Historic Case Study Projects
The Serres, Paris, France - Details
The Serres in Paris, France, designed by Peter Rice Engineer, was the first building to use a cable support system to provide the structural stability and framework for large expanses of mullionless glazing.
For more information on steel and glass systems please see Steel and Glass, or check out the references in our Links and References section.
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This diagram shows the primary structural frame for the glazed box. This has to be rigid and strong enough to allow the cable system to tension back to it. An initial cable system is installed to stabilize the inherently unstable rectilinear frame. |
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The cable support system stretches sideways between the end walls of the box. The cables are located at each break point of the glazing to be attached. |
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A closer view of the round HSS primary structure with the cable system attached. Spring elements (as seen in the 3D PDF) are located at the horizontal HSS beams so that any deflection from the structure is dampened prior to transfer to the glass. |
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An exploded view of the spider glass connector. Rice invented a ball type joint to allow for wind movement in the glass. Rotation is permitted so that cracking does not occur. |
