Innovative Materials And Installment Systems For Increasing Glass Block Performance (In Italian)

This paper illustrates preliminary results of research being carried out by the Department of Construction at the University of Palermo. The research aims to find innovative solutions for improving the performance of elements designed for capturing natural light, so as to optimise energy & increase the performance of translucent building envelopes, specifically highlighting the potential of glass blocks for the configuration of building envelopes of this kind. After illustrating recent applications and the evolution of patents registered from the 1920s onwards, the authors discuss a new installation system for glass blocks which is either totally or partially dry-stone.