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The TU Dresden is decisively involved in the development of a glazed roof
structure. The designed transparent space grid structure is based on a conventional
steel space grid, in which all steel members of the compression layer are replaced
by glass panes. The glazing units transfer in-plane forces, which are applied
through steel knots, connecting four glass panes at their corners. Until now, no
comprehensive scientific research has been carried out to investigate suitable
contact materials for axial load application at glass edges. The intended detail
design requires a contact material, which is softer than glass while providing a
high compressive strength, low creeping and a working temperature range
between -20°C and +80°C. A large number of metal alloys and polymers were
tested with regard to their compressive strength. Tests on their creeping behavior
started in spring 2008. The results of current investigation were applied to
optimize a full-size roof mock-up, spanning over a distance of 15m.