Glazing channel cantilevered glass
The F0 cantilevered glass design allows boundaries to be defined with minimal interruption to the visual aesthetics of a build.
Design
Because the design does not incorporate vertical stanchion components, the strong horizontal lines of the handrail are emphasised, often increasing the sense of perspective and space. The F0 is framed only by a bottom structural glazing channel, and cantilevers vertically to support a handrail. Most handrail profiles can work with the F0, and may be supported by through-glass patch fittings or directly by the top edge of the glass. However, in most projects, a timber rectangular or circular profile handrail supported by the top edge of the glass generally provides the most effective visual impact.
To achieve a supported interlinking handrail for F0, stanchions are sometimes required at the termination of balustrade runs. A variety of stanchion designs can be applied, but a continuation of the handrail itself via a 90 degree turn often provides the most satisfactory result.
Technical
Cantilevered glass using channel and grout to form the cantilever is a neat alternative to patch fittings and provides some clear advantages over patch fittings.
The advantages include:
a) A continuous support to the base of the glass panel (as opposed to a point load as is the case when using patch fittings)
b) Saving in overall depth required to form the cantilever – patch fittings require edge clearances to the bottom of the glass as well as sufficient separation to form the cantilever. Typically a grouted cantilever requires less vertical space
c) The structural installation or formation of the grouting channel typically requires a lesser accuracy for install, with the final glass installation then finetuned to an exact position during the grouting process.
d) Most grouted applications allow for the channel and grout to be hidden behind other finishes (e.g. floor tiles, capping, etc) and results in the design effect of the glass simply rising out of the structure, providing a finished clean and un-cluttered look
It should be noted that effective design of the channel and grout cantilevered glass involves due consideration being made for the finishes that cover the grouted channel and finish against the glass.
Compliance
Arden Architectural is a BSA licensed contractor for carpentry, joinery, glass, glazing and aluminium as well as structural metal fabrication and erection. Arden supplies a Form 16 (Licensed Contractor) on all projects. In design and construct contracts, a Form 15 (Design Engineer) certification is supplied upon request. For products and services incorporating this design element, the table below details compliance with relevant codes and standards.
Code
|
Title |
Applicability |
BCA |
The Building Code of Australia |
Full compliance
|
AS NZS 1170.1-2002 |
Structural Design Actions – Permanent, imposed and other actions |
Full compliance
|
AS 1288-2006 |
Glass in Buildings. Selection and installation |
Full compliance
|
AS NZS 1554.1-2004 |
Structural steel welding - Welding of steel structures |
Full compliance
|
AS 1554.6-1994 |
Welding stainless steels for structural purposes |
Full compliance
|
AS NZS 4586-2004 |
Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials |
Not applicable
|
AS 1428.1-2001 |
Design for access and mobility |
Full compliance |
AS 1657-1992 |
Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders. Design,
construction and installation |
Full compliance |