construction sites?

[specka]

There isnt really a topic for this question so im gona ask here-im trying to find websites that will detail how materials can be constructed, joined etc. Like how steel components can be fixed together to hold up a canopy? or just for pure basic the different sizes and shapes you can get glass, wood, panels and steel in? If anyone knows you'd be saving my life and my degree! thanks
specka

[brachiopod]

Are we talking;

float glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, insulated glass? Bespoke, custom or standard?

Hardwoods, softwoods, OSB, plywoods, fibreboards (HD, MD & LD), blockboards, laminates or conti's? Pressure-treated, chemical-treated, rough-sawn, planed (2-side or 4-side), chamfered or tooled? Tongue-and-groove, tenon-and-mortise, dovetail, bolt, shoe, nail, glue-and-screw, roller bearing, dowel-joint, block-fixer, or mitre?

Rolled steel, tempered steel, high-tensile steel, pre-stessed steel, corrugated iron, wrought iron, steel plate, reinforcing steel? Bolted, riveted, spot welded, seam welded, butt welded, concreted, shrink-fitted or suspended (with or without expansion joints)

I won't start on the non-ferrous constructional metals.....

You could always start off with Wickes or B&Q websites........

Out of curiosity, what is the degree you are doing?

[specka]

The degree is Interior Architecture-love it but bloody hard work!
I need everything generally so that I can specify how i would construct certain items within my design. But for a particular part of a current project im trying to float glass over an entrance and up the side of the building to give the affect of tree canopies supported by some kind of 'branch structure'-im guessing steel would be the best material for the support although doesn't neccessarily have to be glass for canopies.
thanku for ur advice and interest.