Revision of German design code for glass structures DIN 18008 is done in several steps. Part 1 (general design concept and rules) and part 2 (linear supported glazing) were updated by 2020, enabling a small step towards more economic design solutions. By December 2024 updated version of part 3 (point fixed glazing), part 4 (barrier glazing) and part 5 (walk on glazing) finally were published. By revising the categories of balustrade glazing, rethinking and updating the design procedure for SLS, ULS and consequent FLS (fracture limit state) the portfolio of balustrade glazing covered by the code grew. It can be expected, that more economic (and by this often more sustainable) and less complex solutions will be carried out in future. The paper and presentation give an overview about changes in general and in detail focuses on balustrade glazing and the new opportunities. Moreover, it can be expected, that the updated regulations will find their way to National Application Documents for the future Eurocode 10 “Design of Glass Structures”.
Geralt Siebert
Update of German design code DIN 18008 enables new possibilities for balustrades
Company: University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Germany
About the speaker:
Geralt Siebert worked independently as registered “consulting engineer” in the engineering office he founded 1993. Since 2003 he is professor for “Structural Design and Building Physics” at University of the Bundeswehr Munich. In the field of glass construction, he is active in national and international standardization, expert and specialist committees, and as convenor in committee of DIN18008 he contributes his experience from research, accredited test laboratory for structural engineering at UniBw M and practice from engineering office.
