Lite Shell structures

With the worlwide patented Lite Shell system, light, transparent roof supporting structures can be realized in various designs:
Lite Shell "B" stands for barrel constructions, Lite Shell "X" for triangular mesh version or rectangular mesh for cupola or free-shaped roofs.
The standardized junctions connect the rods prefabricated to the specific dimensions required. The design and logistic advantages make Lite Shell "X" particularly suited for use on the international market.

For the hippopotamus building at the Zoo in Berlin, it was necessary to realize an architecturally extremely demanding glass roof concept. The free supporting network dome system with a floor plan consisting of two equal circles (R 16.5 m and 12.45 m), indented on one side in a circular shape, was developed as a free-form surface using the hefi Lite Shell "X" network supporting system. The complex shape and the design of the rod structure with extremely fine elements (40 x 40 mm solid material) placed extremely high requirements on the hardware and software required for calculation.

Patented Lite Shell "X" junctions for rectangular glazing

The most frequent spans, construction depths an gemoetries can be realized without problems with this filligree rectangular mesh construction - even in the face of maximum physical construction requirements. The single cable bracing provides extraordinary stability. Development of the Lite Shell "X" system provided entirely new perspektives for realization of irregular glass roof landscapes. The innovative junction engineering allows free form designs which set standards in modern glass architecture.

Glass supporting structures

As a material, the strength an hardness of glass offers unimagined possibilities.

Heat treated and therefore hardened glass panes can be laminated together with foils to form laminated safety glass units.

These can support significant loads. The stability is proven by theoretical and practical tests.

Point fixed glass constructions

The glass surface can be lifted away from the supporting construction as with filligree fingers. The two functions of supporting and covering are separated from each other. For point-supported glass, approval by construction authorities must be obtained for the individual application. This incudes proof of the stability. This comprises stress tests with surface load and fall tests with hard and soft impact elements as well as proof of the residual stability of predamaged panes.

Savings and loans building in Donaueschingen
An example for a point-supported glass construction is the new savings and loans building in Donaueschingen.

As an annex to an existing building from the previous turn of the century, the requirement was to design a shell which had the appearance of a glass cube form the inside.

For this purpose, the supporting steel structure was located on the outside and the glass fastened from the inside with filligree steel fingers.

The "Spider"

The connecting element betweeen the supporting steel construction an the point-supported glass pane is the Spider. This can be produced as a cast element using steel or aluminium, or as a welded construction, using steel plates. This allows a great deal of freedom in designing the appearance depending on the requirements placed on the supporting characteristics.

Point holders

The point holders are fastened by drilling a hole through the glass. As a rule, these holders are produced using stainless steel with an articulated connection to prevent stress in the glass pane. With this fastening technology, structures can be realized with a fascinating lightness.

 

Shell support structures

The shell of an egg can take up extremely high loads in relation to is low wall thickness. This is possible due to the homogeneously arched shape and the resulting transfer of the load within the shell plane.
In steel construction, this shell is achieved using pressure forcs running in at least two directions, which are connected with one another to resist deflection.
This support principle is used in the supporting network structure for glass domes or glass barrels taking into consideration the deformation possibilities of glass as well as the optimum force curve.

Cable net support structures

Certainly the most reduced method of designing a supporting structure is to use cables.
Cable structures are frequently very soft, i.e. very movable, depending on the design principle.
Combination of hard glass and soft supporting structure requires particular design planning by engineers and designers.

Constructions with integrated heating or cooling

The supporting steel construction associated with the interior is strengthened using hollow channels. These channels are connected together to form a hot-water heating or cooling circuits system.
Heating
These systems are connected to conventional hot-water heating systems with separate circuit in the low-themperature range. Connection between the hot steel construction and the glass plane is accomplished using a highly insulating adapter channel.
The result is a pleasant room climate along the facade surface as well as avoiding veils of cold air behind high glass walls.
Cooling
When connected to a cooling circuit, the supporting steel facade construction can also be used to cool the interior rooms.

Further information....

Roschmann Group
Dieselstr. 41 • 86368 Gersthofen
Tel. +49(0)821 - 49 00 6 - 0 • Fax +49(0)821 - 47 25 07
eMail: info@roschmann.de • Web: www.roschmann-group.com

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