Calculating Bonded Joints with Acrylates

Bernhard Weller & Iris Vogt, Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Building Construction, Germany

At the moment adhesively bonded joints in glass construction are primarily achieves by the use of silicones although alternative adhesives – such as light- and UV-curing acrylates - offer many advantages. These acrylates not only provide increased strengths but also entirely transparent, thinner joints are possible as well. Adhesively bonded glass and related connections require calculation. The Institute of Building Construction examined the performance of light- and UV-curing acrylates in glass configurations in a research project in which a variety of adhesives were tested. Glass elements for use in balustrades and overhead glazing were also tested as part of this study in addition to the testing of individual specimens. These construction configurations not only had to resist static loads, but also impact loads as simulated by pendulum impact tests. Results from these testing procedures were calculated by using finite element analysis.

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