Simulating the Structural Behavior of Laminated Glass

ALGOR, Inc.

This report investigates the strength of archi- tectural laminated glass and the viability of its use for window glass in commercial buildings. Some researchers recommend that the structural behavior of laminated glass (typically consisting of two glass layers and a plasticized PVB [polyvinyl butyral] interlayer) is equivalent to the structural behavior of monolithic glass (one solid piece of glass) for most common applications. However, if this monolithic equivalency assumption is not valid, its implementation would result in the unconservative design and use of laminated glass, which could lead to failure of the glass at the design load. Using ALGOR Mechanical Event Simulation (MES) software, laminated and monolithic glass plates were modeled and analyzed to compare their response to a wind load. Stress results for the two plates were very different due to shear deformations experienced by the interlayer of the laminated plate. This research may help to ensure the safe use of laminated window glass.

This work was done by Dr. W. Lynn Beason, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, using ALGOR’s Mechanical Event Simulation software. To obtain a copy of this report, visit beasonreport.ALGOR.com.