
seamlessly across the varied spanning
conditions.
Closed or open section structural
members are often used as simple
Figure 2.2 A veneer type system in section view is
continuously supported by either a simple strongback
or the outher chord of a truss (ASIDI).
strongbacks, as with a rectangular
section steel tube spanning between floor
decks. The strongback can be modified to
accommodate the attachment of any type of glazing system. With a square or rectangular
section, a glazing system can be continuously supported at the face of the strongback.
2.2.3 Space Frames and Space Trusses
The terms space frame and space truss are used interchangeably in the industry. Space
frames are three-dimensional, multiple layer truss systems, often constructed with
prefabricated components; nodes and struts, that can be assembled with bolted connections
in the field. They are 3-dimensional truss networks capable of 2 and even 3-way spanning
depending upon geometry and configuration. They are seldom used in vertical façade
applications because of the frame depth encroaching on the interior space, and the
particularly dominant aesthetic which some designers object to. They do provide a uniform
grid to high tolerance that can be convenient for attaching a glazing system.
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