The effect of reinforcement on loadbearing capacity of structural glass

Abstract

The transparent property of glass makes it a favored choice of material in the design of structures because it maximizes light and creates an illusion of larger spaces. However, it is a very brittle, making it difficult to use as a common building material. Laminated glass significantly improves the strength through a layer of resin called polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Laminated glass is typically used for buildings in which human impact is vulnerable, such as hurricane prone areas or important government buildings. However, laminated glass still lacks the residual loadbearing capacity that one would find in reinforced steel, for instance. Residual loadbearing capacity is important to ensure the safety and reliability of glass as a structural material. This thesis will provide an overview of the common glass treatments, fixings, structural systems, and design methods used today. Additionally, two research studies investigating the effects of reinforced glass will be examined. Finally, the author will provide a simulation of a three-layer laminated glass stair tread with an applied design load. The simulation compares the stresses and displacements of the unreinforced glass tread with a glass tread reinforced with a 4 mm thick steel plate. The results from the simulation are inconclusive. However, experimental results from the two research studies show promise for the use of reinforcement in glass to improve load bearing capacity.