The Challenge
The three buildings are clad with elements made of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFB), with high wind and possible earthquake loads. There are only a few options for transferring the resulting loads to the building, which is why these had to be evaluated and optimized in advance with all parties involved. There are 4 meter high, narrow columns that have to be clad without the GFB elements twisting or shifting. In the loggias (ALUCOBOND® cladding), the span must be bridged from the parapet to below the ceiling
The Ecolite Solution
The optimum design of the fasteners in the GFB is determined in advance on the basis of component tests. For column fastening with limited space conditions, Z-swords on adjustable special brackets are used. On top of this, double support profiles with a depth of 45 mm are used for fastening the agraffes. Square aluminum tubes are installed as load-bearing elements in the loggia area between the upper end of the parapet and the slab, taking into account dilatations and small structural movements.
Ecolite Products
These Ecolite products were used:
The primary substructure consists of U-brackets with reinforced bracket base and Z-swords. As secondary substructure the UB 45 system with double support profiles with spans up to 2.2 m and agraffes. In the loggia area, aluminum square tubes with spans of up to 3.9 m.
Picture gallery
For an enlarged view just click on the corresponding picture
Photos: Ernst Schweizer AG, Anliker AG, Ecolite AG