The activation of glass panes for in-plane load transfer moves glazing into the group of primary load-bearing structural elements.

Usually resins (e.g. HILTI HIT) are used to apply compression forces into the glass edge. These materials are poured and therefore adapt the geometry of the glass edge. But their compressive strength is limited and their application time and cost extensive.

At the TU Dresden the use of solid materials for load application has been investigated. In the field of structural glass experiences exist with soft metal alloys or plastics. These materials possess a significantly higher compressive stress than resins.

Till now no comprehensive investigation was executed to judge solid materials for their use as block materials for load application.

The executed research covered different metals (e.g. aluminium or zinc cast) or thermoplastics (e.g. POM-C or glass fibre strengthened POM-C). Permanent and alternating load tests, creeping investigations as well as investigations of the temperature influence on the mechanical properties were done.

The performed tests identified certain strengthened thermoplastics as appropriate materials for load application. They possess higher strength (up to 150 MPa) than resins and longterm stability in their mechanical properties within typical environmental conditions at façades and glass roofs.