Architecture transparent roof

Many of us have noticed that in recent years in the construction industry has changed dramatically. And they are associated primarily with the advent of the domestic market of many new modern building materials. No accident that even some of the most conservative areas of construction - the roof has received in recent years a number of new roofing materials.

In recent years, along with traditional roofing materials in the regeneration of the roof are increasingly being used and translucent - glass, and polymeric materials. The use of these materials allows us to speak about new trends in contemporary architecture - creating a sustainable relationship between external space and the interior of the building.

Requirements for construction

The main objective of the light transmitting roofing - providing natural light into the interior of the building. On this basis, they meet the following requirements:

- Provision of normalized indicators lighting facilities;

- Protection of working areas of the room brightness of direct and reflected rays of the sun;

- Provision of ventilation, with the possibility of smoke in case of fire;

- Development of measures for the operation of translucent structures (replacement of the light transmitting fillings, they wash, etc.);

- Address issues of snow removal and organized drainage from surfaces adjacent to the structural elements;

- Select the light transmitting material (glass, glass, plastics);

- Static structural strength; "insulation, vapor barrier, insulation, sound insulation;

- Joint design of ventilation and drainage of condensate.

Translucent roof can be implemented as separate sloping ramps, arches, pyramids, domes, polygons, etc. In this case, depending on the purpose of the interior, they can be both cold and warm.

Types of structures

By design features translucent design can be divided into the following types:

- Translucent design based on system profiles;

- Construction of self-supporting light transmitting elements;

- Lights and dormer windows.

From system profiles can create any type of roof: pitched, gable, hip, dome, etc. Usually, the manufacturers of profiles are ready technical solutions for the most common types of roofs, for complex objects by designers manufacturers developed and customized solutions.

Material for the system profiles is:

- Steel used for large spans;

- Aluminum-to medium-sized and small bays;

- PVC - for small spans.

Profiles can be used with any kind of light transmitting element. Experts note that between the profile and the light transmitting element requires a seal (mainly made of synthetic rubber).

Design based on self-supporting light transmitting elements made only of plastic transparent material. Performed in a variety of arches and segments, have the ribs. Individual design elements can be opened in various ways, including automatically.

Lantern - a glass light on the roof or glazing ledge of the building. They can be of different types - rectangular, trapezoidal, sawtooth, vertical and inclined glazing (shedovye) zenith.

Glazing is running as lanterns of translucent self-supporting elements, and based on the profile system with a filling made of glass, glass or polymer materials.

In addition to these structures as a source of lighting the attic floor can be used by traditional windows, vertical and specifically designed for this purpose, the so-called roof, which are installed in the plane of the roof (with a slope of ramps 15-90 °).

In one of the attic floor can be used both roof and conventional vertical windows, if it helps to reinforce the plastic facade of the building and completed his architectural solution.

Aluminium profiles

Considering the aluminum as the material used in construction, experts say that now aluminum structures become an essential element of architecture and construction. All-glass construction, mirrored facades, glass roof and atrium, transparent entrance of office and commercial buildings have become an integral part of the modern city.

Aluminium - excellent material for translucent roofing. It is lightweight, durable and resistant, does not contain impurities of heavy metals and does not emit harmful substances by ultraviolet rays. It retains its structural properties at extremes of temperature and has high thermal conductivity. After the surface treatment of aluminum products, they become resistant to the harmful effects caused by atmospheric deposition.

Steel profiles

Steel - an alloy based on iron, which has one of the most important properties - corrosion resistance. Were also inherent characteristics such as good fire resistance, toughness at low temperatures, strength at high temperatures.

For the manufacture of steel sections using high quality galvanized steel.

PVC Profiles

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is produced from natural raw materials, it consists of 43% of ethylene (petrochemical product) and 57% - combined chlorine derived from common salt. PVC - hard-flammable and self-extinguishing, resistant to alkali, acid and lime, as well as precipitation.

PVC has a low modulus of elasticity, ie deform under high temperatures and external loads, so PVC profiles must be reinforced with steel reinforcing profiles.

Translucent materials

As a translucent material for roofs, are currently used glass or double glazing, and various polymer materials. Experts note that in each case make a choice based on the appropriateness of this or that material, given its features and specifications.

Glass and glazing

Glass is well known to people long ago. The oldest of his specimens were found in Egypt. In India, Korea, Japan, found glass products relating to 2000 BC. er. However, in the architecture of this material have been actively used in the second half of XIX century. That was when there was a set of buildings with a glass roof that allows full use of natural lighting, shopping malls (Moscow GUM), stations (Station d'Orsay in Paris, transformed into a Museum of Art), exhibition halls (Milan Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II). Openwork geometric arches, arches and domes are typical elements of the architecture of glass and metal.

However, the glass, except for providing natural lighting, should also protect the premises from outside influences - heat insulation in winter and summer, insulation, protective and aesthetic properties. To provide these features have developed different types of glass, and products using this material - glazed windows.

Double glazing consists of two or more glass and spacer with desiccant. Glass separated by a gap filled with inert gas (argon, krypton) and tightly connected by a path. Because of this they have high thermal and sound insulating properties. In the manufacture of glass used by virtually all types of glass. Their choice depends on requirements for specific translucent design.

The modern glass industry can tackle a wide range of problems associated with both the external form of glazing, and with the physical characteristics of the roof glazing.

Polymeric materials

One of the first materials to find alternative acrylic glass was called organic glass. It was invented by German scientists in 1930. The world uses several terms to refer to it: polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), acrylic glass, plexiglas, perspex. This is an absolutely colorless material that can withstand considerable mechanical weight, easy to process and remarkably amenable to thermoforming.

However, the properties of acrylic, not all can meet the designers - it made to continue to search for other polymeric materials.

PVC roofing

In addition to acrylic device translucent roof using corrugated sheets made of PVC. The most well-known in Ukraine - Brand: «ONDEX» (France), «SALUX» (Germany) and «PALRUF» (Israel).

According to experts, thanks to a special patented manufacturing process, in which the sheet is stretched in the longitudinal and transverse directions, «ONDEX» features high impact resistance and strain. As a result, "biaxial orientation" of the structure of plastic acquires property for a long time to resist mechanical stress.

In general, the corrugated sheets made of PVC have a different purpose - skylights, roof light, protection for balconies and terraces, pergolas, etc. They have a number of important features, among which occupies a special place moisture resistance and resistance to high temperatures.

Polycarbonate roofing

Polycarbonate is a polymer, properties and stability of which can carry it on to the plastic materials engineering class. Its physical and mechanical properties remain unchanged in a much wider than that of acrylic temperature range (-40 to +120 ° C).

In modern construction polycarbonate is used in two ways - in the form of monolithic and structured sheets and panels.

Monolithic polycarbonate is used as a roofing material and is an ideal material from which to create a flat roof and curved roof structures form that are not inferior in the transparency of glass. However, according to experts, in Ukraine it is rarely used and it is connected, first of all, with its value. Monolithic polycarbonate is much more structured polycarbonate products.

Structured sheets and panels (also called cellular or cellular) - this is the most common type of polycarbonate in the construction industry. Today, basically, it was used in horizontal or arched ceilings. This material weighs 6-10 times smaller than conventional silica glass and 6 times less than the acrylic. The flexibility of sheets to cover the construction of complex geometric shapes. This is a different dome with a round, square or rectangular base, extended unit skylights with unlimited length, and separate sections of huge domes, reaching 8-U m in diameter (it is easily transported and assembled).

The main advantages of structured polycarbonate products include:

- Low specific gravity (from 0,7 to 4,8 kg / sq.m), which allows to project light designs with large number of design opportunities and reduce the cost of coverage;

- High thermal insulation properties (coefficient of reduced resistance to heat transfer is 0,30-0, 65 sq.m / W);

- High load carrying capacity;

- Transparency;

- Flexibility to easily make an arched ceiling;

- High chemical resistance;

- Durability (guaranteed service life of -10-12 years);

- Low flammability.

In addition to these advantages, cellular polycarbonate products characterized by high impact strength. Tests by the method of Gardner - method for determining the resistance to impact of falling objects (Gardner Falling Dart Impact Test) - have shown that polycarbonate has a high degree of energy absorption in comparison with other materials. This feature ensures high resistance to hail and falling objects.

All these qualities have enabled the successful use polycarbonate products for the creation of many objects, such as:

- Skylights, translucent roof for industrial, sports and private buildings;

- Canopies for gas stations, car parks, markets, swimming pools and playgrounds;

- Greenhouses and conservatories in the private and industrial use;

- Roofs, verandas, gazebos, showers;

- Partitions in offices, suspended ceilings, decorations scenes in theaters and clubs;

- Light boxes, stands.

Given all the features and properties of polycarbonate sheets, experts note that polycarbonate - one of the most successful alternatives to the use of glass for translucent roofing.

On the world market of polycarbonate products are various brands polycarbonate. The most famous of them Makrolon (Germany), Makrolux, Oaulux (Switzerland), Barlo PC (Belgium), Akyver (France), Polygal, Danpalon (Israel), Lexan Thermoclear (USA) and others.

According to experts, the Ukrainian market of polycarbonate sheets and panels are the product MACROLUX - Company EM P. Sa and DAULUX (Switzerland), polycarbonate sheets MAKROLON joint venture companies Bayer AG and Rohm GmbH & Co.KG company MAKROFORM (Germany), product-EXAN GE PLASTICS (Austria, England, Holland), AKYVER company KAYZERBERG (France), POLYGAL production Company Polygal industries Ltd (Israel). Moving on the Ukrainian market and translucent polycarbonate coating system and the system DANPALON ControLite company DAN PAL (Israel) etc.

There is a misconception that all brands of polycarbonate - the same plastic only with different names, because suppliers of raw materials for the production of polycarbonate are the same. However, in reality, the aforementioned materials differ, sometimes significantly.

Experts note that polycarbonate products of different brands may vary:

- The use of various additives and extrusion equipment, determining the opacity, color sheets and panels;

- The structure and geometry of the honeycomb product;

- With respect to the application of protection against ultraviolet radiation;

For example, the panel MACROLUX Longlife (Switzerland), POLYGAL (Israel) and MAKROLON company MAKROFORM (Germany), for protection against ultraviolet radiation is inseparable from them are covered with special protective layer. Besides Makrolon sheets on the inside cover are «no drop» - prevents the formation of water droplets on the inner side of the panel. This technology solves the problem of drop formation at the expense of special handling of the inner surface of these panels. Moisture in this case is uniformly distributed over the leaf surface with a thin layer, which does not disrupt the ability of translucent polycarbonate material.

The panel POLYCAL can also be applied a special coating "Antifog, prevents the formation of droplets. Panel with the coating, according to experts, give good results when used in greenhouses, since by preventing the formation of water droplets increases light transmission and reduces the incidence of plants.

Has its own characteristics and production company GE Plastics - cellular polycarbonate sheets LEXAN THERMOCLEAR (Austria), are protected from ultra violet radiation from the two sides, which prolongs the life of the sheet under adverse environmental impacts.

Coating System DANPALON differs from other polycarbonate sheets so that it is the idea of ​​vertical stiffeners. The patented method of assembly and fastening systems using vertical elements at the edges of the extruded panels, provides coverage absolute tightness and high durability.

Polycarbonate products from other manufacturers also have certain distinctive characteristics, while it should be noted that each manufacturer is continuously working on improving its products, using the latest advances in science and technology.

In general, speaking of polycarbonate sheets, experts say that today the Ukrainian market a wide range of products, both in thickness and in the diversity panel. For example, in the line of polycarbonate panels Polygal, there are more than 10 special types of panels designed for different climatic and operating conditions.

Such a variety of panels enables designers to achieve maximum expressiveness design for its consistently high specifications.

The composition of the market

To date, according to experts, the Ukrainian market of the light transmitting roofing is a multi-segment construction materials. In this segment, operating companies, which have in their assortment of different materials and products used in the manufacture of translucent roofing and rendering services to their design and construction.

The largest number of firms (by various estimates, only in Kyiv there are about 50) offer aluminum profiles Ukrainian, such as the Kiev factory of aluminum building structures (Brovary), JV "Donetsk plant aluminum construction, plant Yugchermet" (city Днепропетровск) и др., так и зарубежных производителей — Schuco International (Германия), Reynaers Aluminium NV (Бельгия), Saray (Турция) и др. Стекло-алюминиевые конструкции производства Four Seasons Solar Corhoration (США) представляет на украинском рынке фирма «Болдеко Инжиниринг». Кроме алюминиевых профилей ряд фирм имеют в своем ассортименте ПВХ профили различных зарубежных производителей — REHAU, SCHUKO, THYSSEN и др.

Около 8-10 фирм в Украине занимаются реализацией стекла отечественных, российских, белорусских и крупнейших европейских производителей — британской компании Pjlkington Glass Ltd, французской St-Gobain и бельгийской Glaverbel SA

Как светопропускающий элемент в кровле, в настоящее время в Украине, все активнее используются мансардные окна — ROTO (Германия), VELUX (Дания), FAKRO (Польша) и OKWELL (Словения). Значительную долю рынка светопропускающих материалов занимают системы поликарбонатных панелей.

Стоимость

Светопрозрачные материалы можно условно разделить на три ценовых диапазона. Первый диапазон — высоких цен, занимает стекольная продукция. В диапазон средних цен, специалисты относят поликарбонатные листы и панели. И диапазон низких цен составляют прозрачные ПВХ листы, стоимость которых — от $5 до $7 за 1 м.кв.

Однако, говорить только о стоимости светопропускающих материалов, рассматривая «прозрачные» кровельные конструкции будет не совсем правильно, так как в ее состав входят различные элементы. Поэтому специалисты отмечают, что необходимо говорить о стоимости всей конструкции, которая определяется в процессе проектирования.

Prospect

Рассматривая украинский рынок светопропускающих кровельных конструкций, специалисты отмечают его динамику в вопросах появления новых материалов. Поэтому говорить о том, что рынок окончательно сформировался пока рано.

В то же время в Украине уже имеются специалисты, способные технологически правильно выполнить монтаж светопропускающих конструкций. Что касается наших сограждан, как потенциальных заказчиков, то и они значительно изменились. Период первого ознакомления с материалами заканчивается. Многие хотят получить конструкцию, изготовленную из современных и качественных материалов. А именно светопропускающие материалы позволяют решить эту задачу.

Крупные операторы светопропускающих материалов считают, что в ближайшее время спрос на эти материалы будет расти. Уже сегодня отмечается значительное увеличение поставок на украинский рынок поликарбонатных панелей и разнообразного стекла мировых лидеров стекольного производства.

Источник: Бойко Н. / Строительство и реконструкция. 2003. № 4. С. 32-33