Simple all-glass appearance

ETA (European Technical Approval) and its relevance for practical construction

Products which are not anchored in any European Standard cannot receive CE marking. An ETA was requested for VARIO based on the foundation of the Guideline ETAG 002, (Guideline for the European Technical Approval of bonded glass constructions). Now that the approval has been granted, it governs the applications for this product, sets specific dimensional details and prescribes the necessary self- and independent control procedures to ensure the quality requirements. Therefore, VARIO is approved for use in all EU countries. The national authorites still set their own safety standards. In order to comply with the known safety standards, ECKELT offers 3 approved technical variations.

VARIO S-FOR in accordance with Austrian requirements

VARIO S-FOR fulfills Type I of the ETAG 002, characteristic are four glass-integrated safety clips and anchors to accept the threaded connector. Glass supports for self-weight transfer are necessary in the sub-frame system.

VARIO DZ for requirements in Germany

VARIO DZ fulfills Type I of ETAG 002, characteristic are integrated safety clips in accordance with the structural requirements. Anchors without safety clips are not typically foreseen. Glass supports for self-weight transfer are necessary in the sub-frame system. For applications under a height of 8 m, safety clips are not required and can therefore be used as per VARIO II.

VARIO II for countries without requirements for safety clips or applications which do not necessitate such safety requirements

VARIO II fulfills Type II of ETAG 002, characteristic are glass integrated anchors for the accomodation of threaded connectors. Glass supports for self-weight transfer are necessary in the sub-frame system.

1. Dimensions in accordance with ETA-10/0362

max. 2500 x 5000 mm
min. 400 x 800 mm

Weight

max. weight dependent on the individual support system

2. Application technical notes

VARIO is a ready-to-install insulating glass system where the inner sheet is bonded to the outer sheet with the precision of classical SSG technology. In addition, glass-integrated mechanical restraints and safety anchors are included which are required to simply connect the units back to the support structures.

Particular statutory requirements are applicable to such constructions.

Statutory requirements for SSG applications in Austria

2.1 permissible facade systems

In the building material list ÖE published by the Ausrian Institute for Building Technology (OIB) [>], the use of building products is determined. Only building products which have the European Technical Approval (ETA) may be used. In addition, they must also comply with the applications stated in the ÖE building material register. For the building material glass, Chapter 3, 3.1 covers the requirements for bonded glass facades.

VARIO as a building element in facades with ETA permission

The System VF 50 RR SG, from Hueck Hartmann, possesses an ETA, which not only allows systems with continuous bonded aluminium frames but also on the contrary thereto, insulating glass which has only point-fixed connections to the frame.

VARIO DZ or even VARIO II is an integral part of the system. VARIO DZ is the only product which has a totally flush outer surface - undisturbed by external mechanical restraints and one which remains economical.

The advantages:

• Polygonal facades are possible
• Large sizes up to 2500 x 5000 mm
• Also approved as barrier glazing up to 2500 x 3300 mm

The VARIO building elements can be used without restriction as either Type I or Type II of the ETAG 002, in accordance with the individual country requirements, with the facade system VF 50 RR SG.

2.2 VARIO application notes for Austria

VARIO S-FOR fulfills, with ETA-10/0362 all of the requirements of the ÖE building material register:

• Type I - with support of self-weight and
• restraining mechanisms (safety clips) which are needed to minimise danger due to potential failure of the sealant – regardless of the height of installation. Type II is not permitted in Austria
• All individual sheets are of fully tempered safety glass or laminated safety glass

The application is designed for vertical facades and those with an inward slope of up to 10°. It is also permitted for roof glazing with slopes of 7 - 90° from the horizontal.

The supporting structure (transom-mullion systems) is generally required to support the self-weight of the glazing with suitable supports in accordance with point 2.1.5 of ETA-10/0362. Should no tested connectors for the transom-mullion system be available, then they are to be designed by the facade manufacturer in accordance with point 2.1.6.

2.3 structural pre-dimensioning – a service

For the calculation of glass thickness, number and location of anchors as well as safety clips, it is necessary to account for self-weight, wind loads, temperature and climate loads. The ECKELT calculation concept is described in the ETA. For deflection under service load in the centre of the glass, < 1/100 of the shorter span is applicable.

2.4 Barrier safety

Since the inner sheet is made of STADIP laminated safety glass, safety against falling is achieved in accordance with requirements A, C1 – C3 in accordance with ÖNORM 3716-3. As the type and number of connections play a significant role in the resistance against such loads, these can only be used if suitably tested and proven.

For the VF 50 RR SG system, such certifications with VARIO are an integral part of the system permits.

2.5 Acoustic performance

An additional advantage is the improvement in acoustic performance by means of the constructive de-coupling of the individual sheets compared to conventional glazing. E.g. the VARIO standard composition of 8/16/6 with RW of 39 dB proven. Normal insulating glass with 8/16/6 achieved only 37 dB, - that is 2 dB less noise reduction.

3. Glazing guidelines

For design, handling and installation, we strictly recommend following our VARIO glazing guidelines as well as the ETA-10/0362.