CIRCULARITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT GRADUATION AWARD 2021-2022
Exploded Isometric View of Hybrid glass block components
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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF HYBRID GLASS BLOCKS: Rethinking the shape, manufacturing process & assembly system
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Step 1: Screw side & base plate
Step 3: Slide in the soft padding over the base plate
Step 2: Place connectors in between plates
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Name: Anurag Sonar Mentors: Faidra Oikonomopoulou, Marcel Bilow Program: MSc in Building Technology, Sustainable Graduation Studio Repository link
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Category: Materials & Components Aspects: Technology & Design
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Snap-Fit Connection Detail
Step 4: Place the hybrid glass block on the corner
A - Cast Glass Component (Borosilicate) B - Snap-fit connection (Plastic) C - Float Glass (Soda-lime)
Step 5: Screw cover plate over side & base plate
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Step 6: Secure the connection & place connectors over block
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION In the building industry, there are two approaches to glass blocks: load-bearing solid glass blocks with poor thermal properties and hollow glass blocks with optimal thermal properties but no structural performance. Can we combine these approaches and develop a hybrid glass block? A hybrid glass block is a combination of solid and hollow glass blocks designed as a single product that is recyclable, reversible, and possesses good thermal and structural performance. The main research question formulated is, What are the primary design considerations and challenges in designing and manufacturing a hybrid glass block system that exhibits good thermal and structural performance?
Step 8: Place the interlayer over the hybrid glass block
Step 9: Repeat step 4 - 8 till last course of blocks
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Exploded Isometric View of Hybrid glass block system components
The research focuses on developing design guidelines for the innovative hybrid glass system and follows a product development methodology to guide and aid the design process. Various design concepts are explored in-depth for each design problem and are assessed through a set of design criteria to develop a final design concept. The final design concept is refined based on manufacturing standards and challenges. The final design is then detailed and implemented in the Academy of Arts, Maastricht (case study), and various assembly strategies for dry stacked cast glass systems are formulated. The design is validated through prototype manufacturing followed by a numerical and analytical method to evaluate the product’s feasibility in the building industry. The final product contains 3 components on the unit level - structural cast glass, float glass, and snap-fit connection. The aim was to keep the cast glass component 100% recyclable, therefore, a reversible dry connection system is designed that minimizes the risk of material contamination. The float glass panels are connected with the aid of a snap-fit connection that is inserted in the recyclable cast glass component with the help of a pressure mechanism. A dry stacked assembly system is developed to maintain the reusability, recyclability, and reversibility of various components. Modular, as well as local assembly strategies, are developed that provide a step by step installation guideline for new construction or renovation.
Step 7: Screw side plate for the next row
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1 Step 10: Slide in the connectors in between hybrid glass block
Step 11: Place soft padding over the hybrid glass block
Step 12: Screw top plate to the top beam
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Step 13: Lower top beam
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Currently there are no glass blocks that possess good thermal and structural performance and are recyclable with dry reversible connections. The Hybrid glass block system is a unique and innovative attempt to integrate the building component’s performance and circularity on a unit as well as system level.
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1 - Wooden Frame 2 - Side Plate 3 - Base Plate 4 - Interlayer with Alignment 5 - Soft padding
6 - Cover Plate 7 - Screw 8 - Teflon Cover 9 - Hybrid Glass Block 10 - Plus connection 11 - Teflon Cover back
Step 14: Secure the connection
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Step 15: Screw cover plate over the top plate