Cold-bent glass
Movares is developing cold-bent glass and glass that will remain in place for an extended period in the event of a fire. The advantages are obvious.
Innovative
Cold-bent glass is delivered flat to the site, where it is bent onto a curved supporting structure and fixed into place. The radius of curvature is variable and cold-bent glass is thinner and cheaper than hot-bent. In case of fire, this type of glass will remain intact for 30 minutes, as long as there is no direct contact with flames. Cold-bent glass also has many environmental advantages over both hot-bent glass and plastic. In addition to using only half as much material, cold-bent glass does not require a form and does not need to be heated, yielding significant energy savings. The flat panes are also easier and cheaper to transport to the site. However, the most significant savings are in the supporting structure, which can be much lighter as it is supporting less weight and need not be so stiff.
Articles
Title: Freeformglass: lichtere staal/glas-constructies Source: Civiele Techniek 5-6/2011 Title: Kalt biegbares und feuerfestes Verbundsicherheitsglas, Neue Möglichkeiten der architektonischen Gestaltung Source: L. I. Vákár, Movares Nederland, K. S. Schoustra, BRS. Title: Fire resistant roof glazing design Source: Structural Engineering International 2/2006 Title: Cold bendable laminated glass Source: Structural Engineering International 2/2004
