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(11) | EP 1 647 647 A3 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Panel system |
| (57) Fibre linear tensile elements 2 are strung between the floor slab 11 and the roof
12 of a building 1. Each fibre linear tensile element has a structural core 21 of
polymeric fibres or filaments which can accommodate the tensioning of the fibre linear
tensile element. The core 21 is covered by a sheath 22 of polymeric material. The
fibre linear tensile elements 2 carry clamping devices 3 which enable glass panels
4 to be secured in position. Each clamping device 3 clamps in position the corners
of four adjacent panels 4 at a particular connection node of the glass wall 80, as
shown in Fig. 6. Gaskets 78 are applied to fill the inter-panel joints. Each fibre linear tensile element 2 may include a central optical fibre 23 for detecting any reduction in the tension during use. The tension of the fibre linear tensile elements 2 is monitored by a monitoring device 81 which can produce an appropriate alarm signal. Because of the polymeric structural nature of the fibre linear tensile elements 2, they will permit the curtain wall 80 to flex to some extent and their tensioning will only vary slightly in response to changes in ambient temperature. The polymeric material is also good at resisting surface corrosion. The fibre linear tensile elements 2 with the clamping devices 3 prefitted are delivered to site on pallets 71, so as to reduce the amount of work required on site. A laser level 74 may be used to ensure that the clamping devices 3 are positioned at their correct heights, before the glass panels 4 are fitted. |