Beam Compression Bracing Assumption @ Glass Roof

[RDMESH]

Hi All,

On buildings with glass roof almost same as skylight would you consider the compression flange of beam to be fully braced by glass roof same as metal decks. I am considering all beam to be fully unbraced at the moment and the beam are requiring to be beefier than expected anyone on the similar scenario? I have very little experience with glass roof. I appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Thank you ahead of time.

 

[r13]

Glass panel (for roof use) should have limited length and width, you should provide secondary members to make glass frame, and utilize these members to brace the beams, if desired. Note, I believe the glass has very tight deflection limit, you will need strong roof members.

 

[phamENG]

My initial impression is that your unbraced assumption is correct. But retired might have a point with the frames. If these are manufactured elements, contact the manufacturer and discuss the ability of their product to brace a beam. If they have no idea what you're talking about, probably safe to assume it's unbraced. If they are custom, site built pieces probably best to assume they won't adequately brace the beam.

 

[dhengr]

RDMESH:
More than likely, your roof system is made up of several different levels of framing. Your primary spanning member and cross framing (cross bracing) members which make up the primary structural system, carrying the glass and roof loads, etc. So, the main beams are not continuously braced, but rather braced by the cross framing. And, the spacing and detailing of these two sets of spanning members must be closely coordinated with the glass panel supplier, since his system will come with its own glass framing sub-system which makes up the panels, and which then more or less just drop into the primary structural framing system. The glass supplier’s system provides most of the water proofing (gasketing, etc.) and flashing, drainage pathways, glass panel fixings, etc. which should nest into the primary structure to make the completed roof system.