Valérie Hayez - Consideration & Performance of SSG Glass Façade of High-Rise in Extreme Climate

Session: Extreme Conditions Event: GPD Finland 2019 Technical Considerations and Performance of Structural Glazing Glass Façade of High-Rise Building in Extreme Climate Since structural silicone glazing (SSG) was introduced to China in 1980s, it has been widely used in glass façades of high-rise buildings. South China, an economically rapid developing area, owns an increased number of new skyscraper projects, while it also experiences the highest frequency of typhoons in China. As climate change increases the frequency and strength of typhoons these extreme climatic conditions bring both challenges and opportunities to structural silicone glazing application, which need to achieve a balance between vision aesthetics and strength requirements. The present case study describes the façade performance of the 2nd tallest building in China, the Ping An International Finance Center (IFC) in Shenzhen. It is the highest building with 4-sided structural glazing unitized stainless steel façade in the world. The building is in a high typhoon frequency area with high wind load. FEA modeling and extensive testing were used to ensure the SSG design would be able to accommodate the high movements due to the extreme wind load while ensuring excellent long-term adhesion. In 2018, the IFC façade experienced successfully the super typhoon Mangkhut, the strongest typhoon in the last 35 years, with wind speeds reaching 47.8m/s. Keywords: structural silicone glazing, Ping An, typhoon