F0

Glazing channel cantilevered glass

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