To meet the innovative architectural shapes of buildings, the construction industry is increasingly utilizing out-of-plane glass panels through a process known as cold bending. This technique involves applying a permanent physical force to the glass panel corner, which can be supported either mechanically with pressure plates or structurally glazed using silicone sealants.
While cold bending of structurally glazed panels has been successfully implemented in various projects, it is essential to evaluate the permanent loads to ensure that the resulting peak stresses and strains do not exceed the allowable design values for the silicone sealants used. The authors have extensively researched structurally glazed cold bend façades, through various publications reviewing calculation methods of varying complexity. These methods range from analytical approaches to finite element analysis of complete systems.
This study reviews best practices in the design, application, and troubleshooting of silicone joint dimensions in cold bent glass applications using a practical case study. It assesses the impact of various project parameters, including sealant selection criteria, and provides guidance on adapting these parameters to ensure a durable silicone joint design. Additionally, the study proposes a methodology for structural and insulating glazing application, outlining guidelines to ensure full cure and development of the sealant’s mechanical properties.