With transparent materials bonded joints guarantee maximum transparency and minimum frame content. This is not the only reason why they are increasingly in demand even for underwater use. Until now, large aquariums and infinity pools have generally been made of polymethylmethacrylate (acrylic glass). However, there is a growing demand for the use of soda-lime-silica glass due to its intrinsic value and high scratch resistance.
As part of the BOND2DIVE research project, the Institute of Building Construction at TUD Dresden University of Technology, engineers from Bollinger + Grohmann Consulting, special glass manufacturer ADCO Technik and adhesive manufacturer SIKA Deutschland have been working together to investigate a bonded glazing system that can withstand high hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads. This is a two-stage joint, divided into a permanent load-bearing joint and a sealing joint.
The results of the project are demonstrated in the form of a glass pool with an edge length of 1.6 m and a height of 0.8 m. All four sides are made of laminated safety glass consisting of 2 x 10 mm heat strengthened glass. Despite the narrow visible width, the two-stage bonding in the corner area is able to transmit the high tensile loads resulting from the hydrostatic pressure reliably, even when completely filled.