ABSTRACT
The concept of structural glazing began with the idea of using the sealant as a structural glue and also letting the same bead serve as the weathering sealant. This chapter considers under the same heading the use of one bead of sealant on a structural glue and another bead on the weather seal. Successful application of this concept requires combining a highly engineered material with a highly engineered application. The success of the concept is demonstrated by buildings whose entire fascade is glued in place. Innovative engineers and architects saw the silicone sealant as a glue, or adhesive, that could tolerate full exposure to sun and weather. They began to use silicones on store fronts, on ground-level windows held mechanically at the top and bottom, with silicone glued to some support along the vertical edges. The chapter also considers secondary force that will be seen by the structurally glazed unit.
