Building assembly comprising a precast component and a frameless glazing unit

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a building assembly. The assembly comprises a precast component, the precast component comprising solidified cementitious material, the solidified cementitious material comprising a window opening. The assembly further comprises a frameless glazing unit positioned within the window opening. A central area of the frameless glazing unit is surrounded by a continuous seal, wherein the continuous seal supports the frameless glazing unit within the window opening. The continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant within a gap between opposing surfaces of the frameless glazing unit and of the precast component.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to building assembly comprising a precast component and a frameless glazing unit.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Glazing units can comprise any or all of the following, in any combination: a single pane of glass comprising one sheet of glass or multiple sheets of glass laminated together to form a single pane; or a plurality of panes of glass spaced apart with inter-pane spacer bars and bonded and sealed together with a sealant. The space between the panes of glass can be filled with an insulating gas. This type of assembly is referred to as an insulated glazed unit.

[0003] Traditionally, a double glazing unit or triple glazing unit is clamped into an external frame, and the frame is fixed to brackets by mechanical fixings. The brackets are fixed to a building structure by mechanical fixings.

[0004] Sometimes, a glazing unit may be clamped to a hidden or obscured frame, wherein the frame is wholly located to an interior side of the glazing unit. The frame is bonded to a glass surface of the glazing unit by a Structural Silicone Glazing sealant or concealed mechanical toggle. The frame is then fixed to a building structure by mechanical fixings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a building assembly comprising: a precast component, the precast component comprising solidified cementitious material, the solidified cementitious material comprising a window opening; and a frameless glazing unit positioned within the window opening, wherein a central area of the frameless glazing unit is surrounded by a continuous seal, wherein the continuous seal supports the frameless glazing unit within the window opening, and wherein the continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant within a gap between opposing surfaces of the frameless glazing unit and of the precast component.

[0006] An advantage is enabling a system free from frames and mechanical fixings. A further advantage is a carbon saving because the glazing unit is frameless and bonded directly to the solidified cementitious material, therefore reducing the need for frame materials such as aluminium. Another advantage is satisfying thermal efficiency and acoustics requirements, because frames often create a thermal bridge and transmit sound energy. A further advantage is fewer components (no frame). A further advantage is that mechanical fixings into the precast component are not required. A further advantage is improved manufacturing and logistics, because the frameless glazing unit can be installed in the factory. This improves consistency and reduces on-site labour requirements. A further advantage is that the absence of a frame achieves a certain aesthetic finish. Furthermore, the assembly is well suited to construction projects where non-opening glazing units are required, such that frameless glazing units can be used.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a building assembly comprising: a precast component, the precast component comprising solidified cementitious material, the solidified cementitious material comprising a window opening; and a glazing unit positioned within the window opening, wherein a central area of the glazing unit is surrounded by a continuous seal, wherein the continuous seal supports the glazing unit within the window opening, and wherein the continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant within a gap between opposing surfaces of the glazing unit and of the precast component, and wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to a portion of a pane of the glazing unit.

[0008] This provides similar advantages because a portion of a pane of the glazing unit acts as a frame / surface for the adhesive sealant to bond to. This allows the glazing unit to be completely frameless (no frame), or to reduce the required strength / mass of the frame while still having a continuous structural connection to the precast component.

[0009] The optional statements below apply to the first aspect, and also apply to the second aspect if the term 'frameless' is omitted.

[0010] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the frameless glazing unit and is bonded to the precast component / solidified cementitious material, the bonds surrounding the central area of the glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0011] Optionally, the building assembly is profiled to provide a mechanical key between the precast component, and at least one of the frameless glazing unit or the adhesive sealant.

[0012] An advantage is a more secure connection because pull-out and / or push-in of the frameless glazing unit is prevented. This reduces reliance on the continuous seal. The solidified cementitious material provides a surface of the mechanical key, providing the function of a frame without the glazing unit needing to have a frame.

[0013] Optionally, the building assembly has an interior side and an exterior side, and wherein the mechanical key is configured to interfere against at least pull-out of the frameless glazing unit from the window opening in a direction of the exterior side. Optionally, pull-out force applied to the frameless glazing unit towards the exterior side compresses the adhesive sealant.

[0014] An advantage is a more secure building assembly because the frameless glazing unit is retained in an envelope of a building. The consequences of pull-out can be worse than push-in.

[0015] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is configured to resist at least push-in of the frameless glazing unit from the window opening in a direction of the interior side. Optionally, force applied to the frameless glazing unit towards the interior side tensions the adhesive sealant.

[0016] Optionally, the window opening is profiled to mechanically key with the precast component. Optionally, the window opening comprises an inward protrusion in cross-section view, reducing an area of the window opening in a thickness direction of the precast component. Optionally, the window opening comprises a reveal face comprising the inward protrusion, the inward protrusion 112 defining an inwardly cantilevered surface along the reveal face, in cross-section Optionally, the central area of the frameless glazing unit is surrounded by the inward protrusion, and is bonded to the inward protrusion by the adhesive sealant. The bond between the inward protrusion and the adhesive sealant may surround the central area of the glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0017] An advantage is a secure connection because the inward protrusion of the solidified cementitious material provides a mechanical key to the frameless glazing unit. Furthermore, the adhesive sealant is aligned with the mechanical key, and is bonded to the opposing surfaces that provide the mechanical key.

[0018] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the frameless glazing unit and to the inward protrusion, the frameless glazing unit and the inward protrusion defining the opposing surfaces. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to an interior-facing surface of the solidified cementitious material of the inward protrusion and to an exterior-facing surface of the frameless glazing unit. The bonds between the adhesive sealant and the inward protrusion and between the adhesive sealant and the frameless glazing unit may surround the central area of glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0019] An advantage of the adhesive sealant bonding to exterior-facing and interior-facing surfaces, rather than lateral / sideways-facing surfaces, is a more secure connection because pull-out and push-in forces compress and tension the adhesive sealant, rather than applying shear force to the adhesive sealant.

[0020] An advantage is improved design freedom because fibre reinforced concrete facilitates the production of thin inward protrusions (e.g., 15-40mm), enabling the use of a thin exterior reveal to the façade, or even no exterior reveal (flush finish). If a thick exterior reveal to the façade is required, the inward protrusion can be thicker and formed from standard rebar-reinforced concrete.

[0021] Optionally, the mechanical key is between the precast component and the frameless glazing unit, and wherein the frameless glazing unit comprises an outward protrusion that interferes with the precast component, the outward protrusion defining one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded. Optionally, the opposing surfaces comprise the outward protrusion of the frameless glazing unit and the inward protrusion / lip of the window opening. Optionally, the outward protrusion and the inward protrusion extend generally parallel to each other in cross-section view, such that the opposing surfaces are parallel. Optionally, the outward protrusion and the inward protrusion extend generally parallel to panes of the frameless glazing unit.

[0022] An advantage is a secure connection because the adhesive sealant is bonded to the surfaces which provide the mechanical key. Furthermore, the adhesive sealant spaces the pane from the solidified cementitious material to prevent direct glass-concrete contact. The connection is also secure because the adhesive sealant is bonded to parallel opposing surfaces, and is tensioned and compressed in pull-out and push-in forces rather than being sheared.

[0023] Optionally, the frameless glazing unit comprises a plurality of panes, wherein a first pane of the plurality of panes is oversized relative to a second pane of the plurality of panes, and wherein an oversized region of the first pane defines the outward protrusion that interferes with the precast component. Optionally, the oversized region of the first pane defines the outward protrusion that interferes with the inward protrusion of the precast component. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to an exterior-facing surface or interior-facing surface of the oversized region of the first pane. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the exterior-facing surface. Optionally, the bond between the adhesive sealant and the surface of the oversized region of the first pane surrounds the second pane, inter-pane spacer bar, and inter-pane sealant of the frameless glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0024] An advantage is a secure frameless connection because one of the panes protrudes outboard past an inter-pane spacer bar and inter-pane sealant and edge of the second pane of the frameless glazing unit, the protruding part defining the oversized region providing a surface for the adhesive sealant to bond to. Bonding to an exterior / interior-facing surface of the pane advantageously places the adhesive sealant in compression / tension for pull-out / push-in loads.

[0025] Optionally, the first pane is smaller than a first portion of the window opening and larger than a second portion of the window opening and is positioned in the first portion of the window opening, wherein the second pane is smaller than the first and second portions of the window opening and is configured to seat in the second portion of the window opening, wherein the second portion of the window opening is offset inwardly relative to the first portion to reduce an area of the window opening, and wherein the outward protrusion defined by the oversized region of the first pane interferes with the second portion of the window opening.

[0026] Optionally, the first portion is to an interior side of the window opening, and the second portion is to an exterior side of the window opening. Optionally, the earlier-defined inward protrusion / lip defines the second portion. Optionally, the first and second portions of the window opening are formed from the solidified cementitious material. Optionally, the second portion of the window opening comprises one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded. Optionally, the second portion of the window opening comprises an inwards-facing surface defining one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded.

[0027] Optionally, the first, oversized pane is an interior pane of the frameless glazing unit, and the second pane is an exterior pane of the frameless glazing unit. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the oversized pane and to the precast component, the oversized pane and the precast component defining the opposing surfaces. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the oversized pane and to the solidified cementitious material, the oversized pane and the solidified cementitious material defining the opposing surfaces.

[0028] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to an exterior-facing surface of the first, oversized pane and to an interior-facing surface of the precast component. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the exterior-facing surface of the first, oversized pane and to an interior-facing surface of the solidified cementitious material. Optionally, the interior-facing surface is a surface of the inward protrusion / lip. Optionally, the exterior-facing surface is a surface of the oversized region of the first pane.

[0029] Optionally, the building assembly further comprises a spacer bar setting a thickness of the gap, and wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to the spacer bar. An advantage is that the spacer bar acts as permanent formwork for the adhesive sealant, and controls the thickness of the gap. Optionally, the spacer bar abuts each of the opposing surfaces. Optionally, the spacer bar extends continuously, surrounding the central area of the frameless glazing unit. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to three surfaces including the opposing surfaces and the spacer bar. Optionally, the spacer bar is positioned between the adhesive sealant and an inter-pane sealant of the frameless glazing unit.

[0030] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to a roughened surface of the precast component defining one of the opposing surfaces, the roughened surface being rougher than other surfaces on a same interior or exterior side of the precast component. Optionally, the inward protrusion / lip comprises the roughened surface and other surfaces. Optionally, the interior-facing surface of the inward protrusion / lip comprises the roughened surface. Optionally, an exterior-facing surface and / or side surface of the inward protrusion / lip comprises the other (smoother) surfaces.

[0031] An advantage is improved adhesion of the adhesive sealant. Furthermore, the adhesive sealant is protected from ultraviolet degradation, due to the substantially complete occlusion from sunlight by the inward protrusion.

[0032] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is formed from silicone or polyurethane. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is a Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) sealant. Optionally, the adhesive sealant of the continuous seal is a structural adhesive sealant, having a modulus at 100% elongation of at least 0.6MPa and / or a shore A hardness of at least 34, and optionally wherein the continuous seal substantially consists of the structural adhesive sealant. Alternatively, a weatherproofing sealant with a lower modulus (e.g., at least 0.2MPa) and / or Shore A hardness (e.g., at least 20) may be sufficient to meet design requirements for some construction projects.

[0033] An advantage is a secure connection, and the ability to bond to glass among other materials.

[0034] Optionally, the frameless glazing unit comprises an inter-pane sealant bonded to panes of the frameless glazing unit and to an inter-pane spacer bar of the frameless glazing unit, and wherein the adhesive sealant is formed from a material able to bond with and / or able to cure when in contact with a material of the inter-pane sealant. Optionally, the inter-pane sealant and adhesive sealant are both formed from a same primary adhesive material. Optionally, the inter-pane sealant and adhesive sealant are both formed from silicone or both formed from polyurethane.

[0035] An advantage is a secure connection because the adhesive sealant can cure in the presence of (and perhaps bond to) the inter-pane sealant of the frameless glazing unit.

[0036] Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is secured to the precast component substantially wholly and permanently by sealant in a finished form of the building assembly, the sealant including the adhesive sealant. Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is secured to the precast component substantially wholly and permanently by sealant primarily including the continuous seal, without any mechanical fixings securing the frameless glazing unit to the solidified cementitious material.

[0037] An advantage is that no holes / fixings need to be drilled into the solidified cementitious material, and no on-site assembly is required. When the precast component is in a finished form, for example after concrete moulding and setting and installation of the frameless glazing unit, the frameless glazing unit is substantially only held by sealant. No mechanical fasteners are added.

[0038] Optionally, the building assembly further comprises at least one further continuous seal extending along the gap and surrounding the central area of the frameless glazing unit. The further continuous seal(s) may be a weatherproofing seal. Optionally, the at least one further continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant having a lower modulus at 100% elongation and / or a lower shore A hardness than the adhesive sealant of the continuous seal.

[0039] An advantage is that further weatherproofing is provided, due to multiple beads (continuous seals) of adhesive sealants. In other implementations, the further continuous seals are omitted because one bead of the adhesive sealant is enough.

[0040] Optionally, the at least one further continuous seal comprises first and second continuous weatherproofing seals in the gap. Optionally, the earlier-defined adhesive sealant is located in the gap between the further continuous seals.

[0041] An advantage is three stages of weatherproofing, comprising two weatherproofing sealants and the adhesive sealant.

[0042] Optionally, the at least one further continuous seal comprises a first continuous weatherproofing seal bonded to a perimeter edge face of a first pane of the frameless glazing unit and to the precast component, and optionally a second continuous weatherproofing seal bonded to a perimeter edge face of a second pane of the frameless glazing unit and to the precast component.

[0043] Optionally, the gap follows a nonlinear path between an exterior and an interior of the window opening. Optionally, the path is nonlinear due to the inward protrusion / lip of the window opening and / or the protrusion of the frameless glazing unit. Optionally, the further continuous seal is located in a portion of the nonlinear path which extends in a different direction than the portion of the nonlinear path where the earlier-defined adhesive sealant is located.

[0044] Optionally, an outer pane (exterior pane) of the frameless glazing unit has an inner face (interior-facing surface / faces inter-pane cavity) and an outer face (exterior-facing surface), wherein the precast component has a façade face (exterior-facing surface, unhidden), and wherein a flushness of the outer face of the pane with the façade face depends on a thickness of the adhesive sealant and / or a thickness of a portion of the precast component that the adhesive sealant is bonded to.

[0045] Optionally, the thickness is configured such that the outer face of the pane is substantially flush with the façade face of the precast component.

[0046] Optionally, the building assembly forms at least one of a structural wall or a cladding panel of a building. Optionally, the precast component is a precast concrete building component, wherein the solidified cementitious material is concrete. Optionally, the solidified cementitious material comprises, at least in part, fibre reinforced concrete. Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is a frameless glass window, comprising glass panes. Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is a double glazing unit or triple glazing unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a building assembly; FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a building assembly; FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of a building assembly further comprising insulation and plasterboard; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of a second example building assembly; FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of a third example building assembly; FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section view of a fourth example building assembly; FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section view of a fifth example building assembly; and FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of a sixth example building assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a building assembly 10. The assembly 10 comprises a precast component 100 and a frameless glazing unit 200.

[0049] The building assembly 10 may form a structural wall of a building. Alternatively, the building assembly 10 may form a non-structural cladding panel of a building. The building assembly 10 may have a height of more than one metre or more than two metres, and / or a width of more than one metre.

[0050] The precast component 100 is formed from solidified cementitious material 102, such as concrete. To reduce mass, the precast component 100 may comprise fibre reinforced concrete, such as glass fibre / metal fibre / plastic fibre / organic fibre / polymer fibre reinforced concrete. Alternatively, rebar-reinforced concrete may be used.

[0051] In some examples, the precast component 100 provides a concrete building façade. Alternatively, building elements such as bricks or stones may be embedded in the concrete during manufacture, or secondary cladding may be attached.

[0052] The frameless glazing unit 200 may be a frameless glass window, comprising glass panes. The window may be a non-openable window. The frameless glazing unit 200 may be an insulated double-glazing unit or triple-glazing unit.

[0053] The precast component 100 is moulded in a factory. The formwork in the factory comprises window formwork which leaves a window opening 104 (through-hole) in the precast component 100 once the concrete has set and cured.

[0054] In the factory, an adhesive sealant 302 is applied to the frameless glazing unit 200, and the frameless glazing unit 200 is positioned within the window opening 104, causing the adhesive sealant 302 to be pressed against a surface of the precast component 100. The adhesive sealant 302 is a structural adhesive sealant, so that once the structural adhesive sealant 302 has set, the frameless glazing unit 200 is permanently secured to the concrete.

[0055] The finished building assembly 10 is then delivered to a construction site where the precast component 100 can be connected to a structure. No further assembly steps may be required for the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section through the building assembly 10, and provides a detail view of the edge of the window opening 104. The cross-section is perpendicular to a direction in which the edge of the window opening 104 extends.

[0057] The building assembly 10 has an interior side 120 and an exterior side 122. The interior side 120 is the dry side or indoor side of the building. The exterior side 122 is the wet side or outdoor side of the building.

[0058] The precast component 100 comprises an interior face 108 (rear face) at the interior side 120, and an exterior face 106 (front face) at the exterior side 122. The exterior face may be a façade face 106 or a hidden face of the building assembly 10. The precast component 100 further comprises a reveal face 110 defining a reveal (edge face) of the window opening 104. The reveal face 110 connects the interior face 108 and exterior face 106.

[0059] In FIG. 2, the window opening 104 is profiled to mechanically key with the frameless glazing unit 200, wherein the mechanical key is configured to interfere against pull-out of the frameless glazing unit 200 from the window opening 104 in a direction of the exterior side 122.

[0060] Specifically, the reveal face 110 of the precast component 100 is nonlinearly profiled to mechanically key with the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0061] The window opening 104 comprises a inward protrusion 112shaped such that the reveal face 110 is nonlinearly profiled. In FIG. 2, the inward protrusion 112 defines an inwardly stepped and cantilevered surface along the reveal face 110, in cross-section. In other examples, a tapering slope defines the inward protrusion 112 rather than an inwards step. Either way, the inward protrusion 112 can be regarded as a lip formed in the reveal face 110, which reduces the effective area of the window opening 104.

[0062] The inward protrusion 112 inwardly protrudes into the aperture of the window opening 104. The inward protrusion 112 extends along the full perimeter of the window opening 104.

[0063] In other examples, the inward protrusion 112 is a sloped or tapered surface, rather than a stepped surface.

[0064] The inward protrusion 112 reduces an area of the window opening 104 in a thickness direction of the precast component 100. The thickness direction extends between the interior side 120 and the exterior side 122.

[0065] The illustrated inward protrusion 112 may have a constant or average thickness of 25-40mm, if fibre reinforced concrete is used. If the thickness is greater than 40mm, either fibre reinforced concrete or rebar-reinforced concrete may be used.

[0066] The inward protrusion 112 has an interior-facing surface 116 and an exterior-facing surface 118. The exterior-facing surface 118 may define part of the façade face 106 of the precast component 100. The interior-facing surface 116 may be parallel and opposite the exterior-facing surface 118. The interior-facing surface 116 and exterior-facing surface 118 may define a generally rectilinear face.

[0067] The window opening 104 can be described as having a first portion 124 at the interior side 120, and a second portion 126 at the exterior side 122, along the thickness of the window opening 104. The second portion 126 of the window opening 104 is offset inwardly relative to the first portion 124 to reduce an area of the window opening 104. The term 'inwardly' means towards the centre of the frameless glazing unit 200, when viewed in the cross-section, and 'outwardly' is opposite.

[0068] Optionally, the earlier-defined inward protrusion 112 defines the second portion 126. The reveal face 110 in FIG. 2 is stepped, and is therefore separated into two portions: a widened portion and narrowed portion. The width and height of the window opening 104 is greater at the widened portions than at the narrowed portions.

[0069] The widened portion of the reveal face 110 forms a perimeter of the first portion 124 of the window opening 104. The narrowed portion of the reveal face 110 forms a perimeter of the second portion 126 of the window opening 104. The narrowed portion of the reveal face 110 is the end face of the free end of the cantilevered inward protrusion 112, and interconnects the interior-facing surface 116 and exterior-facing surface 118 of the inward protrusion 112.

[0070] Turning now to the frameless glazing unit 200, FIG. 2 shows a double glazing unit comprising an interior pane 210 (inner pane / first pane) and an exterior pane 202 (outer pane / second pane), separated by a cavity 224 therebetween.

[0071] The exterior pane 202 comprises an interior-facing surface 204 (inner face) and an exterior-facing surface 206 (outer face). The interior pane 210 comprises an interior-facing surface 214 (inner face) and an exterior-facing surface 216 (outer face). The exterior-facing surface 216 of the interior pane 210 and the interior-facing surface 204 of the exterior pane 202 are cavity-facing surfaces defining boundaries of the cavity 224. The exterior-facing surface 206 of the exterior pane 202 is the outdoor / wet pane surface of the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0072] The cavity 224 comprises a controlled atmosphere, filled for example with an inert gas. The cavity 224 is sealed by an inter-pane spacer bar 226. The inter-pane spacer bar 226 runs parallel to and proximal to the perimeters of the exterior and interior panes 202, 210. The interior and exterior edges of the inter-pane spacer bar 226 connect to the cavity-facing surfaces 204, 216 of the respective panes.

[0073] The inter-pane spacer bar 226 is inset from the perimeter of the panes, creating a U-shaped channel in which a bead of inter-pane sealant 228 runs. The inter-pane sealant 228 forms part of the frameless glazing unit 200, and may be formed from silicone, polyurethane, or equivalent materials. The inter-pane sealant 228 bonds to the non-cavity side of the inter-pane spacer bar 226, as well as to the cavity-facing surfaces 204, 216 of the respective panes. The inter-pane sealant 228 fills the U-shaped channel, and has perimeter edge face 230 level with or inset from a perimeter edge face 208 of the exterior pane 202.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows that the interior pane 210 is oversized relative to the exterior pane 202, representing an outward protrusion 220 (oversized region 222) that interferes with the inward protrusion 112 of the reveal face 110 of the precast component 100, preventing pull-out of the frameless glazing unit 200 to the exterior side 122. Due to the outward protrusion 220, the perimeter edge face 218 of the interior pane 210 is not aligned with and protrudes beyond the perimeter edge faces 208, 230 of the exterior pane 202 and inter-pane sealant 228, whereas traditionally the perimeter edge faces 208, 218, 230 would be aligned and colinear (e.g. FIG. 4).

[0075] The outward protrusion 220 and the inward protrusion 112 extend generally parallel to each other and to the panes of the frameless glazing unit 200. They extend in opposite directions and overlap in cross-section to create the interference (mechanical key). The outward protrusion 220 is bonded to the inward protrusion 112 by the structural adhesive sealant 302. The structural adhesive sealant 302 is bonded to a pair of opposing surfaces, one of which is a surface 216 of the outward protrusion 220, and the other of which is a surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112. The surfaces 216, 116 are opposing surfaces, facing each other across a gap 300. The structural adhesive sealant 302 surrounds all sides of a central area 232 of the frameless glazing unit 200, to define a continuous seal. The surrounded central area 232 comprises the exterior pane 202 of the frameless glazing unit 200, and the associated inter-pane sealant 228 and inter-pane spacer bar 226. The structural adhesive sealant 302 prevents direct glass-to-concrete contact, where the outward protrusion 220 is formed from glass and the inward protrusion 112 is formed from concrete.

[0076] A spacer bar 312 abutting the opposing surfaces 216, 116 sets the thickness of the gap 300 where the structural adhesive sealant 302 is located. The spacer bar 312 is added prior to injection of the structural adhesive sealant 302, and acts as permanent formwork for the structural adhesive sealant 302 to improve assembly tolerance. The structural adhesive sealant 302 bonds to three surfaces, comprising the opposing surfaces 216, 116 and the spacer bar 312. The spacer bar 312 prevents the structural adhesive sealant 302 from reaching the perimeter edge face 230 of the inter-pane sealant 228 or the perimeter edge face 208 of the exterior pane 202 of the frameless glazing unit 200. Therefore, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may be separated from the inter-pane sealant 228 by the spacer bar 312. Alternatively, in other examples, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may be allowed to flow into abutment with the precured inter-pane sealant 228, and may be bonded thereto.

[0077] There is no interference by the precast component 100 against push-in force towards the interior side 120. Push-in force is resisted by the structural adhesive sealant 302. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, a later-added plasterboard assembly 402, 404 may provide a mechanical key with the interior-facing surface 214 of the interior pane 210 to provide a mechanical key against push-in force.

[0078] In FIG. 2, the interior pane 210 is smaller than the first portion 124 of the window opening 104 (widened portion of the reveal face 110) and larger than the second portion 126 of the window opening 104 (narrowed portion of the reveal face 110). The exterior pane 202 is smaller than the interior pane 210, and is smaller than both the first and second portions 124, 126 of the window opening (widened and narrowed portions of the reveal face 110). Therefore, the perimeter edge faces 208, 230 of the exterior pane 202 and the inter-pane sealant 228 are positioned alongside the inward protrusion 112 of the reveal face 110.

[0079] A gap 300 exists between the perimeter edge faces 208, 230 of the exterior pane 202 and the inter-pane sealant 228, and the parallel opposite narrowed portion of the reveal face 110. The gap 300 has a section extending in a thickness direction. The perimeter edge face 208 of the exterior pane 202 is bonded to the narrowed portion of the reveal face 110 by a first weatherproofing seal 306. The first weatherproofing seal 306 is located in the gap 300 and has a depth extending to a backing rod 310. The backing rod 310 (e.g., foam rod) is placed into the gap 300 during manufacture, prior to injecting a bead of the first weatherproofing seal 306, and sets the depth of the first weatherproofing seal 306.

[0080] The gap 300 between the frameless glazing unit 200 and the reveal face 110 extends in a nonlinear path, which after extending in the thickness direction extends in a transverse section parallel to the panes, between opposing surfaces defined by the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 and the exterior-facing surface 216 of the interior pane 210 along the oversized region 222 of the outward protrusion 220 of the interior pane 210. The structural adhesive sealant 302 is in this transverse section of the gap 300, between the opposing surfaces 116, 216. The transverse section of the gap 300 may be elongate, being longer than the separation between the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 and the exterior-facing surface 216 of the interior pane 210. Therefore, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may have a wide aspect ratio, having a width along the elongate transverse section of the gap 300 which is greater than the thickness of the structural adhesive sealant 302, the width and thickness being viewed in the same cross-section, and the thickness being equal to the separation of the opposing surfaces 116, 216. This provides a large bonding area.

[0081] Finally, at the interior side 120, the gap 300 turns again and has a section extending in the thickness direction. The perimeter edge face 218 of the interior pane 210 is bonded to the widened portion of the reveal face 110 by a second weatherproofing seal 308. The second weatherproofing seal 308 is located in the gap 300 and has a depth extending to a backing rod 310.

[0082] Therefore, FIG. 2 shows a gap 300 comprising three sealants, comprising a structural adhesive sealant 302 between first and second weatherproofing seals 306, 308. In other examples, one or both of the weatherproofing seals may be omitted.

[0083] The structural adhesive sealant 302 defines the primary and only structural connection between the frameless glazing unit 200 and the precast concrete component 100. Mechanical fixings may not be used at all, to secure the frameless glazing unit 200 to the precast concrete component 100. The weatherproofing seals may have a non-negligible effect on the structural connection but this may be a smaller contribution than the structural adhesive sealant 302. As shown in FIG. 3, plasterboard 402 may also provide structural interference against push-in.

[0084] In FIG. 2, pull-out forces towards the exterior side 122 compress the structural adhesive sealant 302, and push-in forces towards the interior side 120 place the structural adhesive sealant 302 in tension. The connection is therefore strongest and most reliable against pull-out, which is desirable due to the adverse consequences of a window falling out of a building rather than into the building.

[0085] The structural adhesive sealant 302 itself may or may not abut against the perimeter edge face 230 of the inter-pane sealant 228 of the frameless glazing unit 200. In FIG. 2, there is no contact between these sealants 302, 228. Nonetheless, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may be selected for compatibility with the inter-pane sealant 228 of the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0086] Where the inter-pane sealant 228 of the frameless glazing unit 200 may be formed from silicone, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may also be formed from silicone. This allows the structural adhesive sealant 302 to bond to the inter-pane sealant 228, and cure well. Alternatively, both sealants may be formed from polyurethane or another material.

[0087] In examples, the structural adhesive sealant 302 is a Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) sealant. The structural adhesive sealant 302 may have a modulus at 100% elongation of at least 0.6MPa (test ASTM D0412). The structural adhesive sealant 302 may have a shore A hardness of at least 34 (test ASTM D2240). A suitable example is DOWSIL (TM) 895 SSG.

[0088] The first and second weatherproofing seals 306, 308, if one or both are provided, may have a lower modulus and / or hardness than the structural adhesive sealant 302. The first and second weatherproofing seals 306, 308 may each comprise a silicone sealant or polyurethane sealant. The modulus at 100% elongation may be less than 0.5MPa (CTM 137A / CTM 677). The shore A hardness may be less than 32 (CTM 99E). A suitable example is DOWSIL (TM) 791 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant.

[0089] In some implementations, a sealant marketed primarily as a weatherproofing sealant and having the above properties of a weatherproofing sealant may provide sufficient structural strength and bonding reliability to act as the structural adhesive sealant 302.

[0090] To improve adhesion between the structural adhesive sealant 302 and the concrete surface of the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104, the interior-facing surface 116 may be roughened relative to other surfaces (e.g., 118) of the inward protrusion 112 and / or precast component 100 (e.g., 106, 108). The roughened surface may be formed during manufacture of the precast component 100. The roughened surface may be an aerated surface, formed by trapped air bubbles. The trapping of air bubbles during concrete moulding in the inward protrusion 112 creates a rough surface finish. Alternatively, the concrete formwork may comprise a rough formliner to create the roughened texture, if needed. In some implementations, the roughening of the interior-facing surface 116 may be a post-forming process.

[0091] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior-facing surface 206 of the exterior pane 202 of the frameless glazing unit 200 is substantially flush with the façade face 106 of the precast component 100. This flushness is achieved by configuring the sum of the thicknesses of the structural adhesive sealant 302 and the inward protrusion 112 to be equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the inter-pane spacer bar 226 and the exterior pane 202.

[0092] If an exterior reveal is desired, the frameless glazing unit 200 may of course be recessed relative to the façade face 106 of the precast component 100. Alternatively, or additionally, façade building elements such as bricks or stones may be embedded or secured in front of the front face 106 of the precast component 100, therefore creating an exterior reveal to the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0093] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the building assembly 10 after on-site assembly 10.

[0094] Plasterboard 402 may terminate at a plasterboard clip 404 which abuts the interior-facing surface 214 of the interior pane 210. The hollow space between the plasterboard clip 404 and the widened portion of the reveal face 110 of the window opening 104 may be packed with interior insulation 400. The interior insulation 400 covers the outward protrusion 220 of the interior pane 210, and the gap 300 and second weatherproofing seal 306, 308, to prevent a thermal bridge and ensure that a dewpoint line does not intersect the inner boundary of a room of the building.

[0095] Further insulation 400 may be packed behind the interior face 108 of the precast component 100, and up to the plasterboard 402.

[0096] FIG. 4 illustrates a second example building assembly 10B, in which the frameless glazing unit 200 is reversed such that the exterior pane 202 comprises the outward protrusion 220B (oversized region 222) relative to the interior pane 210. In this example, the structural adhesive sealant 302 is bonded to the interior-facing surface 204 of the exterior pane 202 at the outward protrusion 220B, and to the exterior-facing surface 118 of the inward protrusion 112.

[0097] In a still further example (not shown), the frameless glazing unit 200 of FIG. 4 may be wholly positioned to the interior side 120 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104.

[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates a third example building assembly 10C, in which the frameless glazing unit 200 does not comprise an outward protrusion 220 (oversized region 222). Therefore, the exterior-facing surface 206 of the exterior pane 202 is bonded to the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104, by the structural adhesive sealant 302.

[0099] In a still further example (not shown), the frameless glazing unit 200 of FIG. 5 may be wholly positioned to the exterior side 122 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104.

[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth example building assembly 10D, in which the interference is between the precast component 100 and a structural adhesive sealant 302B, rather than between the precast component 100 and the frameless glazing unit 200. The precast component 100 comprises a recess 600 into which the structural adhesive sealant 302B extends. The structural adhesive sealant 302B is also bonded to the perimeter edge face 208 and / or 218 of at least one of the panes 202, 210. The structural adhesive sealant 302B may also bond to the perimeter edge face 230 of the inter-pane sealant 228.

[0101] To the exterior side of the recess 600, the precast component 100 comprises a non-recessed portion functioning as the inward protrusion 112. Therefore, the portion of the structural adhesive sealant 302B which extends into the recess 600 mechanically keys with the inward protrusion 112 of the reveal face 110 of the precast component 112.

[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth example precast assembly 10E, representing a variant of FIG. 6. The inward protrusion 112B is positioned along a central region of the reveal face 110, such that the reveal face 110 comprises a front recess in front of the central inward protrusion 112B, and / or a rear recess behind the central inward protrusion 112B. A continuous seal of structural adhesive sealant 302C is added to the rear recess behind the inward protrusion 112B to mechanically key with the inward protrusion 112B in response to pull-out force. Additionally, or alternatively, a continuous seal of structural adhesive sealant 302C is added to the front recess in front of the inward protrusion 112B, to mechanically key with the inward protrusion 112B in response to push-in force.

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth example precast assembly 10F, illustrating a variant frameless glazing unit 200B which is single-glazed. The single pane 202 or 210 is bonded to the exterior-facing surface 118 of the precast component 100 in the manner of FIG. 4 (as shown) or FIG. 2.

[0104] In further variants, a triple-glazed frameless glazing unit 200 is used. The implementation may be similar to FIG. 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7, except that the rear weatherproofing seal 308 may be connected to the third, interior-most pane.

[0105] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, it is conceivable that one or more mechanical fasteners may be used.

[0106] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0107] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0108] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0109] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0048]FIG. 1 illustrates a building assembly 10. The assembly 10 comprises a precast component 100 and a frameless glazing unit 200.

[0049]The building assembly 10 may form a structural wall of a building. Alternatively, the building assembly 10 may form a non-structural cladding panel of a building. The building assembly 10 may have a height of more than one metre or more than two metres, and / or a width of more than one metre.

[0050]The precast component 100 is formed from solidified cementitious material 102, such as concrete. To reduce mass, the precast component 100 may comprise fibre reinforced concrete, such as glass fibre / metal fibre / plastic fibre / organic fibre / polymer fibre reinforced concrete. Alternatively, rebar-reinforced concrete may be used.

[0051]In some examples, the precast component 100 provides a concrete building façade. Alternatively, building elements such as bricks or stones may be embedded in the concrete during manufacture, or secondary cladding may be attached...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to building assembly comprising a precast component and a frameless glazing unit.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Glazing units can comprise any or all of the following, in any combination: a single pane of glass comprising one sheet of glass or multiple sheets of glass laminated together to form a single pane; or a plurality of panes of glass spaced apart with inter-pane spacer bars and bonded and sealed together with a sealant. The space between the panes of glass can be filled with an insulating gas. This type of assembly is referred to as an insulated glazed unit.

[0003] Traditionally, a double glazing unit or triple glazing unit is clamped into an external frame, and the frame is fixed to brackets by mechanical fixings. The brackets are fixed to a building structure by mechanical fixings.

[0004] Sometimes, a glazing unit may be clamped to a hidden or obscured frame, wherein the frame is wholly located to an interior side of the glazing unit. The frame is bonded to a glass surface of the glazing unit by a Structural Silicone Glazing sealant or concealed mechanical toggle. The frame is then fixed to a building structure by mechanical fixings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a building assembly comprising: a precast component, the precast component comprising solidified cementitious material, the solidified cementitious material comprising a window opening; and a frameless glazing unit positioned within the window opening, wherein a central area of the frameless glazing unit is surrounded by a continuous seal, wherein the continuous seal supports the frameless glazing unit within the window opening, and wherein the continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant within a gap between opposing surfaces of the frameless glazing unit and of the precast component.

[0006] An advantage is enabling a system free from frames and mechanical fixings. A further advantage is a carbon saving because the glazing unit is frameless and bonded directly to the solidified cementitious material, therefore reducing the need for frame materials such as aluminium. Another advantage is satisfying thermal efficiency and acoustics requirements, because frames often create a thermal bridge and transmit sound energy. A further advantage is fewer components (no frame). A further advantage is that mechanical fixings into the precast component are not required. A further advantage is improved manufacturing and logistics, because the frameless glazing unit can be installed in the factory. This improves consistency and reduces on-site labour requirements. A further advantage is that the absence of a frame achieves a certain aesthetic finish. Furthermore, the assembly is well suited to construction projects where non-opening glazing units are required, such that frameless glazing units can be used.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a building assembly comprising: a precast component, the precast component comprising solidified cementitious material, the solidified cementitious material comprising a window opening; and a glazing unit positioned within the window opening, wherein a central area of the glazing unit is surrounded by a continuous seal, wherein the continuous seal supports the glazing unit within the window opening, and wherein the continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant within a gap between opposing surfaces of the glazing unit and of the precast component, and wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to a portion of a pane of the glazing unit.

[0008] This provides similar advantages because a portion of a pane of the glazing unit acts as a frame / surface for the adhesive sealant to bond to. This allows the glazing unit to be completely frameless (no frame), or to reduce the required strength / mass of the frame while still having a continuous structural connection to the precast component.

[0009] The optional statements below apply to the first aspect, and also apply to the second aspect if the term 'frameless' is omitted.

[0010] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the frameless glazing unit and is bonded to the precast component / solidified cementitious material, the bonds surrounding the central area of the glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0011] Optionally, the building assembly is profiled to provide a mechanical key between the precast component, and at least one of the frameless glazing unit or the adhesive sealant.

[0012] An advantage is a more secure connection because pull-out and / or push-in of the frameless glazing unit is prevented. This reduces reliance on the continuous seal. The solidified cementitious material provides a surface of the mechanical key, providing the function of a frame without the glazing unit needing to have a frame.

[0013] Optionally, the building assembly has an interior side and an exterior side, and wherein the mechanical key is configured to interfere against at least pull-out of the frameless glazing unit from the window opening in a direction of the exterior side. Optionally, pull-out force applied to the frameless glazing unit towards the exterior side compresses the adhesive sealant.

[0014] An advantage is a more secure building assembly because the frameless glazing unit is retained in an envelope of a building. The consequences of pull-out can be worse than push-in.

[0015] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is configured to resist at least push-in of the frameless glazing unit from the window opening in a direction of the interior side. Optionally, force applied to the frameless glazing unit towards the interior side tensions the adhesive sealant.

[0016] Optionally, the window opening is profiled to mechanically key with the precast component. Optionally, the window opening comprises an inward protrusion in cross-section view, reducing an area of the window opening in a thickness direction of the precast component. Optionally, the window opening comprises a reveal face comprising the inward protrusion, the inward protrusion 112 defining an inwardly cantilevered surface along the reveal face, in cross-section Optionally, the central area of the frameless glazing unit is surrounded by the inward protrusion, and is bonded to the inward protrusion by the adhesive sealant. The bond between the inward protrusion and the adhesive sealant may surround the central area of the glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0017] An advantage is a secure connection because the inward protrusion of the solidified cementitious material provides a mechanical key to the frameless glazing unit. Furthermore, the adhesive sealant is aligned with the mechanical key, and is bonded to the opposing surfaces that provide the mechanical key.

[0018] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the frameless glazing unit and to the inward protrusion, the frameless glazing unit and the inward protrusion defining the opposing surfaces. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to an interior-facing surface of the solidified cementitious material of the inward protrusion and to an exterior-facing surface of the frameless glazing unit. The bonds between the adhesive sealant and the inward protrusion and between the adhesive sealant and the frameless glazing unit may surround the central area of glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0019] An advantage of the adhesive sealant bonding to exterior-facing and interior-facing surfaces, rather than lateral / sideways-facing surfaces, is a more secure connection because pull-out and push-in forces compress and tension the adhesive sealant, rather than applying shear force to the adhesive sealant.

[0020] An advantage is improved design freedom because fibre reinforced concrete facilitates the production of thin inward protrusions (e.g., 15-40mm), enabling the use of a thin exterior reveal to the façade, or even no exterior reveal (flush finish). If a thick exterior reveal to the façade is required, the inward protrusion can be thicker and formed from standard rebar-reinforced concrete.

[0021] Optionally, the mechanical key is between the precast component and the frameless glazing unit, and wherein the frameless glazing unit comprises an outward protrusion that interferes with the precast component, the outward protrusion defining one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded. Optionally, the opposing surfaces comprise the outward protrusion of the frameless glazing unit and the inward protrusion / lip of the window opening. Optionally, the outward protrusion and the inward protrusion extend generally parallel to each other in cross-section view, such that the opposing surfaces are parallel. Optionally, the outward protrusion and the inward protrusion extend generally parallel to panes of the frameless glazing unit.

[0022] An advantage is a secure connection because the adhesive sealant is bonded to the surfaces which provide the mechanical key. Furthermore, the adhesive sealant spaces the pane from the solidified cementitious material to prevent direct glass-concrete contact. The connection is also secure because the adhesive sealant is bonded to parallel opposing surfaces, and is tensioned and compressed in pull-out and push-in forces rather than being sheared.

[0023] Optionally, the frameless glazing unit comprises a plurality of panes, wherein a first pane of the plurality of panes is oversized relative to a second pane of the plurality of panes, and wherein an oversized region of the first pane defines the outward protrusion that interferes with the precast component. Optionally, the oversized region of the first pane defines the outward protrusion that interferes with the inward protrusion of the precast component. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to an exterior-facing surface or interior-facing surface of the oversized region of the first pane. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the exterior-facing surface. Optionally, the bond between the adhesive sealant and the surface of the oversized region of the first pane surrounds the second pane, inter-pane spacer bar, and inter-pane sealant of the frameless glazing unit to provide the continuous seal.

[0024] An advantage is a secure frameless connection because one of the panes protrudes outboard past an inter-pane spacer bar and inter-pane sealant and edge of the second pane of the frameless glazing unit, the protruding part defining the oversized region providing a surface for the adhesive sealant to bond to. Bonding to an exterior / interior-facing surface of the pane advantageously places the adhesive sealant in compression / tension for pull-out / push-in loads.

[0025] Optionally, the first pane is smaller than a first portion of the window opening and larger than a second portion of the window opening and is positioned in the first portion of the window opening, wherein the second pane is smaller than the first and second portions of the window opening and is configured to seat in the second portion of the window opening, wherein the second portion of the window opening is offset inwardly relative to the first portion to reduce an area of the window opening, and wherein the outward protrusion defined by the oversized region of the first pane interferes with the second portion of the window opening.

[0026] Optionally, the first portion is to an interior side of the window opening, and the second portion is to an exterior side of the window opening. Optionally, the earlier-defined inward protrusion / lip defines the second portion. Optionally, the first and second portions of the window opening are formed from the solidified cementitious material. Optionally, the second portion of the window opening comprises one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded. Optionally, the second portion of the window opening comprises an inwards-facing surface defining one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded.

[0027] Optionally, the first, oversized pane is an interior pane of the frameless glazing unit, and the second pane is an exterior pane of the frameless glazing unit. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the oversized pane and to the precast component, the oversized pane and the precast component defining the opposing surfaces. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the oversized pane and to the solidified cementitious material, the oversized pane and the solidified cementitious material defining the opposing surfaces.

[0028] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to an exterior-facing surface of the first, oversized pane and to an interior-facing surface of the precast component. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to the exterior-facing surface of the first, oversized pane and to an interior-facing surface of the solidified cementitious material. Optionally, the interior-facing surface is a surface of the inward protrusion / lip. Optionally, the exterior-facing surface is a surface of the oversized region of the first pane.

[0029] Optionally, the building assembly further comprises a spacer bar setting a thickness of the gap, and wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to the spacer bar. An advantage is that the spacer bar acts as permanent formwork for the adhesive sealant, and controls the thickness of the gap. Optionally, the spacer bar abuts each of the opposing surfaces. Optionally, the spacer bar extends continuously, surrounding the central area of the frameless glazing unit. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to three surfaces including the opposing surfaces and the spacer bar. Optionally, the spacer bar is positioned between the adhesive sealant and an inter-pane sealant of the frameless glazing unit.

[0030] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is bonded to a roughened surface of the precast component defining one of the opposing surfaces, the roughened surface being rougher than other surfaces on a same interior or exterior side of the precast component. Optionally, the inward protrusion / lip comprises the roughened surface and other surfaces. Optionally, the interior-facing surface of the inward protrusion / lip comprises the roughened surface. Optionally, an exterior-facing surface and / or side surface of the inward protrusion / lip comprises the other (smoother) surfaces.

[0031] An advantage is improved adhesion of the adhesive sealant. Furthermore, the adhesive sealant is protected from ultraviolet degradation, due to the substantially complete occlusion from sunlight by the inward protrusion.

[0032] Optionally, the adhesive sealant is formed from silicone or polyurethane. Optionally, the adhesive sealant is a Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) sealant. Optionally, the adhesive sealant of the continuous seal is a structural adhesive sealant, having a modulus at 100% elongation of at least 0.6MPa and / or a shore A hardness of at least 34, and optionally wherein the continuous seal substantially consists of the structural adhesive sealant. Alternatively, a weatherproofing sealant with a lower modulus (e.g., at least 0.2MPa) and / or Shore A hardness (e.g., at least 20) may be sufficient to meet design requirements for some construction projects.

[0033] An advantage is a secure connection, and the ability to bond to glass among other materials.

[0034] Optionally, the frameless glazing unit comprises an inter-pane sealant bonded to panes of the frameless glazing unit and to an inter-pane spacer bar of the frameless glazing unit, and wherein the adhesive sealant is formed from a material able to bond with and / or able to cure when in contact with a material of the inter-pane sealant. Optionally, the inter-pane sealant and adhesive sealant are both formed from a same primary adhesive material. Optionally, the inter-pane sealant and adhesive sealant are both formed from silicone or both formed from polyurethane.

[0035] An advantage is a secure connection because the adhesive sealant can cure in the presence of (and perhaps bond to) the inter-pane sealant of the frameless glazing unit.

[0036] Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is secured to the precast component substantially wholly and permanently by sealant in a finished form of the building assembly, the sealant including the adhesive sealant. Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is secured to the precast component substantially wholly and permanently by sealant primarily including the continuous seal, without any mechanical fixings securing the frameless glazing unit to the solidified cementitious material.

[0037] An advantage is that no holes / fixings need to be drilled into the solidified cementitious material, and no on-site assembly is required. When the precast component is in a finished form, for example after concrete moulding and setting and installation of the frameless glazing unit, the frameless glazing unit is substantially only held by sealant. No mechanical fasteners are added.

[0038] Optionally, the building assembly further comprises at least one further continuous seal extending along the gap and surrounding the central area of the frameless glazing unit. The further continuous seal(s) may be a weatherproofing seal. Optionally, the at least one further continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant having a lower modulus at 100% elongation and / or a lower shore A hardness than the adhesive sealant of the continuous seal.

[0039] An advantage is that further weatherproofing is provided, due to multiple beads (continuous seals) of adhesive sealants. In other implementations, the further continuous seals are omitted because one bead of the adhesive sealant is enough.

[0040] Optionally, the at least one further continuous seal comprises first and second continuous weatherproofing seals in the gap. Optionally, the earlier-defined adhesive sealant is located in the gap between the further continuous seals.

[0041] An advantage is three stages of weatherproofing, comprising two weatherproofing sealants and the adhesive sealant.

[0042] Optionally, the at least one further continuous seal comprises a first continuous weatherproofing seal bonded to a perimeter edge face of a first pane of the frameless glazing unit and to the precast component, and optionally a second continuous weatherproofing seal bonded to a perimeter edge face of a second pane of the frameless glazing unit and to the precast component.

[0043] Optionally, the gap follows a nonlinear path between an exterior and an interior of the window opening. Optionally, the path is nonlinear due to the inward protrusion / lip of the window opening and / or the protrusion of the frameless glazing unit. Optionally, the further continuous seal is located in a portion of the nonlinear path which extends in a different direction than the portion of the nonlinear path where the earlier-defined adhesive sealant is located.

[0044] Optionally, an outer pane (exterior pane) of the frameless glazing unit has an inner face (interior-facing surface / faces inter-pane cavity) and an outer face (exterior-facing surface), wherein the precast component has a façade face (exterior-facing surface, unhidden), and wherein a flushness of the outer face of the pane with the façade face depends on a thickness of the adhesive sealant and / or a thickness of a portion of the precast component that the adhesive sealant is bonded to.

[0045] Optionally, the thickness is configured such that the outer face of the pane is substantially flush with the façade face of the precast component.

[0046] Optionally, the building assembly forms at least one of a structural wall or a cladding panel of a building. Optionally, the precast component is a precast concrete building component, wherein the solidified cementitious material is concrete. Optionally, the solidified cementitious material comprises, at least in part, fibre reinforced concrete. Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is a frameless glass window, comprising glass panes. Optionally, the frameless glazing unit is a double glazing unit or triple glazing unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a building assembly; FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a building assembly; FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of a building assembly further comprising insulation and plasterboard; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of a second example building assembly; FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of a third example building assembly; FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section view of a fourth example building assembly; FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section view of a fifth example building assembly; and FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of a sixth example building assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a building assembly 10. The assembly 10 comprises a precast component 100 and a frameless glazing unit 200.

[0049] The building assembly 10 may form a structural wall of a building. Alternatively, the building assembly 10 may form a non-structural cladding panel of a building. The building assembly 10 may have a height of more than one metre or more than two metres, and / or a width of more than one metre.

[0050] The precast component 100 is formed from solidified cementitious material 102, such as concrete. To reduce mass, the precast component 100 may comprise fibre reinforced concrete, such as glass fibre / metal fibre / plastic fibre / organic fibre / polymer fibre reinforced concrete. Alternatively, rebar-reinforced concrete may be used.

[0051] In some examples, the precast component 100 provides a concrete building façade. Alternatively, building elements such as bricks or stones may be embedded in the concrete during manufacture, or secondary cladding may be attached.

[0052] The frameless glazing unit 200 may be a frameless glass window, comprising glass panes. The window may be a non-openable window. The frameless glazing unit 200 may be an insulated double-glazing unit or triple-glazing unit.

[0053] The precast component 100 is moulded in a factory. The formwork in the factory comprises window formwork which leaves a window opening 104 (through-hole) in the precast component 100 once the concrete has set and cured.

[0054] In the factory, an adhesive sealant 302 is applied to the frameless glazing unit 200, and the frameless glazing unit 200 is positioned within the window opening 104, causing the adhesive sealant 302 to be pressed against a surface of the precast component 100. The adhesive sealant 302 is a structural adhesive sealant, so that once the structural adhesive sealant 302 has set, the frameless glazing unit 200 is permanently secured to the concrete.

[0055] The finished building assembly 10 is then delivered to a construction site where the precast component 100 can be connected to a structure. No further assembly steps may be required for the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section through the building assembly 10, and provides a detail view of the edge of the window opening 104. The cross-section is perpendicular to a direction in which the edge of the window opening 104 extends.

[0057] The building assembly 10 has an interior side 120 and an exterior side 122. The interior side 120 is the dry side or indoor side of the building. The exterior side 122 is the wet side or outdoor side of the building.

[0058] The precast component 100 comprises an interior face 108 (rear face) at the interior side 120, and an exterior face 106 (front face) at the exterior side 122. The exterior face may be a façade face 106 or a hidden face of the building assembly 10. The precast component 100 further comprises a reveal face 110 defining a reveal (edge face) of the window opening 104. The reveal face 110 connects the interior face 108 and exterior face 106.

[0059] In FIG. 2, the window opening 104 is profiled to mechanically key with the frameless glazing unit 200, wherein the mechanical key is configured to interfere against pull-out of the frameless glazing unit 200 from the window opening 104 in a direction of the exterior side 122.

[0060] Specifically, the reveal face 110 of the precast component 100 is nonlinearly profiled to mechanically key with the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0061] The window opening 104 comprises a inward protrusion 112shaped such that the reveal face 110 is nonlinearly profiled. In FIG. 2, the inward protrusion 112 defines an inwardly stepped and cantilevered surface along the reveal face 110, in cross-section. In other examples, a tapering slope defines the inward protrusion 112 rather than an inwards step. Either way, the inward protrusion 112 can be regarded as a lip formed in the reveal face 110, which reduces the effective area of the window opening 104.

[0062] The inward protrusion 112 inwardly protrudes into the aperture of the window opening 104. The inward protrusion 112 extends along the full perimeter of the window opening 104.

[0063] In other examples, the inward protrusion 112 is a sloped or tapered surface, rather than a stepped surface.

[0064] The inward protrusion 112 reduces an area of the window opening 104 in a thickness direction of the precast component 100. The thickness direction extends between the interior side 120 and the exterior side 122.

[0065] The illustrated inward protrusion 112 may have a constant or average thickness of 25-40mm, if fibre reinforced concrete is used. If the thickness is greater than 40mm, either fibre reinforced concrete or rebar-reinforced concrete may be used.

[0066] The inward protrusion 112 has an interior-facing surface 116 and an exterior-facing surface 118. The exterior-facing surface 118 may define part of the façade face 106 of the precast component 100. The interior-facing surface 116 may be parallel and opposite the exterior-facing surface 118. The interior-facing surface 116 and exterior-facing surface 118 may define a generally rectilinear face.

[0067] The window opening 104 can be described as having a first portion 124 at the interior side 120, and a second portion 126 at the exterior side 122, along the thickness of the window opening 104. The second portion 126 of the window opening 104 is offset inwardly relative to the first portion 124 to reduce an area of the window opening 104. The term 'inwardly' means towards the centre of the frameless glazing unit 200, when viewed in the cross-section, and 'outwardly' is opposite.

[0068] Optionally, the earlier-defined inward protrusion 112 defines the second portion 126. The reveal face 110 in FIG. 2 is stepped, and is therefore separated into two portions: a widened portion and narrowed portion. The width and height of the window opening 104 is greater at the widened portions than at the narrowed portions.

[0069] The widened portion of the reveal face 110 forms a perimeter of the first portion 124 of the window opening 104. The narrowed portion of the reveal face 110 forms a perimeter of the second portion 126 of the window opening 104. The narrowed portion of the reveal face 110 is the end face of the free end of the cantilevered inward protrusion 112, and interconnects the interior-facing surface 116 and exterior-facing surface 118 of the inward protrusion 112.

[0070] Turning now to the frameless glazing unit 200, FIG. 2 shows a double glazing unit comprising an interior pane 210 (inner pane / first pane) and an exterior pane 202 (outer pane / second pane), separated by a cavity 224 therebetween.

[0071] The exterior pane 202 comprises an interior-facing surface 204 (inner face) and an exterior-facing surface 206 (outer face). The interior pane 210 comprises an interior-facing surface 214 (inner face) and an exterior-facing surface 216 (outer face). The exterior-facing surface 216 of the interior pane 210 and the interior-facing surface 204 of the exterior pane 202 are cavity-facing surfaces defining boundaries of the cavity 224. The exterior-facing surface 206 of the exterior pane 202 is the outdoor / wet pane surface of the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0072] The cavity 224 comprises a controlled atmosphere, filled for example with an inert gas. The cavity 224 is sealed by an inter-pane spacer bar 226. The inter-pane spacer bar 226 runs parallel to and proximal to the perimeters of the exterior and interior panes 202, 210. The interior and exterior edges of the inter-pane spacer bar 226 connect to the cavity-facing surfaces 204, 216 of the respective panes.

[0073] The inter-pane spacer bar 226 is inset from the perimeter of the panes, creating a U-shaped channel in which a bead of inter-pane sealant 228 runs. The inter-pane sealant 228 forms part of the frameless glazing unit 200, and may be formed from silicone, polyurethane, or equivalent materials. The inter-pane sealant 228 bonds to the non-cavity side of the inter-pane spacer bar 226, as well as to the cavity-facing surfaces 204, 216 of the respective panes. The inter-pane sealant 228 fills the U-shaped channel, and has perimeter edge face 230 level with or inset from a perimeter edge face 208 of the exterior pane 202.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows that the interior pane 210 is oversized relative to the exterior pane 202, representing an outward protrusion 220 (oversized region 222) that interferes with the inward protrusion 112 of the reveal face 110 of the precast component 100, preventing pull-out of the frameless glazing unit 200 to the exterior side 122. Due to the outward protrusion 220, the perimeter edge face 218 of the interior pane 210 is not aligned with and protrudes beyond the perimeter edge faces 208, 230 of the exterior pane 202 and inter-pane sealant 228, whereas traditionally the perimeter edge faces 208, 218, 230 would be aligned and colinear (e.g. FIG. 4).

[0075] The outward protrusion 220 and the inward protrusion 112 extend generally parallel to each other and to the panes of the frameless glazing unit 200. They extend in opposite directions and overlap in cross-section to create the interference (mechanical key). The outward protrusion 220 is bonded to the inward protrusion 112 by the structural adhesive sealant 302. The structural adhesive sealant 302 is bonded to a pair of opposing surfaces, one of which is a surface 216 of the outward protrusion 220, and the other of which is a surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112. The surfaces 216, 116 are opposing surfaces, facing each other across a gap 300. The structural adhesive sealant 302 surrounds all sides of a central area 232 of the frameless glazing unit 200, to define a continuous seal. The surrounded central area 232 comprises the exterior pane 202 of the frameless glazing unit 200, and the associated inter-pane sealant 228 and inter-pane spacer bar 226. The structural adhesive sealant 302 prevents direct glass-to-concrete contact, where the outward protrusion 220 is formed from glass and the inward protrusion 112 is formed from concrete.

[0076] A spacer bar 312 abutting the opposing surfaces 216, 116 sets the thickness of the gap 300 where the structural adhesive sealant 302 is located. The spacer bar 312 is added prior to injection of the structural adhesive sealant 302, and acts as permanent formwork for the structural adhesive sealant 302 to improve assembly tolerance. The structural adhesive sealant 302 bonds to three surfaces, comprising the opposing surfaces 216, 116 and the spacer bar 312. The spacer bar 312 prevents the structural adhesive sealant 302 from reaching the perimeter edge face 230 of the inter-pane sealant 228 or the perimeter edge face 208 of the exterior pane 202 of the frameless glazing unit 200. Therefore, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may be separated from the inter-pane sealant 228 by the spacer bar 312. Alternatively, in other examples, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may be allowed to flow into abutment with the precured inter-pane sealant 228, and may be bonded thereto.

[0077] There is no interference by the precast component 100 against push-in force towards the interior side 120. Push-in force is resisted by the structural adhesive sealant 302. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, a later-added plasterboard assembly 402, 404 may provide a mechanical key with the interior-facing surface 214 of the interior pane 210 to provide a mechanical key against push-in force.

[0078] In FIG. 2, the interior pane 210 is smaller than the first portion 124 of the window opening 104 (widened portion of the reveal face 110) and larger than the second portion 126 of the window opening 104 (narrowed portion of the reveal face 110). The exterior pane 202 is smaller than the interior pane 210, and is smaller than both the first and second portions 124, 126 of the window opening (widened and narrowed portions of the reveal face 110). Therefore, the perimeter edge faces 208, 230 of the exterior pane 202 and the inter-pane sealant 228 are positioned alongside the inward protrusion 112 of the reveal face 110.

[0079] A gap 300 exists between the perimeter edge faces 208, 230 of the exterior pane 202 and the inter-pane sealant 228, and the parallel opposite narrowed portion of the reveal face 110. The gap 300 has a section extending in a thickness direction. The perimeter edge face 208 of the exterior pane 202 is bonded to the narrowed portion of the reveal face 110 by a first weatherproofing seal 306. The first weatherproofing seal 306 is located in the gap 300 and has a depth extending to a backing rod 310. The backing rod 310 (e.g., foam rod) is placed into the gap 300 during manufacture, prior to injecting a bead of the first weatherproofing seal 306, and sets the depth of the first weatherproofing seal 306.

[0080] The gap 300 between the frameless glazing unit 200 and the reveal face 110 extends in a nonlinear path, which after extending in the thickness direction extends in a transverse section parallel to the panes, between opposing surfaces defined by the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 and the exterior-facing surface 216 of the interior pane 210 along the oversized region 222 of the outward protrusion 220 of the interior pane 210. The structural adhesive sealant 302 is in this transverse section of the gap 300, between the opposing surfaces 116, 216. The transverse section of the gap 300 may be elongate, being longer than the separation between the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 and the exterior-facing surface 216 of the interior pane 210. Therefore, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may have a wide aspect ratio, having a width along the elongate transverse section of the gap 300 which is greater than the thickness of the structural adhesive sealant 302, the width and thickness being viewed in the same cross-section, and the thickness being equal to the separation of the opposing surfaces 116, 216. This provides a large bonding area.

[0081] Finally, at the interior side 120, the gap 300 turns again and has a section extending in the thickness direction. The perimeter edge face 218 of the interior pane 210 is bonded to the widened portion of the reveal face 110 by a second weatherproofing seal 308. The second weatherproofing seal 308 is located in the gap 300 and has a depth extending to a backing rod 310.

[0082] Therefore, FIG. 2 shows a gap 300 comprising three sealants, comprising a structural adhesive sealant 302 between first and second weatherproofing seals 306, 308. In other examples, one or both of the weatherproofing seals may be omitted.

[0083] The structural adhesive sealant 302 defines the primary and only structural connection between the frameless glazing unit 200 and the precast concrete component 100. Mechanical fixings may not be used at all, to secure the frameless glazing unit 200 to the precast concrete component 100. The weatherproofing seals may have a non-negligible effect on the structural connection but this may be a smaller contribution than the structural adhesive sealant 302. As shown in FIG. 3, plasterboard 402 may also provide structural interference against push-in.

[0084] In FIG. 2, pull-out forces towards the exterior side 122 compress the structural adhesive sealant 302, and push-in forces towards the interior side 120 place the structural adhesive sealant 302 in tension. The connection is therefore strongest and most reliable against pull-out, which is desirable due to the adverse consequences of a window falling out of a building rather than into the building.

[0085] The structural adhesive sealant 302 itself may or may not abut against the perimeter edge face 230 of the inter-pane sealant 228 of the frameless glazing unit 200. In FIG. 2, there is no contact between these sealants 302, 228. Nonetheless, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may be selected for compatibility with the inter-pane sealant 228 of the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0086] Where the inter-pane sealant 228 of the frameless glazing unit 200 may be formed from silicone, the structural adhesive sealant 302 may also be formed from silicone. This allows the structural adhesive sealant 302 to bond to the inter-pane sealant 228, and cure well. Alternatively, both sealants may be formed from polyurethane or another material.

[0087] In examples, the structural adhesive sealant 302 is a Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) sealant. The structural adhesive sealant 302 may have a modulus at 100% elongation of at least 0.6MPa (test ASTM D0412). The structural adhesive sealant 302 may have a shore A hardness of at least 34 (test ASTM D2240). A suitable example is DOWSIL (TM) 895 SSG.

[0088] The first and second weatherproofing seals 306, 308, if one or both are provided, may have a lower modulus and / or hardness than the structural adhesive sealant 302. The first and second weatherproofing seals 306, 308 may each comprise a silicone sealant or polyurethane sealant. The modulus at 100% elongation may be less than 0.5MPa (CTM 137A / CTM 677). The shore A hardness may be less than 32 (CTM 99E). A suitable example is DOWSIL (TM) 791 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant.

[0089] In some implementations, a sealant marketed primarily as a weatherproofing sealant and having the above properties of a weatherproofing sealant may provide sufficient structural strength and bonding reliability to act as the structural adhesive sealant 302.

[0090] To improve adhesion between the structural adhesive sealant 302 and the concrete surface of the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104, the interior-facing surface 116 may be roughened relative to other surfaces (e.g., 118) of the inward protrusion 112 and / or precast component 100 (e.g., 106, 108). The roughened surface may be formed during manufacture of the precast component 100. The roughened surface may be an aerated surface, formed by trapped air bubbles. The trapping of air bubbles during concrete moulding in the inward protrusion 112 creates a rough surface finish. Alternatively, the concrete formwork may comprise a rough formliner to create the roughened texture, if needed. In some implementations, the roughening of the interior-facing surface 116 may be a post-forming process.

[0091] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior-facing surface 206 of the exterior pane 202 of the frameless glazing unit 200 is substantially flush with the façade face 106 of the precast component 100. This flushness is achieved by configuring the sum of the thicknesses of the structural adhesive sealant 302 and the inward protrusion 112 to be equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the inter-pane spacer bar 226 and the exterior pane 202.

[0092] If an exterior reveal is desired, the frameless glazing unit 200 may of course be recessed relative to the façade face 106 of the precast component 100. Alternatively, or additionally, façade building elements such as bricks or stones may be embedded or secured in front of the front face 106 of the precast component 100, therefore creating an exterior reveal to the frameless glazing unit 200.

[0093] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the building assembly 10 after on-site assembly 10.

[0094] Plasterboard 402 may terminate at a plasterboard clip 404 which abuts the interior-facing surface 214 of the interior pane 210. The hollow space between the plasterboard clip 404 and the widened portion of the reveal face 110 of the window opening 104 may be packed with interior insulation 400. The interior insulation 400 covers the outward protrusion 220 of the interior pane 210, and the gap 300 and second weatherproofing seal 306, 308, to prevent a thermal bridge and ensure that a dewpoint line does not intersect the inner boundary of a room of the building.

[0095] Further insulation 400 may be packed behind the interior face 108 of the precast component 100, and up to the plasterboard 402.

[0096] FIG. 4 illustrates a second example building assembly 10B, in which the frameless glazing unit 200 is reversed such that the exterior pane 202 comprises the outward protrusion 220B (oversized region 222) relative to the interior pane 210. In this example, the structural adhesive sealant 302 is bonded to the interior-facing surface 204 of the exterior pane 202 at the outward protrusion 220B, and to the exterior-facing surface 118 of the inward protrusion 112.

[0097] In a still further example (not shown), the frameless glazing unit 200 of FIG. 4 may be wholly positioned to the interior side 120 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104.

[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates a third example building assembly 10C, in which the frameless glazing unit 200 does not comprise an outward protrusion 220 (oversized region 222). Therefore, the exterior-facing surface 206 of the exterior pane 202 is bonded to the interior-facing surface 116 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104, by the structural adhesive sealant 302.

[0099] In a still further example (not shown), the frameless glazing unit 200 of FIG. 5 may be wholly positioned to the exterior side 122 of the inward protrusion 112 of the window opening 104.

[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth example building assembly 10D, in which the interference is between the precast component 100 and a structural adhesive sealant 302B, rather than between the precast component 100 and the frameless glazing unit 200. The precast component 100 comprises a recess 600 into which the structural adhesive sealant 302B extends. The structural adhesive sealant 302B is also bonded to the perimeter edge face 208 and / or 218 of at least one of the panes 202, 210. The structural adhesive sealant 302B may also bond to the perimeter edge face 230 of the inter-pane sealant 228.

[0101] To the exterior side of the recess 600, the precast component 100 comprises a non-recessed portion functioning as the inward protrusion 112. Therefore, the portion of the structural adhesive sealant 302B which extends into the recess 600 mechanically keys with the inward protrusion 112 of the reveal face 110 of the precast component 112.

[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth example precast assembly 10E, representing a variant of FIG. 6. The inward protrusion 112B is positioned along a central region of the reveal face 110, such that the reveal face 110 comprises a front recess in front of the central inward protrusion 112B, and / or a rear recess behind the central inward protrusion 112B. A continuous seal of structural adhesive sealant 302C is added to the rear recess behind the inward protrusion 112B to mechanically key with the inward protrusion 112B in response to pull-out force. Additionally, or alternatively, a continuous seal of structural adhesive sealant 302C is added to the front recess in front of the inward protrusion 112B, to mechanically key with the inward protrusion 112B in response to push-in force.

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth example precast assembly 10F, illustrating a variant frameless glazing unit 200B which is single-glazed. The single pane 202 or 210 is bonded to the exterior-facing surface 118 of the precast component 100 in the manner of FIG. 4 (as shown) or FIG. 2.

[0104] In further variants, a triple-glazed frameless glazing unit 200 is used. The implementation may be similar to FIG. 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7, except that the rear weatherproofing seal 308 may be connected to the third, interior-most pane.

[0105] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, it is conceivable that one or more mechanical fasteners may be used.

[0106] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0107] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0108] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0109] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0048]FIG. 1 illustrates a building assembly 10. The assembly 10 comprises a precast component 100 and a frameless glazing unit 200.

[0049]The building assembly 10 may form a structural wall of a building. Alternatively, the building assembly 10 may form a non-structural cladding panel of a building. The building assembly 10 may have a height of more than one metre or more than two metres, and / or a width of more than one metre.

[0050]The precast component 100 is formed from solidified cementitious material 102, such as concrete. To reduce mass, the precast component 100 may comprise fibre reinforced concrete, such as glass fibre / metal fibre / plastic fibre / organic fibre / polymer fibre reinforced concrete. Alternatively, rebar-reinforced concrete may be used.

[0051]In some examples, the precast component 100 provides a concrete building façade. Alternatively, building elements such as bricks or stones may be embedded in the concrete during manufacture, or secondary cladding may be attached...

Claims

1. A building assembly comprising: a precast component, the precast component comprising solidified cementitious material, the solidified cementitious material comprising a window opening; and a frameless glazing unit positioned within the window opening, wherein a central area of the frameless glazing unit is surrounded by a continuous seal, wherein the continuous seal supports the frameless glazing unit within the window opening, and wherein the continuous seal comprises an adhesive sealant within a gap between opposing surfaces of the frameless glazing unit and of the precast component.

2. The building assembly of claim 1, profiled to provide a mechanical key between the precast component, and at least one of the frameless glazing unit or the continuous seal.

3. The building assembly of claim 2, having an interior side and an exterior side, and wherein the mechanical key is configured to interfere against at least pull-out of the frameless glazing unit from the window opening in a direction of the exterior side.

4. The building assembly of claim 3, wherein the adhesive sealant is configured to resist at least push-in of the frameless glazing unit from the window opening in a direction of the interior side.

5. The building assembly of claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the window opening is profiled to mechanically key with the precast component, and optionally wherein the window opening comprises an inward protrusion in cross-section view, reducing an area of the window opening in a thickness direction of the precast component.

6. The building assembly of claim 5, wherein the window opening comprises a reveal face comprising the inward protrusion, the inward protrusion defining an inwardly cantilevered surface along the reveal face, in cross-section.

7. The building assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to the frameless glazing unit and to the inward protrusion, the frameless glazing unit and the inward protrusion defining the opposing surfaces.

8. The building assembly of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the mechanical key is between the precast component and the frameless glazing unit, and wherein the frameless glazing unit comprises an outward protrusion that interferes with the precast component, the outward protrusion defining one of the opposing surfaces to which the adhesive sealant is bonded.

9. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein the frameless glazing unit comprises a plurality of panes, wherein a first pane of the plurality of panes is oversized relative to a second pane of the plurality of panes, and wherein an oversized region of the first pane defines the outward protrusion that interferes with the precast component.

10. The building assembly of claim 9, wherein the first pane is smaller than a first portion of the window opening and larger than a second portion of the window opening and is positioned in the first portion of the window opening, wherein the second pane is smaller than the first and second portions of the window opening and is configured to seat in the second portion of the window opening, wherein the second portion of the window opening is offset inwardly relative to the first portion to reduce an area of the window opening, and wherein the outward protrusion defined by the oversized region of the first pane interferes with the second portion of the window opening.

11. The building assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to the oversized pane and to the precast component, the oversized pane and the precast component defining the opposing surfaces.

12. The building assembly of any preceding claim, comprising a spacer bar setting a thickness of the gap, and wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to the spacer bar.

13. The building assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the adhesive sealant is bonded to a roughened surface of the precast component defining one of the opposing surfaces, the roughened surface being rougher than other surfaces on a same interior or exterior side of the precast component.

14. The building assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one further continuous seal extending along the gap and surrounding the central area of the frameless glazing unit.

15. The building assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one further continuous seal comprises a first continuous weatherproofing seal bonded to a perimeter edge face of a first pane of the frameless glazing unit and to the precast component, and optionally a second continuous weatherproofing seal bonded to a perimeter edge face of a second pane of the frameless glazing unit and to the precast component.

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