Optimized Aerogel-Filled Glass Bricks with Repurposed Aged Flat Glass

Abstract

A novel type of glass brick, made from two packages of laminated annealed flat glass and a relatively deep cavity filled with aerogel granules, provides a balanced solution for meeting façade requirements related to thermal insulation and light transmission. Preliminary investigations on the structural performance of the prototype brick under thermal cycles highlighted the need for optimizing the connection between the plastic spacers defining the cavity depth, and the laminated glass. Moreover, it was recognized that this translucent glass brick would be a suitable application case for repurposing aged flat glass, even such with visible surface damages being eventually acceptable. This paper presents, on the one hand, investigations on optimizing the assembly of the glass brick prototype for improved structural performance under thermal cycles. Tensile tests were performed on glass plates bonded by silicone adhesive joints to epoxy resin and polycarbonate blocks as spacer materials. Both samples subjected to thermal cycles between -25 °C and +80 °C, and reference samples were tested, showing worse adhesion on the polycarbonate compared to the epoxy resin. On the other hand, repurposing aged flat glass for the glass bricks was evaluated, by conducting first experimental investigations on laminating aged flat glass by vacuum bag lamination. Finally, thermal simulations were conducted, showing that walls built with the optimized glass bricks can reach a U-value of 0.32 W/(m2·K).