Ornamental Glass Engineering

Ornamental glass systems often incorporate nonstandard geometry, custom attachments, unusual support conditions or decorative materials that require structural evaluation.

JEI Structural provides engineering support for ornamental glass features including:

• Decorative laminated glass
• Etched and patterned glass
• Textured architectural glass
• Custom fabricated glass features
• Specialty interior and exterior glazing
• Artistic architectural glass
• Decorative glass screens
• Feature walls and specialty glass assemblies

The engineering requirements depend on the size, location, support conditions and intended use of the glass.

JEI evaluates the structural behavior of the glass and its supporting components so the system can meet both architectural and performance requirements.

Decorative Glass Engineering

Decorative glazing may appear primarily architectural, but large glass sizes, unusual support conditions and specialty attachments can introduce structural requirements that must be addressed.

JEI Structural provides engineering for decorative glass applications where glass thickness, laminate construction, attachments, support framing, wind loads, impact requirements or other design conditions influence system performance.

Our role may include evaluation of:

• Glass thickness and composition
• Laminated glass configurations
• Attachment locations
• Point-supported glass conditions
• Custom brackets and fittings
• Supporting framing
• Wind and environmental loading
• Building movement and deflection
• Structural interaction with adjacent systems

This allows architects and glazing contractors to develop unique glass features without losing sight of structural performance or constructability.

Monumental Glass & Feature Glazing

Large-scale glass features often create a visual focal point within a building.

They may also create some of the most technically demanding glazing conditions on the project.

JEI Structural supports monumental glass walls, oversized entrances, feature glazing, tall transparent assemblies and other large-format architectural glass applications.

These systems may require careful evaluation of glass size, structural support, connections, movement, wind loads and the relationship between the glass system and the primary building structure.

JEI helps project teams identify these conditions early and develop engineering solutions appropriate for the architectural concept.

Oversized & Large-Format Architectural Glass

Advances in glass manufacturing continue to make larger and more dramatic glass panels possible.

Larger glass sizes can also increase structural demands.

JEI provides engineering support for oversized architectural glass and large-format glazing, including evaluation of:

• Glass dimensions
• Glass thickness
• Laminated glass construction
• Support spacing
• Connection forces
• Point-supported conditions
• Edge support
• Deflection
• Wind pressure
• Building movement
• Installation and constructability considerations

Large glass features frequently require coordination between the glass manufacturer, glazing contractor, engineer and architect.

JEI helps connect those requirements.

Specialty Glass Attachments & Support Engineering

In many custom glass systems, the attachment is just as important as the glass.

JEI Structural evaluates how architectural glass transfers load into fittings, brackets, frames and supporting structure.

Engineering may include:

• Point-supported glass connections
• Custom glass fittings
• Structural brackets
• Base shoe conditions
• Anchors and fasteners
• Supporting steel or aluminum
• Glass-to-structure connections
• Custom framing
• Attachment load paths

The objective is to create a complete structural load path from the architectural glass system into the supporting structure.

Monumental & Specialty Glass Entrances

Large architectural entrances may incorporate oversized glass doors, sidelites, transoms, feature walls or custom structural supports.

JEI provides engineering support for specialty glass entrance systems where standard details may not adequately address the project conditions.

These applications may include:

• Oversized glass entrances
• Monumental entry glazing
• Frameless glass systems
• Large sidelites
• Tall glass walls
• Custom entrance framing
• Specialty glass attachments
• Architectural feature glazing

JEI works with glazing contractors and project teams to evaluate the glass, connections and supporting system as a coordinated assembly.

Structural Glass Engineering for Decorative Applications

Some ornamental and decorative glass features also function structurally.

In these cases, JEI applies its broader structural glass engineering experience to evaluate the glass and its support system.

Applications may include:

• Point-supported glass
• Glass walls
• Laminated structural glass
• Glass fins
• Structural glass screens
• Specialty feature glazing
• Large unsupported glass areas
• Custom architectural glass systems

For broader structural glass systems, visit JEI Structural's Glass Wall Design & Structural Glass Engineering service page.

Internal Link: Glass Wall Design & Structural Glass Engineering

Specialty Glazing Engineering

Ornamental and monumental glass frequently falls outside conventional glazing details.

JEI Structural provides specialty glazing engineering for unusual systems, unique project conditions and custom architectural concepts.

Our engineering team helps evaluate the interface between:

• Glass
• Aluminum
• Steel
• Connections
• Anchors
• Supporting framing
• Adjacent façade systems
• Primary building structure

This multidisciplinary approach is especially valuable on specialty façade projects where materials and systems must work together.

For additional services, visit Specialty Glazing Design Services.

Internal Link: Specialty Glazing Design Services

Façade Engineering & Building Envelope Coordination

Decorative glass features often interface with curtain wall, storefront, architectural metal, cladding or other façade systems.

JEI Structural provides façade engineering and consulting to help coordinate these interfaces and identify conditions that can affect performance.

Issues may include:

• Building movement
• Structural deflection
• Differential movement
• Attachment conflicts
• Support conditions
• Water-management interfaces
• Glazing tolerances
• Load transfer
• Constructability

For broader façade services, visit Building Envelope & Façade Engineering, Consulting & Drafting.

Internal Link: Building Envelope & Façade Engineering, Consulting & Drafting

Engineering & Drafting for Custom Glass Features

JEI Structural brings engineering and drafting together under one roof.

That allows our engineers and drafters to coordinate structural requirements with the details needed for fabrication, submittals and construction.

Depending on project requirements, JEI can assist with:

• Structural engineering
• Specialty glass engineering
• Connection engineering
• Attachment design
• Glazing shop drawings
• Fabrication drawings
• Design assist
• Constructability reviews
• Delegated design
• Third-party technical reviews
• Façade consulting
• Project coordination

This integrated approach can help reduce coordination gaps between design intent, engineering requirements and fabrication.

Who We Work With

JEI Structural supports:

• Glazing contractors
• Architects
• General contractors
• Glass manufacturers
• Curtain wall manufacturers
• Specialty façade contractors
• Building owners
• Developers
• Architectural product manufacturers

Whether the project involves one unique glass feature or an entire specialty façade system, JEI can provide engineering and drafting support appropriate to the project scope.

Why Specialty Glass Engineering Matters

Custom glass architecture frequently pushes beyond standard details.

Unique glass sizes, shapes, finishes, attachments and support systems can introduce structural conditions that are easy to overlook during architectural design.

Addressing those conditions early can help reduce redesign, fabrication conflicts, field modifications and coordination problems later in the project.

JEI Structural helps project teams identify those issues and develop practical engineering solutions while protecting the architectural intent.

Specialty Glass and Façade Consulting, Engineering & Drafting

JEI Structural provides specialized engineering, consulting and drafting services for glass, glazing and façade systems on commercial projects throughout the United States.

Our experience includes:

• Structural glass
• Ornamental glass
• Decorative glazing
• Monumental glass
• Curtain wall
• Storefront
• Glass railings
• Canopies and skylights
• Architectural metal
• Louvers, sunshades and fins
• Cladding and panels
• Specialty façade systems
• Delegated design
• Shop drawings and drafting
• Constructability reviews
• Third-party reviews

JEI Structural

Specialty Glass and Facade Consulting, Engineering & Drafting

JEIstructural.com