Waltham, MA
Three-dimensionally Printed Glass Testing
Scope/Solutions
In 2017, SGH collaborated with the MIT Media Lab on an exhibit for Milan Design Week. The exhibit, Glass II, showcased intricately curved columns created with three-dimensionally (3D) printed silicate glass. We helped the team by designing post-tensioning support for the columns and performing physical testing in our Applied Science & Research Center. Looking to advance their research with a new geometry, MIT retained SGH to perform additional testing on 3D-printed glass samples in 2024.
SGH tested nineteen samples to determine the compressive strength of the assembly. Highlights our work include:
- Conducting tests on a single glass unit with flat-plate boundaries and on a stacked assembly
- Testing with wooden and/or aluminum mounts to simulate use-case loading conditions
- Using a hydraulic testing machine with a 600 kip capacity
- Targeting a load rate of 1 kip/sec and manually controlling the rate of compression to compensate for deformations as the glass pressed into the mounts
- Monitoring the load and displacement throughout the testing using data acquisition software
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Project Summary
2024
Completion Date
Solutions
Evaluation
Services
Applied Science & Research
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Specialized Capabilities
Materials Science
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
Bentley University, Campus-wide Condition Assessments
To better plan for capital expenses, the university needed to understand the condition of their buildings. SGH performed building enclosure condition assessments, recommended facade and roofing repairs, and estimated costs for the university’s consideration.
Northeast
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kresge Auditorium (Building W16)
Designed by Eero Saarinen and dedicated in 1955, Kresge Auditorium (Building W16) is an iconic mid-century modernist venue for gatherings, classes, and performances. MIT undertook a major renewal project at the auditorium. SGH consulted on the building enclosure and was the structural engineer.