W&W Glass Systems, Inc.
300 Airport Executive Park, Suite 302
Nanuet, NY 10954-7403
Tel: (845) 425-4000
Toll-Free: (800) 452-7925
Fax: (845) 425-6156
Web site: http://www.wwglass.com/sw

Glass Mullion Support Systems

The glass mullion system uses glass as a means of support for maximum transparency and to transfer wind loading to the structure. Various MOMENT and PIN type connections can be used to transfer loads to the structure in different ways:

SUSPENDED SYSTEMS — Most glass mullion supported structures are suspended from the structure above. PLANAR glass panels are fastened to the glass mullions by the use of PLANAR fittings. In this arrangement the total weight of the facade panels and mullions is carried by the connection at the head. This allows for very high facades to be designed without large in-plane loads on the PLANAR panels.

While some systems can be floor loaded or "stacked," we will ONLY floor load up to a height of 32 feet (10 meters). This is due to the possible buckling of the glass mullions. In high seismic areas, glass is always suspended.

PLANAR designs have been thoroughly tested for use in areas of high seismic activity. This has been authenticated by documented excellent performance in the Northridge, San Francisco Bay and recent Kobe earthquakes. Special fittings are supplied to incorporate the in plane racking of the glass plates.