A composite glass curtain wall system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522381145.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing glass curtain walls cannot simultaneously meet the multiple requirements of safety, fire protection, decoration, and noise reduction.
Design a composite glass curtain wall system, including window frame components, composite fireproof glass, sub-frame components, decorative glass, and support components. The composite fireproof glass is fixed by connecting the window frame components to the base, and decorative glass is installed at intervals on its exterior side. Fireproof and safety functions are achieved by using a laminated layer, and the frosted surface of the decorative glass achieves decoration and noise reduction functions.
This system enables glass curtain wall systems to simultaneously meet multiple requirements for safety, fire prevention, decoration, and noise reduction, thereby improving the installation reliability of decorative glass.
Smart Images

Figure CN224931229U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of curtain wall technology, and in particular to a composite glass curtain wall system. Background Technology
[0002] The interior atriums of large public buildings are typically several stories high. If the atrium is directly separated from the interior rooms by floor-to-ceiling glass, the glass must simultaneously meet the requirements of safety and impact resistance, fire separation, interior decoration, and noise reduction. In other words, it needs to meet four requirements at the same time: safety, fire prevention, decoration, and noise reduction.
[0003] Tempered laminated glass meets safety requirements by bonding two or more panes of glass together with EVA or PVB film under high temperature and pressure. It offers high impact resistance and safety after breakage; even if shattered, the interlayer adhesive holds the glass together, resulting in strong safety performance. Fire-resistant glass meets fire safety requirements and is typically Class A composite fire-resistant glass (composed of a sheet of glass and a fire-resistant material). Decorative glass meets decorative requirements by further processing flat glass to create a strong visual effect and aesthetic appeal. Noise-reducing glass meets noise reduction requirements by replacing the side of the glass facing the sound source with frosted or patterned glass to achieve noise reduction.
[0004] The glass used in existing glass curtain walls is usually one of the above-mentioned types of glass, or a combination of the functions of two types of glass; therefore, existing glass curtain walls cannot simultaneously meet the four requirements of safety, fire resistance, decoration, and noise reduction. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a composite glass curtain wall system that solves the problem that existing glass cannot simultaneously meet the four requirements of safety, fire resistance, decoration, and noise reduction.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a composite glass curtain wall system, which includes a window frame assembly, composite fireproof glass, a sub-frame assembly, decorative glass, and a support assembly. The window frame assembly has a rectangular frame structure; The composite fireproof glass is installed on the outdoor side of the window frame assembly, and the indoor surface of the composite fireproof glass is connected to the outdoor surface of the window frame assembly; the composite fireproof glass has a laminated layer. The sub-frame assembly includes a base, a first fastener, and a support member; the base has a rectangular frame structure and is located on the outdoor side of the composite fireproof glass; the base is fixedly connected to the window frame assembly by the first fastener; the indoor surface of the base is connected to the outdoor surface of the composite fireproof glass; the support member is located on the outdoor side of the base and is fixedly connected to the outdoor surface of the base. The decorative glass is installed on the outdoor side of the sub-frame assembly, the indoor surface of the decorative glass is connected to the outdoor surface of the support member, and the outdoor surface of the decorative glass is rough. The support assembly includes support members respectively disposed at both ends of the decorative glass in the height direction. The support member has a support groove at one end facing the decorative glass, and the two ends of the decorative glass in the height direction are connected to the inner walls of the two support grooves respectively.
[0007] Furthermore, the base includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate; Two first clamping plates are spaced apart along the length of the composite fireproof glass, and the first clamping plates extend along the height of the composite fireproof glass. The first clamping plate is connected to a second clamping plate at each end of the composite fireproof glass along its length, so that the two first clamping plates and the two second clamping plates are connected to form a rectangular frame structure.
[0008] Furthermore, the sub-frame assembly also includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; The first clamping plate is provided with a first pressure plate at intervals on the outdoor side, and the first pressure plate is fixedly connected to the first clamping plate by a second fastener; The second clamping plate is provided with a second pressure plate at intervals on the outdoor side, and the second pressure plate is fixedly connected to the second clamping plate by a second fastener.
[0009] Furthermore, in the height direction of the composite fireproof glass, a clearance groove is provided on the side surface of the support member facing away from the gap between the composite fireproof glass and the decorative glass. At least a portion of the second pressure plate is inserted into the clearance groove.
[0010] Furthermore, the sub-frame component also includes a support frame; The second clamping plate is connected to the support frame at both ends of the composite fireproof glass along its length; the support frame is located between the second clamping plate and the window frame assembly, and is connected to the interior surface of the second clamping plate and the exterior surface of the window frame assembly, respectively. The composite fireproof glass and the support frame are located on either side of the first fastener in the height direction of the composite fireproof glass.
[0011] Furthermore, the support component includes a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment, and a third connecting segment connected in sequence; The first connecting segment and the third connecting segment are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and are arranged parallel to the height direction of the composite fireproof glass; the second connecting segment extends along the thickness direction of the composite fireproof glass. The first connecting segment's surface facing the decorative glass and the second connecting segment's surface facing the decorative glass together enclose and form the support groove; The interior surface of the third connecting section is fixedly connected to the exterior surface of the second clamping plate by a third fastener.
[0012] Furthermore, the sub-frame assembly also includes a support plate, the support plate comprising a support section and an extension section that are perpendicular to and connected to each other; The supporting section extends along the thickness direction of the composite fireproof glass and is connected to one side surface of the composite fireproof glass in its height direction. The extension section extends along the height direction of the composite fireproof glass, and the interior surface of the extension section is fixedly connected to the exterior surface of the window frame assembly by a fourth fastener.
[0013] Furthermore, the window frame assembly includes uprights and crossbeams; The two columns are spaced apart along the length of the composite fireproof glass and extend along the height of the composite fireproof glass. The two crossbeams extend along the length of the composite fireproof glass and are positioned between the two columns; the two ends of the crossbeams are respectively fixedly connected to the columns.
[0014] Furthermore, the window frame assembly also includes fireproof rock wool; The upper surface of the upper beam is spaced below the upper surface of the column, and the upper surface of the upper beam is provided with fireproof rock wool. The lower surface of the lower beam is spaced above the lower surface of the column, and the lower surface of the lower beam is provided with fireproof rock wool.
[0015] Furthermore, the window frame assembly also includes a first latch and a second latch; Both the first and second covers are hollow with openings at both ends, and both the outer surface of the first and second covers facing the outside are provided with openings. The first cover is disposed on the outer periphery of the column and connected to the column, and the second cover is disposed on the outer periphery of the beam and connected to the beam.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the composite glass curtain wall system provided by this utility model has the following advantages: This utility model provides a composite glass curtain wall system, which includes a window frame assembly, composite fireproof glass, a sub-frame assembly, decorative glass, and a support assembly. The composite fireproof glass is clamped and fixed between the base and the window frame assembly through the connection of the window frame assembly and the base, forming a passage for observation from the interior to the exterior. The base is also a rectangular frame structure, so it does not obstruct observation from the interior to the exterior. The support assembly provides a connection position for the decorative glass, allowing the decorative glass to be installed at intervals on the exterior side of the composite fireproof glass, thus creating a cavity between the decorative glass and the composite fireproof glass. The support assembly supports the decorative glass at both ends in its height direction, improving the installation reliability of the decorative glass. The composite fireproof glass, by incorporating an interlayer, combines fireproofing and safety functions, while the decorative glass, by having a frosted exterior surface, combines decorative and noise reduction functions. Therefore, the composite glass curtain wall system simultaneously meets four requirements: safety, fireproofing, decoration, and noise reduction. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a horizontal node of a composite glass curtain wall system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a vertical node of a composite glass curtain wall system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support component and the base in a composite glass curtain wall system according to an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support plate and the crossbeam in a composite glass curtain wall system according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0018] In the diagram, 100 is a composite glass curtain wall system; 1 is a window frame assembly; 11 is a column; 12 is a beam; 13 is a corner bracket; 14 is fireproof rock wool; 15 is a first snap-on cover; 16 is a second snap-on cover; 2 is composite fireproof glass; 3 is a sub-frame assembly; 31 is a base; 311 is a first clamping plate; 312 is a second clamping plate; 32 is a first fastener; 33 is a support member; 330 is a clearance groove; 341 is a first pressure plate; 342 is a second pressure plate; 35 is a second fastener; 36 is a support frame; 37 is a support plate; 371 is a support section; 372 is an extension section; 38 is a fourth fastener; 4 is decorative glass; 5 is a support assembly; 51 is a support member; 510 is a support groove; 511 is a first connecting section; 512 is a second connecting section; 513 is a third connecting section; and 52 is a third fastener. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0020] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a composite glass curtain wall system 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model includes a window frame assembly 1, composite fireproof glass 2, sub-frame assembly 3, decorative glass 4, and support assembly 5. The window frame assembly 1 has a rectangular frame structure; The composite fireproof glass 2 is installed on the outdoor side of the window frame assembly 1, and the indoor surface of the composite fireproof glass 2 is connected to the outdoor surface of the window frame assembly 1; the composite fireproof glass 2 has a laminated layer. The sub-frame assembly 3 includes a base 31, a first fastener 32, and a support member 33. The base 31 has a rectangular frame structure and is located on the outdoor side of the composite fireproof glass 2. The base 31 is fixedly connected to the window frame assembly 1 via the first fastener 32. The indoor surface of the base 31 is connected to the outdoor surface of the composite fireproof glass 2. The support member 33 is located on the outdoor side of the base 31 and is fixedly connected to the outdoor surface of the base 31. The decorative glass 4 is installed on the outdoor side of the sub-frame assembly 3, the indoor surface of the decorative glass 4 is connected to the outdoor surface of the support member 33, and the outdoor surface of the decorative glass 4 is rough. The support assembly 5 includes support members 51 respectively disposed at both ends of the decorative glass 4 in the height direction. The support member 51 has a support groove 510 at one end facing the decorative glass 4, and the two ends of the decorative glass 4 in the height direction are connected to the inner walls of the two support grooves 510 respectively.
[0021] Based on the above technical solution, the composite fireproof glass 2 is clamped and fixed between the base 31 and the window frame assembly 1 through the connection of the window frame assembly 1 and the base 31, forming a channel for observation from the inside to the outside. The base 31 is also a rectangular frame structure, which does not affect the observation from the inside to the outside. The support member 33 provides a connection position for the decorative glass 4, so that the decorative glass 4 is installed at intervals on the outdoor side of the composite fireproof glass, thereby forming a cavity between the decorative glass 4 and the composite fireproof glass 2. The support member supports the two ends of the decorative glass 4 in the height direction to improve the installation reliability of the decorative glass 4. The composite fireproof glass 2 has both fireproof and safety functions by setting an interlayer, and the decorative glass 4 has both decorative and noise reduction functions by setting the outdoor surface to be rough. Thus, the composite glass curtain wall system 100 simultaneously meets the four requirements of safety, fireproof, decoration and noise reduction.
[0022] Preferably, in order to ensure that the composite fireproof glass 2 meets both fireproof and safety requirements, the composite fireproof glass 2 in this embodiment is specifically an inorganic silicon heat-insulating composite fireproof glass with a thickness of 36mm. Its specific structure is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.
[0023] Preferably, to ensure that the decorative glass 4 meets both fireproof and safety requirements, the decorative glass 4 in this embodiment is specifically 8+1.14pvb+8mm frosted noise-reducing tempered laminated glass.
[0024] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rectangular frame structure of the base 31 is specifically implemented; the base 31 includes a first clamping plate 311 and a second clamping plate 312; Two first clamping plates 311 are spaced apart along the length of the composite fireproof glass 2, and the first clamping plates 311 extend along the height of the composite fireproof glass 2. The first clamping plate 311 is connected to a second clamping plate 312 at each end of the composite fireproof glass 2 along its length, so that the two first clamping plates 311 and the two second clamping plates 312 are connected to form a rectangular frame structure.
[0025] Preferably, for ease of processing and production, the first clamping plate 311 and the second clamping plate 312 are made of the same profile.
[0026] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in order to decorate the sub-frame assembly 3, the sub-frame assembly 3 also includes a first pressure plate 341 and a second pressure plate 342; The first clamping plate 311 is provided with a first pressure plate 341 at intervals on the outdoor side, and the first pressure plate 341 is fixedly connected to the first clamping plate 311 by a second fastener 35. The second clamping plate 312 is provided with a second pressure plate 342 at intervals on the outdoor side, and the second pressure plate 342 is fixedly connected to the second clamping plate 312 by a second fastener 35.
[0027] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the height direction of the composite fireproof glass 2, the support member 33 has a relief groove 330 on the side surface facing away from the gap between the composite fireproof glass 2 and the decorative glass 4. At least a portion of the second pressure plate 342 is inserted into the clearance groove 330.
[0028] It is understandable that, since the second clamping plate 312 is provided with both the second pressure plate 342 and the support member 33 on its outdoor side, in order to avoid interference between the two, the clearance groove 330 is opened so that part of the second pressure plate 342 can be inserted therein.
[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the sub-frame component 3 also includes a support frame 36; The second clamping plate 312 is connected to the support frame 36 at both ends of the composite fireproof glass 2 along its length. The support frame 36 is located between the second clamping plate 312 and the window frame assembly 1, and is connected to the interior surface of the second clamping plate 312 and the exterior surface of the window frame assembly 1, respectively. The composite fireproof glass 2 and the support frame 36 are located on both sides of the first fastener 32 in the height direction of the composite fireproof glass 2.
[0030] It is understood that, in order to ensure that the force is balanced when the second clamping plate 312 is connected to the window frame assembly 1 and to prevent it from rotating and thus affecting the connection with the composite fireproof glass, the support frame 36 is provided so that the second clamping plate 312 is connected to the support frame 36 and the composite fireproof glass on both sides of the composite fireproof glass 2 in the height direction.
[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, to specifically implement the structural configuration of the support member 51, the support member 51 includes a first connecting segment 511, a second connecting segment 512 and a third connecting segment 513 connected in sequence; The first connecting segment 511 and the third connecting segment 513 are arranged in parallel and at intervals, and are arranged parallel to the height direction of the composite fireproof glass 2; the second connecting segment 512 extends along the thickness direction of the composite fireproof glass 2. The first connecting segment 511 and the second connecting segment 512 together enclose the decorative glass 4 to form the support groove 510. The indoor surface of the third connecting section 513 is fixedly connected to the outdoor surface of the second clamping plate 312 by the third fastener 52.
[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the composite fireproof glass 2 is supported at both ends in the height direction; the sub-frame assembly 3 also includes a support plate 37, which includes a support section 371 and an extension section 372 that are perpendicular to each other and connected. The supporting section 371 extends along the thickness direction of the composite fireproof glass 2 and is connected to one side surface of the composite fireproof glass 2 in its height direction. The extension section 372 extends along the height direction of the composite fireproof glass 2, and the interior surface of the extension section 372 is fixedly connected to the exterior surface of the window frame assembly 1 by a fourth fastener 38.
[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this is a specific structural arrangement for implementing the window frame assembly 1; the window frame assembly 1 includes a column 11 and a beam 12; The two columns 11 are spaced apart along the length of the composite fireproof glass 2 and extend along the height of the composite fireproof glass 2. Two crossbeams 12 extend along the length of the composite fireproof glass 2 and are positioned between the two columns 11; the two ends of the crossbeams 12 are respectively fixedly connected to the columns 11.
[0034] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, to improve the reliability of the connection between the column 11 and the beam 12, the window frame assembly 1 also includes a corner bracket 13; one side surface of the corner bracket 13 is fixedly connected to the opposite side surface of the column 11, and the other side surface is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the beam 12.
[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, in order to improve the fire resistance of the composite glass curtain wall system, the window frame assembly 1 also includes fireproof rock wool 14; The upper surface of the upper beam 12 is spaced below the upper surface of the column 11, and the upper surface of the upper beam 12 is provided with fireproof rock wool 14. The lower surface of the lower beam 12 is spaced above the lower surface of the column 11, and fireproof rock wool 14 is provided on the lower surface of the lower beam 12. Fireproof rock wool is provided at both ends of the window frame assembly 1 in the height direction to improve fire resistance reliability.
[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the interior side of the window frame assembly 1 is decorated; the window frame assembly 1 also includes a first cover 15 and a second cover 16; Both the first cover 15 and the second cover 16 are hollow with openings at both ends, and both the outer surface of the first cover 15 and the outer surface of the second cover 16 have openings. The first cover 15 is placed around the outer periphery of the column 11 and connected to the column 11, and the second cover 16 is placed around the outer periphery of the crossbeam 12 and connected to the crossbeam 12.
[0037] The working process of this utility model is as follows: A rectangular frame structure is formed by the columns 11 and the beams 12, thereby forming a passage for observation from the inside to the outside; a rectangular frame structure is formed by the first clamping plate 311 and the second clamping plate 312, clamping the composite fireproof glass 2 between the base 31 and the window frame assembly 1; the decorative glass 4 is supported by the support member 33, which is spaced apart on the outdoor side of the composite fireproof glass 2, and the support member supports both ends of the decorative glass 4 in the height direction.
[0038] In summary, this utility model embodiment provides a composite glass curtain wall system 100, which includes a window frame assembly 1, composite fireproof glass 2, a sub-frame assembly 3, decorative glass 4, and a support assembly 5. Through the connection between the window frame assembly 1 and the base 31, the composite fireproof glass 2 is clamped and fixed between the base 31 and the window frame assembly 1, forming a passage for observation from indoors to outdoors. The base 31 is also a rectangular frame structure, so it does not affect observation from indoors to outdoors. Furthermore, the support member 33 provides a connection position for the decorative glass 4, allowing the decorative glass 4 to be connected... The decorative glass 4 and the composite fireproof glass 2 are installed on the outdoor side of the composite fireproof glass, thus forming a cavity between them. The decorative glass 4 is supported at both ends in the height direction by the support member to improve the installation reliability of the decorative glass 4. The composite fireproof glass 2 has a laminated layer to provide both fireproof and safety functions, while the decorative glass 4 has a frosted outdoor surface to provide both decoration and noise reduction functions. Thus, the composite glass curtain wall system 100 simultaneously meets the four requirements of safety, fireproof, decoration, and noise reduction.
[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A composite glass curtain wall system, characterized in that, include: A window frame assembly, wherein the window frame assembly has a rectangular frame structure; A composite fire-resistant glass, wherein the composite fire-resistant glass is disposed on the exterior side of the window frame assembly, and the interior surface of the composite fire-resistant glass is connected to the exterior surface of the window frame assembly; the composite fire-resistant glass has a laminated layer. A sub-frame assembly includes a base, a first fastener, and a support member. The base has a rectangular frame structure and is located on the outdoor side of the composite fireproof glass. The base is fixedly connected to the window frame assembly via the first fastener. The indoor surface of the base is connected to the outdoor surface of the composite fireproof glass. The support member is located on the outdoor side of the base and is fixedly connected to the outdoor surface of the base. Decorative glass, which covers the exterior side of the sub-frame assembly, with its interior surface connected to the exterior surface of the support member, and its exterior surface being roughened; and The support assembly includes support members respectively disposed at both ends of the decorative glass in the height direction. The support member has a support groove at one end facing the decorative glass, and the two ends of the decorative glass in the height direction are connected to the inner walls of the two support grooves respectively.
2. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate; Two first clamping plates are spaced apart along the length of the composite fireproof glass, and the first clamping plates extend along the height of the composite fireproof glass. The first clamping plate is connected to a second clamping plate at each end of the composite fireproof glass along its length, so that the two first clamping plates and the two second clamping plates are connected to form a rectangular frame structure.
3. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sub-frame assembly also includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; The first clamping plate is provided with a first pressure plate at intervals on the outdoor side, and the first pressure plate is fixedly connected to the first clamping plate by a second fastener; The second clamping plate is provided with a second pressure plate at intervals on the outdoor side, and the second pressure plate is fixedly connected to the second clamping plate by a second fastener.
4. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the height direction of the composite fireproof glass, a clearance groove is provided on the side surface of the support member facing away from the gap between the composite fireproof glass and the decorative glass. At least a portion of the second pressure plate is inserted into the clearance groove.
5. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sub-frame component also includes a support frame; The second clamping plate is connected to the support frame at both ends of the composite fireproof glass along its length; the support frame is located between the second clamping plate and the window frame assembly, and is connected to the interior surface of the second clamping plate and the exterior surface of the window frame assembly, respectively. The composite fireproof glass and the support frame are located on either side of the first fastener in the height direction of the composite fireproof glass.
6. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support component includes a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment, and a third connecting segment connected in sequence; The first connecting segment and the third connecting segment are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and are arranged parallel to the height direction of the composite fireproof glass; the second connecting segment extends along the thickness direction of the composite fireproof glass. The first connecting segment's surface facing the decorative glass and the second connecting segment's surface facing the decorative glass together enclose and form the support groove; The interior surface of the third connecting section is fixedly connected to the exterior surface of the second clamping plate by a third fastener.
7. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sub-frame assembly also includes a support plate, which includes a support section and an extension section that are perpendicular to and connected to each other; The supporting section extends along the thickness direction of the composite fireproof glass and is connected to one side surface of the composite fireproof glass in its height direction. The extension section extends along the height direction of the composite fireproof glass, and the interior surface of the extension section is fixedly connected to the exterior surface of the window frame assembly by a fourth fastener.
8. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The window frame assembly includes columns and beams; The two columns are spaced apart along the length of the composite fireproof glass and extend along the height of the composite fireproof glass. The two crossbeams extend along the length of the composite fireproof glass and are positioned between the two columns; the two ends of the crossbeams are respectively fixedly connected to the columns.
9. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The window frame assembly also includes fireproof rock wool; The upper surface of the upper beam is spaced below the upper surface of the column, and the upper surface of the upper beam is provided with fireproof rock wool. The lower surface of the lower beam is spaced above the lower surface of the column, and the lower surface of the lower beam is provided with fireproof rock wool.
10. The composite glass curtain wall system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The window frame assembly also includes a first latching cover and a second latching cover; Both the first and second covers are hollow with openings at both ends, and both the outer surface of the first and second covers facing the outside are provided with openings. The first cover is disposed on the outer periphery of the column and connected to the column, and the second cover is disposed on the outer periphery of the beam and connected to the beam.
