Steel-Glass Structural Analysis for Architectural Design Under Global Stability Constraints
Sebastien Arnaud
School of Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
Blair Dermot
School of Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
Bea Daniel
School of Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
Keywords: Structural Glass, Global Stability, Architectural Design, Buckling Mitigation
Abstract
The integration of steel and glass in modern architectural design has fundamentally transformed the aesthetic and functional capabilities of contemporary building envelopes and load-bearing structures. While transparency and minimal visual obstruction remain primary design drivers, the structural interplay between high-strength steel frameworks and brittle glass panels introduces significant complexities, particularly regarding global stability constraints. This paper presents a comprehensive analytical framework for evaluating steel-glass composite structures, focusing on the mitigation of buckling and the enhancement of overall system stability under variable environmental and operational loads. By treating glass not merely as cladding but as an active participant in structural load transfer, the analysis explores the synergistic stiffening effects that panels can provide to slender steel sub-structures. The research investigates material interaction, connection stiffness, and geometric nonlinearities to establish robust design protocols that satisfy stringent architectural stability requirements. Through advanced computational simulation strategies evaluated qualitatively, the study elucidates the influence of varying support conditions and load distributions on the global buckling behavior of composite assemblies. The findings offer critical insights into optimizing connection typologies and member proportions, ensuring that structural safety does not compromise architectural intent. The proposed analytical paradigms aim to bridge the gap between architectural vision and engineering reliability, providing designers with theoretical foundations for the safe implementation of expansive structural glass systems.
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