[0001] The invention relates to a glass structure, particularly a bearing structure having
bearing glass construction parts.
[0002] The invention furthermore relates to an assembly for mutually connecting construction
parts in such structures, as well as to connection members for them.
[0003] Due to its properties glass is very alluring to architects and constructors. Up until
now use has predominantly been made of the transparency and/or translucency of glass
and glass mainly has a partitioning function, particularly a climate partitioning
function. Glass panels are thus used in casings, doors and/or as facade cladding or
in glass facades. In said uses the glass panels are connected to a bearing structure
of for instance wood, metal, stone or concrete.
[0004] Using the strength of glass, wherein glass itself is used as construction part, up
until now has been highly problematic. For realising large spans, such as glass footbridges,
it is also desirable to use interconnected glass construction parts. For such an interconnection
of glass construction parts and particularly for interconnecting bearing glass construction
parts in a bearing manner a connection between the glass panels is necessary that
is not only strong, but predominantly reliable and predictable in order to thus build
safely.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a reliable and sufficiently
strong bearing glass structure, which is provided bearing glass construction parts.
[0006] It is a further object of the invention to provide a reliable connection for bearing
glass structures, wherein relatively large forces can be transferred, despite it being
glass.
[0007] From one aspect the invention provides a glass structure according to claim 1. Advantageous
embodiments have been described in the depending claims.
[0008] The glass structure according to the invention comprises a first and a second glass
construction part, each provided with at least one main surface, particularly bearing
glass panels, wherein both construction parts are interconnected by means of at least
one connection assembly so as to transfer forces, the connection assembly comprising:
a first and second connection member that are each provided with a first connection
surface that is attached by means of an adhesive to said main surface of the said
glass construction part for transferring constructive forces, preferably substantially
parallel to the said main surface, and
a third connection member connecting the first and second connection member for transferring
constructive forces, particularly normal forces,
wherein the first connection surface of the first and second connection member
are each spaced apart from an edge of the first and second glass construction part,
respectively. The connection members thus do not engage onto the relatively weak edges
of the glass construction parts, thus sparing the edges.
[0009] In the structure according to the invention the bearing glass construction parts
can be used for transferring constructive forces, despite it being glass (panels).
The structure according to the invention may thus have the function of a girder, particularly
in a (foot) bridge. Separate girder parts, such as steel tube structures, for the
bearing function may at least be partially dispensed with.
[0010] Preferably the glass construction parts are panel-shaped and they are situated in
a plane that is approximately or entirely vertically oriented.
[0011] It is furthermore advantageous when the first connection surface is provided with
a recessed edge area, such as a slot running along its circumference. During installing
the connection member on the glass construction part the superfluous glue may flow
in said slot.
[0012] The bounding edge of the slot facing away from the first connection surface preferably
is recessed, so that it is spaced apart from said main surface of the glass construction
part. This ensures that only the connection surface contacts the glass construction
part, and thus prevents that other parts of the connection member than the connection
surface support on the glass construction part.
[0013] In one embodiment each connection member comprises a bonding disk provided with the
connection surface. Advantageously the bonding disk is provided with coupling members
for coupling the third connection member thereto. Preferably the third connection
member is adapted for transferring normal forces, tensile forces and/or pressure forces.
[0014] Preferably the third connection member is connected with the bonding disk so as to
hinge about a centre line that is substantially perpendicular to the main surface.
[0015] In one embodiment the third connection member is moment-fixedly connected to the
bonding disk, considered in a plane perpendicular to the main surface.
[0016] Particularly in case the glass construction parts have two opposite main surfaces,
it is preferred that at least one and preferably each of the first and second connection
members comprises a second connection surface, wherein the first and second connection
surface are placed opposite each other and on the said main surface of the said glass
construction part. The two connection surfaces that are attached to either side of
the glass construction part by means of an adhesive, may be loaded mirror-symmetrically
with respect to the centre plane of the glass construction part, which results in
an advantageous transfer of forces.
[0017] As regards the transfer of forces it is furthermore advantageous when the first and
second connection surface preferably are substantially congruent, which enhances a
proper transfer of forces and also enhances the look. In addition identical first
and second connection surfaces are preferred for production-technical reasons; for
a device according to the invention namely only one type of connection surface needs
to be designed and produced.
[0018] In one embodiment wherein the first and second glass construction part comprises
a through-opening extending substantially perpendicular to the opposite main surfaces,
each of the connection member comprises a first bonding disk provided with the first
connection surface, and a second bonding disk provided with the second connection
surface and a coupling member extending through the through-opening for mutually coupling
the first and second bonding disk. Preferably the first and second bonding disk are
substantially congruent.
[0019] It is furthermore advantageous when the coupling member comprises biassing means
for exerting a clamping force oriented towards each other on the first and second
bonding disks. In this way the adhesive transfers forces in substantially pure shearing
onto the glass construction part. The biassing means ensure a little pre-biassing
on the connection in order to increase operative portion of the connection surfaces.
In this way the effects of peeling-tensions, generated by for instance internal moments,
wherein there is question of forces that are transverse to the main surface and moments
that tend to move the connection surface and the construction part away from each
other, are counteracted.
[0020] In a simple embodiment the first and second bonding disk comprise a through-opening
through which the biassing means have been passed, wherein the biassing means preferably
abut a side of the first and second bonding disk that faces away from the glass plate,
and wherein the biassing means preferably comprise a nut and an axle, wherein the
axle is provided with an external thread near at least one of its ends, wherein the
nut can be screwed onto the end of the axle provided with the external thread for
adjusting the clamping force on the first and second bonding disk.
[0021] In one embodiment the first and/or second connection surface is placed near the through-opening
in the main surface of the glass construction part and spaced apart from an edge of
said through-opening. The weakened edge area of the through-opening is thus kept free
from contact, spanned by the said bonding disk, and is not loaded.
[0022] The bonding disks can be made from one piece of metal or a metal alloy or a synthetic
material. In connection with the durable character of the glass construction parts
preferably a durable and low-maintenance material, such as for instance stainless
steel, is also selected for the connection members. The relatively little difference
between the coefficient of thermal expansion of stainless steel and that of glass
prevents problems due to temperature differences. The machinability is good which
is important as the bonding disks are made on a lathe. In addition the visual combination
of glass and stainless steel can be considered attractive.
[0023] Preferably the third connection members comprise bars transferring normal forces,
coupling strips or coupling rods that directly or indirectly engage onto the coupling
member, particularly the axle, and which preferably are also made of a metal or a
metal alloy or a synthetic material. Preferably one or more third connection members
are placed at a side of each bonding disk that faces away from the glass construction
part. In this way a moment-fixed connection can be realised for buffering the different
forces and moments that are active on the glass structure according to the invention.
[0024] As regards the transfer of forces it is advantageous in this case if on either side
of the main surfaces of the first and second bearing glass construction parts third
connection members have been placed, and particularly when the third connection members
are placed substantially parallel and mirror symmetrical with respect to the main
surfaces of the first and second bearing glass construction parts. In practice the
coupling member will as a result usually be loaded by forces that are oriented substantially
parallel to the connection surfaces. Said forces of the coupling member are transferred
onto the bonding disks. It is advantageous here when the dimensions of the axle and
the through-openings in the bonding disks have been selected such that the axle can
be fittingly placed in said through-openings. In other words, the circumferential
surface of the axle abuts the internal surface of the through opening, for transferring
the forces.
[0025] Preferably the connection surfaces have a rotation-symmetrical shape. Preferably
the bonding disks also have a rotation-symmetrical shape. As a result the connection
surfaces can be loaded in any direction and the manufacturing and mounting is relatively
simple.
[0026] In practice it has turned out that using an epoxy-based glue as adhesive may result
in a proper connection.
[0027] It is advantageous here when the thickness of the connection formed by the adhesive
is smaller than 1 mm, preferably smaller than 0.2 mm. Little deformation can occur
in the thin layer of glue, so that a highly rigid and creep-proof connection is realised.
[0028] From a further aspect the invention provides a connection member or a glass construction
part for a glass structure as described above.
[0029] From a further aspect the invention provides an assembly for interconnecting glass
construction parts provided with at least one main surface, particularly bearing glass
panels, comprising
a first bonding disk comprising a first connection surface and a first through-opening
extending substantially perpendicular to the connection surface,
a second bonding disk comprising a second connection surface and a second through-opening
extending substantially perpendicular to the connection surface, and
a coupling member extending through the first and second through-openings for mutually
coupling the first and second bonding disk, wherein the coupling member comprises
biassing means for exerting a clamping force on the first and second bonding disk,
wherein the first and second connection surface are placed opposite each other
for confining a glass construction part therebetween, wherein the connection surfaces
are attachable to said main surface by means of an adhesive for transferring constructive
forces, preferably substantially parallel to the main surface of the glass construction
part.
[0030] From a further aspect the invention provides a glass construction part comprising
two opposite main surfaces, a through-opening extending substantially perpendicular
to the opposite main surfaces, and an assembly as described above, wherein the first
and second connection surface near the through-opening and spaced apart from an edge
of said through-opening are attached to the opposite main surfaces of the glass construction
part by means of an adhesive, and wherein the coupling member extends through the
substantially aligned through-opening in the glass construction part and the first
and second through-openings.
[0031] The aspects and measures described and/or shown in the application may where possible
also be used independent from each other. Said individual aspects, such as the connection
members, bonding disks, coupling members, composed connection members and glass construction
parts, and other aspects may the subject of divisional patent applications related
thereto.
[0032] The invention will be elucidated in the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in
the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a glass span;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a detail II of figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a device
for interconnecting glass construction parts;
Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of a second exemplary embodiment of a device
for interconnecting glass construction parts, used on a laminated glass plate;
Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a third exemplary embodiment of a device
for interconnecting glass construction parts comprising two laminated glass plates
placed parallel; and
Figure 6 shows a further development of the device for interconnecting glass construction
parts wherein a third glass plate is coupled to the two interconnected glass construction
parts, wherein the third glass plate is substantially perpendicular to the plane of
the two glass construction parts.
[0033] For realising a glass bridge having a large span, according to the invention glass
construction parts can be interconnected as shown for instance in figure 1. It is
noted that with the bearing structure of bearing glass plates that are connected to
each other so as to transfer forces, girder structures and column structures and other
bearing structures can be made, such as an overhanging girder, a bearing column, etcetera.
The glass plates are situated in a vertical plane, or at a small angle thereto, so
that the glass is able to transfer forces in its plane.
[0034] Figure 1 schematically shows a design of a glass bridge 1 having a large span S wherein
the bearing structure is formed by (in this example) seven glass construction parts,
such as for instance glass panels 2. The drawing only shows one vertical or upright
longitudinal wall 1 a. It will be understood that behind the longitudinal wall 1 a
shown a second longitudinal wall, spaced apart therefrom, will be present.
[0035] The glass panels 2 are interconnected by means of connection assemblies comprising
first and second connection members 3, which devices 3 are connected to the glass
construction parts 2 by means of a glue connection as described below. The first and
second connection members 3 are mutually coupled by means of third connection members
4 which in the shape of strips or rods preferably made of steel and at the ends are
hingingly attached (in a plane parallel to glass plate 2, direction A) on the connection
members, so that they form rods with hinge ends.
[0036] A moment-fixed connection can be realised by placing first and second connection
members 3 at the upper and lower side of both glass plates 2 to be coupled and interconnect
them by means of steel strips 41. Transverse forces can be absorbed by means of a
diagonal rod 42. By interconnecting each of the glass panels 2 placed in series, a
span built up from bearing glass plates can be realised that is able to reliably bridge
the distance S between the points of support 5. The longitudinal walls 1 a here as
it were form a girder or beam.
[0037] Figure 2 shows a connection assembly between two glass construction parts 2 in more
detail. Each of the first and second connection members 3 in this exemplary embodiment
comprises a round and disk-shaped bonding disk 31 which by means of a glue connection
is connected to the glass construction parts 2. Also on the other side of the glass
construction parts 2 such a bonding disk 32 is glued, wherein the opposite bonding
disks 31, 32 are mutually coupled by means of a coupling member 33 as schematically
shown in the cross-sectional view of figure 3.
[0038] The first exemplary embodiment of the device for interconnecting glass construction
parts as shown in figure 3 comprises a first bonding disk 31 and an identical second
bonding disk 32 that are glued substantially opposite each other onto a glass plate
2. Both bonding disks 31, 32 are each provided with a connection surface 311, 321
forming an annular glue surface that remains placed at a distance around a through-hole
21 in the glass plate 2 and thus leaves the edge area of the glass around the hole
free.
[0039] In this exemplary embodiment the bonding disks 31, 32 are round stainless steel disks
having a diameter of approximately 120 mm and a thickness of approximately 15 mm.
In the centre there is a through-hole 312, 322 for passing a coupling member 33 through.
The annular connection surface 311, 321 is situated between two circles of approximately
50 and 104 mm in cross-section. In order to obtain a proper and controllable gluing
together, flow-out ducts 313, 314, 323, 324 for the glue have been disposed around
the connection surface 311, 321. In this exemplary embodiment said flow-out ducts
313, 314, 323, 324 are formed as a recess having a radius of approximately 2 mm. The
transition between the connection surface 311, 321 and the flow-out ducts 313, 314,
323, 324 has a radius of approximately 1 mm. This detail ensures a lower tension in
the outer edge of the glue layer. The part of the bonding disks 31, 32 that sits within
the innermost flow-out duct 313, 323 is elevated approximately 1 mm, thus sits 1 mm
above the glass plate 2 and thus is not glued together on the glass plate 2. Due to
the high rigidity of the stainless steel disks 31, 32 with respect to the glass 2
(approximately factor 5) said centre section will almost not be loaded and deform.
The outermost edge area of the bonding disk 31, 32 beyond the outermost flow-out duct
314, 324 is approximately 1 mm above the glass plate 2 in order not to let glue run
out from underneath the disk and to be able to monitor the flow-out of the glue in
the outermost flow-out duct 314, 324.
[0040] The bonding disks 31, 32 preferably are glued together on the glass 2 using a two-component
epoxy by a glue layer that is 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick. Such a thin glue layer results
in a glue connection having a large strength and rigidity.
[0041] Good results can be achieved with the quick-setting two-component epoxy glue. Because
during the setting process said glue first becomes very thin liquid, it is necessary
to keep the bonding disks 31, 32 in their places during setting using a template.
During setting no pressure needs to be exerted on the glue connection.
[0042] By using two bonding disks 31, 32 that are placed opposite each other the glue connections
are at least partially protected against possible adverse effects of UV radiation.
[0043] The device as shown in figure 3 further comprises a coupling member 33 that interconnects
the bonding disks 31, 32. Said coupling member 33 comprises a threaded end 331. The
threaded end 331 can be placed fittingly in the bonding disks 31, 32 without contacting
the glass 2, where the hole is wider than the diameter of the axle 331. The threaded
end 331 is provided with two nuts 332 which after the glue has fully set need to be
tightened for further pre-biassing the bonding disks 31, 32 against the glass.
[0044] Due to this pre-biassing which presses the bonding disks 31, 32 towards each other,
peaks in the peeling-tensions may at least be largely compensated. The bonding disks
31, 32 have an annular glue surface that goes widely around the hole 21 in the glass
plate 2 so that the weak edges of the hole 21 in the glass 2 are not glued and therefore
are not loaded either. The hole 21 in the glass 2 is broad enough to compensate the
tolerances in the placement of the hole 21 and to make some bending and scoring of
the threaded end 331 possible.
[0045] The first connection member as shown in figure 3 can be coupled with a further identical
second connection member on another glass plate by means of a third connection member
in the form of steel tension members, strips or rods that are coupled on both sides
of the glass plate 2 with the coupling member 33.
[0046] Due to the rotation symmetrical shape of the bonding disk 31, 32, as shown in figure
2, the disk can be loaded in any direction and the manufacturing and mounting is simple.
The round shape together with the hole 312, 322 in the disk 31, 32 ensure an advantageous
narrowing width that decreases from the centre towards the ends. As a result a better
distribution of the tensions in the glue layer is realised. The annular shape of the
connection surface 311, 321 results in an efficient tension distribution, wherein
small connection surfaces (smaller than 25 mm) have a higher efficiency because, as
the length of the overlap becomes larger the centre section contributes less to the
tension transfer. Two separate small connection surfaces behind each other therefore
result in a larger strength than one large connection surface does.
[0047] In a glass plate 2 that is laminated one-sided or two-sided with a layer 22, 23,
for instance in the form of thin glass plates, the bonding disks 31, 32 are preferably
glued onto the thick centre glass plate 2 as shown in figure 4. In the layers 22,
23 a hole is made that fits freely around the bonding disks 31, 32. At their side
facing away from the glass plate 2 the bonding disks 31, 32 are provided with a circumferential
edge 315, 325 which substantially extends over the layers 22, 23 so that no border
of the hole is visible in the layers 22, 23 around the bonding disks 31, 32. In order
to be able to place the bonding disks 31, 32 directly onto the glass plate 2 the intermediate
layers 221, 231 will have to be removed.
[0048] The bonding disks 31, 32 can be connected with the third connection members 4 by
means of coupling members as is also shown in figure 5 to be discussed below.
[0049] Figure 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment wherein two glass plates 2a, 2b are
placed parallel and wherein two connection members are placed in series and share
a common coupling member in the form of a threaded end 331. As a result the two glass
plates 2a, 2b are mutually coupled by the connection members placed in series. The
first glass plate 2a and the second glass plate 2b are both provided with a through-hole
around which the laminated layers 22a, 23a, 22b, 23b have been removed. Bonding disks
31 a, 32a, 31 b, 32b have subsequently been connected with the two glass plates 2a,
2b by means of their bonding surfaces. Between the bonding disks 32a, 31 b situated
within the two glass plates 2a and 2b a filler piece 412 has been placed that defines
the distance between the parallel placed glass plates 2a, 2b at that location. The
filler piece 412 may also serve for connecting one or more third connection members
41 thereto, such as for instance a coupling rod, for coupling the two glass plates
2a, 2b placed parallel to further glass plates of a glass structure according to the
invention. On both ends of the coupling member 331 end bushes or end caps 411 have
also been placed for covering the ends of the threaded end 331 and the nuts 332. Said
end caps 411 can also be adapted for connection thereto of one or more third connection
members 41. It is advantageous here for the force distribution if the exemplary embodiment
as shown in figure 5 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the plane that is parallel
to the glass plates 2a, 2b and is situated in the middle between said glass plates
2a, 2b.
[0050] The end bushes 411 and the bush 412 are rotatable about centre line X, in directions
A, in a plane parallel to the main surfaces. For instance the bushes 411 and 412 can
be rotatable about inner bushes 413 and 414, which themselves may be rotation-fixed
with the axle 331 and the bonding disks. In a direction perpendicular to the main
surfaces, however, the connection of the rod 41 with the bonding disk 31 a, 31 b,
32a, 32b is moment-fixed.
[0051] Figure 6 shows that the connection assembly 3, 41 according to the invention, after
some adjustments can also be used for interconnecting two glass plates 2, 6 that are
perpendicular to each other. To that end the coupling member of the first and second
connection member 3 of the glass plates 2 is lengthened 43 in the direction of the
coupling member 33 of a first connection member 31 of the glass plate 6, and connected
thereto. It is noted here that a tensile force in the plane of the glass plate 6 butt
loads the first connection member 31 of the glass plate 6, whereas here the first
and second connection members 3 of the glass plates 2 are loaded by means of an axial
pressure (perpendicular to the plane of the glass panels 2). Thus as described above
the forces are transferred by means of substantially shearing stresses in the first
connection member 31 of the glass plate 6 only.
[0052] Whereas the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary
embodiments thereof, it will be clear to the expert that various adaptations in shape
and details can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of protection
of the invention as defined by the attached claims.
[0053] For instance a first connection member or assembly according to the invention may
instead of or in addition to a connection with a second connection member or further
assembly, be connected to the points of support or a bearing structure for the glass
structure, for transferring constructive forces from the glass structure to the points
of support or bearing structure.
1. Glass structure comprising a first and a second glass construction part, particularly
bearing glass panels, each provided with at least one main surface, wherein both construction
parts are interconnected by means of at least one connection assembly so as to transfer
forces, the connection assembly comprising:
a first connection member which with a first connection surface is attached by means
of an adhesive to said main surface of the first glass construction part,
a second connection member which with a first connection surface is attached by means
of an adhesive to said main surface of the second glass construction part, and
a third connection member connecting the first and second connection member for transferring
constructive forces,
wherein the first connection surface of the first and second connection member
are each spaced apart from an edge of the first and second glass construction part,
respectively.
2. Glass structure according to claim 1, wherein the glass construction parts preferably
are panel-shaped and situated in a plane that is approximately or entirely vertically
oriented, and wherein the first connection surface preferably has a rotation-symmetrical
shape.
3. Glass structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connection surface is
provided with a recessed edge area, such as a slot running along its circumference,
wherein a bounding edge of the slot facing away from the first connection surface
is recessed, so that it is spaced apart from said main surface of the glass construction
part.
4. Glass structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each connection
member comprises a bonding disk provided with the connection surface, wherein the
bonding disk preferably is provided with coupling members for coupling the third connection
member thereto, wherein the third connection member preferably is connected with the
bonding disk so as to hinge about a centre line that is substantially perpendicular
to the main surface.
5. Glass structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the
first glass construction part has two opposite main surfaces, and wherein at least
the first connection members further comprise a second connection surface, wherein
the first and second connection surface are placed opposite each other and on either
side of the opposite main surfaces of the first glass construction part, wherein the
first and second connection surface preferably are substantially congruent.
6. Glass structure according to claim 5, wherein at least the first glass construction
part comprises a through-opening extending substantially perpendicular to the opposite
main surfaces, wherein at least the first connection member comprises a first bonding
disk provided with the first connection surface, and a second bonding disk provided
with the second connection surface and a coupling member extending through the through-opening
for mutually coupling the first and second bonding disk, wherein the first and second
connection surface are placed near the through-opening and spaced apart from an edge
of said through-opening.
7. Glass structure according to claim 6, wherein the coupling member comprises biassing
means for exerting a clamping force oriented towards each other on the first and second
bonding disk, wherein the first and second bonding disk preferably comprise a through-opening
through which the biassing means have been passed, wherein the biassing means preferably
abut a side of the first and second bonding disk that faces away from the glass plate.
8. Glass structure according to claim 7, wherein the biassing means preferably comprise
a nut and an axle, wherein the axle is provided with an external thread near at least
one of its ends, wherein the nut can be screwed onto the end of the axle provided
with the external thread for adjusting the clamping force on the first and second
bonding disk.
9. Glass structure according to any one of the claims 6-8, wherein the bonding disks
are made from one piece of metal or a metal alloy or a synthetic material, wherein
the bonding disks preferably are made of stainless steel.
10. Glass structure according to any one of the claims 6-9, wherein the third connection
member engages onto the coupling member.
11. Glass structure according to any one of the claims 5-10, wherein on either side of
the main surfaces of at least the first glass construction part third connection members
have been placed, wherein said third connection members preferably are placed substantially
parallel and mirror-symmetrical with respect to the main surfaces of the first glass
construction parts.
12. Glass structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive
comprises an epoxy-based glue, wherein the thickness of the connection layer formed
by the adhesive preferably is smaller than 1 mm, preferably smaller than 0.2 mm.
13. Connection member suitable and intended for a glass structure according to any one
of the preceding claims.
14. Assembly for interconnecting glass construction parts provided with at least one main
surface, particularly glass panels, comprising
a first bonding disk comprising a first connection surface and a first through-opening
extending substantially perpendicular to the connection surface,
a second bonding disk comprising a second connection surface and a second through-opening
extending substantially perpendicular to the connection surface,
a coupling member extending through the first and second through-openings for mutually
coupling the first and second bonding disk, wherein the coupling member comprises
biassing means for exerting a clamping force on the first and second bonding disk,
wherein the first and second connection surface are placed opposite each other
for confining a glass construction part therebetween, wherein the connection surfaces
are attachable to said main surface by means of an adhesive for transferring constructive
forces.
15. Glass construction part comprising two opposite main surfaces, a through-opening extending
substantially perpendicular to the opposite main surfaces, and an assembly according
to claim 14,
wherein the first and second connection surface near the through-opening and spaced
apart from an edge of said through-opening are attached to the opposite main surface
of the glass construction part by means of an adhesive, and wherein the coupling member
extends through the substantially aligned through-opening in the glass construction
part and the first and second through-openings.