The adhesively-bonded glass brick system of the Qaammat Pavilion in Greenland: From research to realization

Abstract An adhesively bonded, solid-glass brick pavilion has been designed by Konstantin Arkitekter as a landmark within the Aasivissuit – Nipisat UNESCO heritage in Greenland. The sculptural glass structure, measuring approximately 3.2 m diameter × 2 height, faces diverse set of engineering challenges compared to existing bonded structures. Placed remote location arctic circle, it withstand winter temperatures low -35 °C, and be built under limited budget with aid local population. Hence, key for successful construction is finding an adhesive that satisfies structural aesthetic requirements project simultaneously provides simple fast spares need specialized building crew sophisticated equipment, able polar temperatures. Applicability shear tests (i) lab temperature conditions (ii)) -5 °C lead final selection of: (a) 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Polyurethane Adhesive DP610, which higher strength capacity, 1 mm gap filling capacity clear colour, bonding bottom rows where required due reduced overlapping bricks; (b) DOWSIL Experimental Fast Curing developed Dow Silicones Belgium particularly this project, satisfactory strength, 3 white colour rest pavilion; its considerably larger facilitates ease assembly can accommodate joint thickness anticipated ± 1.5 standard size deviations soda-lime cast solid bricks possible accumulated during construction. paper further describes application adhesive, first on small-scale prototype, then site, presents encountered logistical