When we speak of structural materials in general, we refer to all materials that are used to create an architectural work. In particular, as established by Directive 89/106 and specified by interpretation document no.1, “A structural product is one which allows the work, where this is incorporated, to satisfy the essential requirement of ‘mechanical resistance and stability’”. That requirement is deemed to be satisfied if, once the work in question has been installed, it prevents its collapse or partial collapse, inadmissible deformations, damage to other parts or to systems or damage that is disproportionate compared to the cause that triggered it.

The creation of glass canopies is an extremely complex operation from the mechanical and engineering perspective, and requires the intervention of qualified professionals able to perform all the complex calculations to ensure its stability and resistance to stresses. It is in fact essential in creating the support structure for glass canopies to perform static checks, through special tables or diagrams, or by FEM models on the basis of experimental data. Vetreria Re, operating for over 20 years in the sector of design and creation of works in structural glass, also deals with the design and creation of canopies in structural glass.