Technologies for Complex Glass Envelopes Design: Production Methods Overview

Abstract

Geometrically complex glass envelopes are an area of great engineering challenges which require developing of method of integrated design and construction process. The investigation is focused on different methods of curved glass fabrication to bring it into the right shape with a special focus on design and production process of different geometries that take into consideration different glass types. All these different methods are on the first view very easy but very complex in the detail and include the most used way of shaping glass in process with high temperature by sagging down, thermally pre-stressing, and cold bending by lamination and by assembling. The current paper gives a brief overview about the advantages and limitations of each production method in accordance with different geometries.