When it comes to all-glass structures, the most commonly used elements are glass fins. These building components harness the strength and transparency of glass to create stunning architectural marvels that offer clear and uninterrupted vistas. Experience the beauty of all-glass structures with the sleek and versatile glass fins.
Glass fin detail What is a glass fin?
Glass fins are used to support glazed curtain walls and enhance their rigidity. They can also act as support for glazed roofs. In both cases, the post-breakage behavior of the glass fins is fundamental to ensuring the stability of the building.
Laminated glass, typically in multilayer constructions of three or more pieces of glass and interlayer, has been shown to function well in glass fins applications. More complex designs can involve fins multiple stories high, connected together by steel splice plates or where fins and facade glass are hung from the overhead structure.
Key points to consider:
- • Wind loading
- • Glass types for both fins and façade glass
- • Support structure for fin shoes
- • Detailing/shop drawings
- • Ease of installation
- • Building movement
Glass fin type
Monolithic annealed glass
The simplest and cheapest glass fin is comprised of monolithic annealed glass. These can only be used in single-story arrangements where there is no requirement to attach façade glass to them with point fixings or bolt them to the fin shoes. Annealed laminate can be used in similar situations as monolithic annealed glass – but may need to be made thicker to handle larger loads.
Monolithic toughened glass
Monolithic toughened glass is required whenever holes are required in the fin itself. This is most common when spider arms and point fixings are used to attach façade glass to the fins. Toughened glass fins have an additional design criteria; the minimum aspect ratio of the toughening furnace. Typically, this is limited to a 15:1 ratio, so single-story toughened fins are often governed by this instead of the loads placed upon them.
Toughened laminate fins
Toughened laminate fins are required when loads are significant and holes in the fin are required. This is typically for multi-story assemblies where glass fin must be joined together at the ends with a steel splice plate to attain the required height.
Toughened laminate fin for glass fin curtain wall
Glass fin eliminates the need for conventional metal mullions and beams. In curtain walls and roofs, the fin can be structurally used to transfer horizontal and vertical loads from e.g. wind and snow to the structure. Various connections can be used to transfer loads from the façade or roof light to the glass fins.
For glass fin curtain wall, Shenzhen Dragon Glass provides several different interlayer combinations based on structure and function.
✪ PVB interlayer
In case of glass breakage from human or accidental impact, the shards of broken glass will remain adhered to the interlayer providing a reduction in cutting or piercing injuries. With a properly glazed laminated glass in a framing system, fall-through protection may also be provided.
✪ Colored PVB interlayer
Colored PVB interlayers bring forth the possibility of using a large range of colors in a glass-fin curtain wall. Colored PVB interlayer permits the design of lower transmittance or intense colors without having to increase glass thickness.
✪ SGP interlayer
SGP interlayer is designed for applications where rigidity and high glass adhesion are required. Compared to the conventional PVB, this product allows:
• Laminates to be designed with reduced glass thickness - • Enhance the post-breakage rigidity
- • High glass adhesion
- • Superior edge stability decreases the risk of delamination
- • Improved sealant compatibility
In combination with a wide range of glass types such as low-iron or colored glass or frit patterns, and different interlayer types, improves the overall performance of the glazing system and contributes to the optimum performance of the glass fin, architects have numerous possibilities.
Shenzhen Dragon Glass is a world leader in laminated glass manufacturing. We provide customized services to give you the best solution that accommodates all your needs, from iconic architectural projects that push the boundaries of glass technology, to economical home glass, guaranteeing good quality products and excellent customer service.
