STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Crane-Assisted Replacement of Structural Glass Panels — Sutton Coldfield
The Brief / Challenge
Several toughened laminated, heat-strengthened glass panels within the structurally glazed roof and façade of this shopping centre in Sutton Coldfield had failed and required replacement. Structural glazing systems use bolted assemblies to fix the glass panels directly, without conventional framing — meaning the glass itself forms part of the building's structural envelope.
The failed panels were located at height across the roof and upper façade, requiring specialist access equipment and lifting capability. The shopping centre remained operational throughout, so all work had to be carried out outside trading hours to ensure public safety and avoid disruption to retailers and shoppers.
The Solution / What We Delivered
New toughened laminated, heat-strengthened glass panels were supplied and installed to the shopping centre's structurally glazed roof and façade. Each panel was lifted into position using a spider crane fitted with specialist glass handling attachments — the compact footprint of the spider crane allowed it to operate within the confined service areas of the shopping centre without impacting the retail environment.
The bolted assemblies securing each panel were re-tensioned in accordance with the structural glazing system's requirements to ensure the correct clamping force and long-term load distribution across the fixings.
All work was completed out of hours, with the affected areas fully cordoned off during each shift. MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) equipment provided safe access to the installation positions. The work zones were cleared and reopened before trading hours each morning.
Key Stats
- Toughened laminated, heat-strengthened glass panels replaced to roof and façade
- Spider crane with glass handling attachments used for controlled lifting at height
- Bolted assemblies re-tensioned to system specification
- All works completed out of hours — zero disruption to trading
Accreditations & Compliance
All lifting operations were carried out in accordance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations). Full RAMS (Risk Assessment & Method Statement) were prepared and approved prior to commencement. Alu-Glaze operatives are IPAF certified for MEWP operation.
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