Inspection of Glass Facades
Barbara Siebert
Dr. Siebert Consulting Engineers, Munich,
Germany
Abstract
Modern architecture continues to produce
ever more attractive and higher quality
façade constructions. Previously build - only
based on general experience, now often
sophisticated structural analysis is necessary
to design a façade – but the structural design
is often forgotten due to a lack of knowledge
(structural and architectural design). At
present we see damages to old facades but
also to new constructions. These problems are
increasing, up to collapsing façade elements.
This concerns of course also high rising
buildings. First typically problems with facades
are presented (due to analysis, regulations,
design and execution). Aspects of inspection of
hidden parts (brackets or gluing on the back)
becomes more and more important. A code
for monitoring is presented. The monitoring
of glass-facades is investigated in an actual
research work, first results are presented.
Keywords
retrofit, façade, glass, code
1 Introduction
There are a large number of facade variants
with regard to material, design and fastening.
Aluminium, Glass, plastics are used in ever-
increasing sizes of the elements. Single
facades, double skin facades, element-facades
are common meanwhile. Different kind of
fixing – linear, in points, glued with special
silicone or hidden on the back of the element
– are used. Glass as a transparent building
material allows natural lighting of rooms. This
means less costs for lighting energy as well
as positive effects to people. The actual façade
constructions are getting more and more
complex, which leads sometimes to problems
during the lifetime of the building. The aspects
of monitoring (defects from the beginning
or later occurring defects) and subsequent
renovation will become more important in the
future.
Surveillance
Consequences Class
[years]
CC3 1 to 2
CC2 2 to 3
CC1 3 to 5
Table 1. Intervals for periodic inspections according guideline VDI 6200
2 Regulations for Inspection
After a significant number of tragic building
collapses in Europe at the start of 2006, a new
guideline has been introduced in Germany.
With the guideline VDI 6200, Structural safety
of buildings – Regular inspections, a guideline
for inspections of buildings was introduced.
The guideline VDI 6200 contains assessment
and evaluation criteria and practical
instructions for the regular inspection of the
structural safety as well as recommendations
for the maintenance of buildings of all kinds,
with the exception of traffic structures.
Building constructions are classified according
to the possible consequences in the event of
global or partial failure and their structural
design. However, only few know, that the
guideline VDI 6200 must be applied also
for facades. According guideline VDI 6200,
facades are classified in consequences class
CC2, same class as e.g. high-rise buildings
or public buildings. CC2 means medium
consequences: Damage to life and health for
many persons and serious environmental
damage. Furthermore, robustness classes
RC1 – RC4 are described in the guideline. The
Consequence classes are basis of Eurocode 1.
Depending on the Consequences class,
intervals for periodic inspections are given as
orientation values, se Table 1. This means
that every 2 to 3 years it is recommended to
do a surveillance by the owner or authorized
representative for obvious defects or damages
and the documentation thereof. Every 4 to
5 years an inspection by an expert shall be
made and every 12 to 15 years a thorough
examination by a special expert. This includes
parts of the structure, which are difficult to
access. It may be necessary to take material
samples to determine the remaining strengths
and rigidities. Furthermore, any found
defects or damages must be assessed in
terms of their relevance for the structural
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Thorough
Inspection
examination
[years]
[years]
2 to 3 6 to 9
4 to 5 12 to 15
As required As required
safety of the building. Looking to common
façade constructions, especially the point
“examination of parts of the structure, which
are difficult to access” causes problems. E.g.
the examination of the fixing points of an
element façade means often the complete
dismantling of the façade.
Intervals for periodic inspections according
guideline VDI 6200
3 Often faults and actual methods of
examination and monitoring
3.1. Glass
In case of Glass facades, it is more or less
simple to check glass-thickness with special
measurement equipment. In cases, where the
mandatory “stamp” on the glass (with type
of glass) cannot be found, it is also possible
to check the type of glass (float glass / fully
tempered glass / heat strengthened glass)
during inspection with a special measurement
equipment with the help of the so-called
“Scattered Light Polariscope”. It is very hard
to determine hidden damages in gluing ore
hidden problems in the constraint areas, e.g.
In the area of point fixings. Shelling defects
are often hidden behind the clamping profiles
(Figure 1). A partially dismantling often is
necessary.
3.2. Structural Analysis
A widespread problem is a missing or incorrect
structural analysis of glass and façade system.
As for all structural components of a building,
also for a façade, a structural analysis is
necessary. This may be often very complex
and sophisticated. E.g. the Finite-Element
analysis of the glass pane must cover all areas
with stress peaks, e.g. the area of the bore in
point-fixed glass panes. Facade-elements keep
getting bigger and bigger and more and more
transparent and filigree, the filigree mounting
constructions are often on the “borderline”. In
GPD Glass Performance Days 2019
Arch Challenges & Solutions
Figure 1 Shelling on a glass edge.
many events of damage of a facade, mistakes
in the structural analysis are one of several
reasons.
Figure 2: Example for analysis of a bracket of
an element façade
3.3. Screws
Drilling screws and self-tapping screws are
great products to fix façade-elements. But
ere also a structural design is necessary. The
most times hidden screws are sometimes
forgotten (Figure 3), of the wrong type, with to
small distance to the edges and do not fulfil
the principle of “anchor point” and “expansion
point”. An examination means often the
dismantling of the elements. Figure 4 shows
the damaged box for fire-fighting water after
impact of a façade element fixed with wrong
screws.
Figure 3 Typically Detail with a missing screw
and near edge mounting
GPD Glass Performance Days 2019
Figure 4 Damaged box after impact of façade
element
3.4. Glass support
For the glass support rules concerning
arrangement and design are existing. Here e.g.
the size of the glass support and the distance
from the edges are given. The glass support
has to support minimum the whole thickness
of the glass pane. Reality, unfortunately, shows
the situation quite different (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Too short glass support
3.5. Longitudinal expansion
The thermal length expansion of a façade has
to be considered in design.
One solution is to design the connection to the
substructure with fix-points and moving points.
In actual practice the moving points often do
not exist, are seized or flush with the end-stop.
3.6. Leakage
A major problem is leaking facades, especially
in the areas of attics or flat sloping roofs.
Here it is often the case that the channels
under the cover strips are filled with silicone
(Figure 6), which is counterproductive. The
moisture cannot run off or dry off, with the
result that standing water shreds the edge
seal, penetrates into the cavity between the
panes or even into the rooms below.
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Figure 6 Chanel filled with silicone
3.7. Impact
In case of an anti-drop device, beside the
structural analysis of glass the proof of impact
is necessary. Usually the glass thickness is
specified according tables with experience
values or by calculation. A third method is
testing in laboratory or direct on the building
site.
The standard testing method is the so called
pendelum impact test, see Figure 7.
It is of course possible to do the test with an
existing construction during inspection – with
the risk of glass breakage.
Figure 7 Pendulum impact test
4 Research project: Development of
a Mobile Device for the Evaluation of
the Current in Situ Stress Condition
in Glass
Together with TU Ilmenau, RWTH Aachen
and Verrotec GmbH Mainz, the consulting
engineers office of the author is working at
present on a research project. This project
is funded by the German Federal Ministry
of Economics and Energy (ZF4075115AG6)
within the framework of the Central Innovation
Program “Mittelstand” (ZIM) and deals with
the development of a mobile device for the
the evaluation of the current in situ stress
condition in glass. Mechanically fixed and
glued constructions will be determined.
 A concept and functional model for the • Using of special glass products (e.g. stiff
application of a mobile device for measuring interlayers) to reduce the weight of glass
qualitative flat stresses in glass components • Complete new façade according actual
based on photoelasticity including application state of art
software is to be developed. (Schaaf 2018).
Photoelasticity is based on the visualization 6 Conclusions
of the birefringence of optically isotropic or
polarized light in transparent materials like The actual façade constructions are getting
glass with the aid of a circular polariscope. more and more complex. Beside a proper
Unloaded glass is not birefringent, but loaded structural design, the inspection and
glass shows the property of birefringence due monitoring of the structural safety of the
hin the framework
to the stressof state
the Central
in the Innovation
glass. The Program “Mittelstand” (ZIM) and deals with the
polarized façade
Energy (ZF4075115AG6) within the framework of the Central Innovation Program “Mittelstand” (ZIM) andafter several
deals years is very important.
with the
ce for the the evaluation of the current in situ stress condition in glass. Mechanically fixed
load vector splits
development into twodevice
of a mobile perpendicular NewMechanically
for the the evaluation of the current in situ stress condition in glass. measurementfixed methods based on
be determined. A concept and functional model for the application of a mobile device for
sses in components when passing
and glued constructions
glass components based the
will beloaded
determined.
on photoelasticity
Figureapplication
glass Aincluding
concept 10
andTest specimen
functional photoelasticity
model for the application of
software is to be
a mobile devicemay help
for to find hidden
measuring
element qualitative
(Figure 8). Theflat stressesofinthis
directions glass components based on photoelasticity including application software is to be
problems.
hotoelasticity is based on the visualization of the birefringence of optically isotropic or
developed. (Schaaf 2018). Photoelasticity is based on the visualization of the birefringence of optically isotropic or
materialsvectors
polarizedare
like glass the
light insame of the
with the aid of aprinciple
circular stresses
polariscope. Unloaded glass is not birefringent, Refurbishment of facades may be necessary
transparent materials like glass with the aid of a circular polariscope. Unloaded glass is not birefringent,
σ1
operty of and σ2. The
birefringence so called
due “main
to the equation
stress state of
in the glass. The polarized load vector splits due to damage
but loaded glass shows the property of birefringence due to the stress state in the glass. The polarized load vector splits to the façade or architectural or
nents when passing theisloaded
photoelasticity” shown glass
in eqn element
(1) (Figure 8). The directions of this vectors are
(Schaaf energetic upgrading. This means sophisticated
into two perpendicular components when passing the loaded glass element (Figure 8). The directions of this vectors are
sses σ1 and σ2. The so called “main equation of photoelasticity” is shown in eqn (1) (Schaaf
2018,
the same Hildebrand 2010) stresses σ11 and σ22. The so called “main equation of photoelasticity” is shown
of the principle construction
in eqn (1)in (Schaaf
existing building.
2018, Hildebrand 2010)
 
=  
 
−   (1) 
 = (1)

  −  (1) References
 
Figure 11 Experimental phase image and 3-D (1) VDI Richtlinie 6200, Structural safety of buildings
nd σ2: principle λ: wavelength,
stress, constant, and δ:σ2:2:phase shift, D: thickness
C:C:photoelastic
photoelasticconstant, σ11 and : principle
principle plotλ:ofwavelength,
stress, phase shift δ: phase shift, D: thickness – Regular inspections, 2010.
stress, λ: wavelength, δ: phase shift, D: (2) Siebert B., Maniatis I. A new Façade Concept for
thickness 5 Refurbishment of facades an Existing Office building. Challenging Glass 2 Delft
2010.
(3) Siebert B. Modern Facades made of Glass. IABSE
Refurbishment of facades is often caused by Chicago 2008.
energetic aspects (in former times more or (4) Siebert B. Modern Facades of tall building. GPD
less monolithic layers, now triple IGU’s) or Tampere 2009.
architectural aspects (design). To safeguard (5) Siebert B. Refurbishment of facades. GlassCon
the well-being of the user and providing a Global 2018 Chicago
(6) DIN 18008-1: 2010-12: Glas im Bauwesen –
worst CO2-balance by providing any cooling Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil 1:
or air conditioning systems, nowadays Begriffe und allgemeine Grundlagen.
double skin facades are often a main point (7) DIN 18008-2: 2010-12: Glas im Bauwesen –
of refurbishment, especially for high rise Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil 2:
Figure
p of circular 8 Schematic
polariscope setup of
Figurecircular
9. Experimentalbuildings. Meanwhile
(a), simulated phase there
imageare a number
(b), of Linienförmig gelagerte Verglasungen.
Figure 8. Schematic setup of circular polariscope Figure 9. Experimental (a), simulated phase image (b),
(8) DIN 18008-2: 2011-04: Glas im Bauwesen -
polariscope (Schaaf
(Schaaf 2017)
2017)
stress plot of a FE simulation (c) (Deuschle
variations of types. The mainstresscharacteristic
plot of a FE of simulation (c) (Deuschle
2005) Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln - Teil 2:
a double skin façade are2005) two layers: The outer Linienförmig gelagerte Verglasungen, Berichtigung
h project, several experimental setups are being investigated. layer has
In the Context of the research project, several experimental the
One offunction
areasbeing
them with
setups weather
a bonding protection.One ofzuthem
investigated. DIN 18008-2:
with a 2010-12.
bonding
is shown in Figure 10 The outer layer is not openable and in most (9) DIN 18008-3: 2013-07:Glas im Bauwesen –
stigations, both homogeneous bonds and faulty bonds were times madebonds
examined.of monolithic
The glassglass. Thewere
is loaded innerexamined. Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil 3:
. Within the scope of the investigations, both homogeneous and faulty bonds The glass is loaded
oad, the brighter the areas around the adhesive (Figure layer has
11). the
With function
the method as of stresselement, so Punktförmig gelagerte Verglasungen.
insulation
with 2000N, the higher the load, the brighter the areas around the adhesive (Figure 11). With (10) theDINmethod
18008-4:of2013-07:Glas
stress im Bauwesen
he glass of bonded joints can be examined. Further investigations will follow.
the glass
optics, the state of stress in the glass of bonded joints can type is most times
be examined. insulation
Further glass.
investigations will follow.
– Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil
The gap between inner and outer layer is often 4: Zusatzanforderungen an absturzsichernde
ventilated, there are little openings in the outer Verglasungen.
Lightwall (11) DIN 18008-5: 2013-07:Glas im Bauwesen –
Lightwall façade to reach sufficient ventilation. Often
Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil 5:
Polarizer
Polarizer it is possible to open the inner layer, so it is Zusatzanforderungen an begehbare Verglasungen.
possible for the user to regulate the climatic (12) SIEBERT B., HERRMANN T., „Energetische
Figure 9 Experimental (a), simulated phase surroundings inside the building individually. Sanierung Hypo Hochhaus – Gebogene 3-fach
image (b), stress plot of a FE simulation In the gap between the layers an outside sun Isolierverglasung der neuen Doppelfassade“ ,
(c) (Deuschle 2005) Glasbau 2014, Ernst und Sohn Verlag Berlin, 2014.
protection can be installed which is protected
(13) Schaaf, B., Abeln, B., Richter, C., Feldmann,
against weather and wind influence. M., Glaser, M., Hildebrand, J., Bergmann, J.-P.
Test specimen
In the Context of the research project, several Development of a Mobile Device for the Evaluation
experimental setups are being investigated. The strengthening of a facade may be of the Current in Situ Stress Condition in Glass.
One of them with a bonding is shown in Figure necessary caused by: Challenging Glass Delft, Netherland 2018.
Analysator
10. Within the scope of the investigations, both • Problems with the ultimate limit state (14) Deuschle, H.M., Wittel, F.K., Kröplin, B.-H.:
Simulation von Spannungsoptik im Rahmen
homogeneous bonds and faulty bonds were caused by mistakes in design der FEM, 17. Deutschsprachige ABAQUS
examined. The glass is loaded with 2000N, the • Mistakes in execution Benutzerkonferenz, Nürnberg (2005)
higher10.
Figure the Test
load, specimen
the brighter the areas around • Problems with ultimate limit state caused (15) Schaaf, B., Di Biase, P.,Feldmann, M., Schuler,
the adhesive (Figure 11). With the method of by energetic renovation with thicker, C., Dix, S. Full-surface and non-destructive quality
stress optics, the state of stress in the glass heavier IGU’s control and evaluation by using photoelastic
methods, Glass Performance Days 2017,
of bonded joints can be examined. Further Problem solvers are: Proceedings, Tampere, Finland, (2017)
investigations will follow. • Strengthening of metal construction

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