Problems evolving from the brittleness of structural glass result in need of innovative solutions which will improve the post-breakage behaviour of the elements in the structure. As the need of the glass performance gets higher, the fully tempered glass gets in the focus and its usage becomes greater. But although this type of glass gives great performance with its tensile strength and deflection capaciy, it has no residual strength. Due to its breakage pattern into small pieces the collapse of the element may be instant even in laminated glass elements. Thus, increasing the post breakage behaviour is crucial in order to keep the integrity of the tempered glass element. This can be done either by changing the interlayer properties, or including kind of reinforcement in the element structure. This paper presents experimental testing of the performances of steel plate reinforced hybrid glass element under four point bending test. As a result, it shows the improvement in mechanical behaviour of the described hybrid structure concept compared to a monolithic glass element with same dimensions, by means of stress distribution and reinforcement capacity.

In this paper there is presented a new space structure system called the PRACTIX system. A review is given of the methodology when using the new solution, with an emphasis on the technology in the manufacturing of the elements and their development into larger parts. Also, there are presented some examples of practical applications of the PRACTIX system for roof structures for petrol stations, and two sports halls, constructed in the Republic of Macedonia. The system is also appropriate for realization of other very different conventional and modern buildings, like industrial halls and warehouse canopies for bus and railway stations, sports stadiums, congress halls and exhibition pavillions, theatres, restaurants, airport hangers etc.

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Hybrid laser arc welding is a relatively new welding process, whereby combining the advantages of two different processes, laser beam welding and gas metal arc welding, represents an excellent substitute for conventional welding processes, but has not yet been sufficiently elaborated and researched. Additional research should be carried out in terms of hybrid welding technologies, this leads to the creation and development of new standards and procedures that would confirm their validity. The mechanical tests that could be destructive and non-destructive are the primary indicator of the quality of the welded joint and the qualification of the welding technology. This paper presents the current procedure for mechanical testing of welded joints performed by hybrid laser arc welding and the design of the test specimens that depends on the type of the testing method and conditions in the relevant application standard. In the final part, general conclusions are drawn regarding the standards covering the welded joint quality performed by hybrid laser welding.