The Effect of Interlayer Thickness on Laminated Glass Strength

Published experimental data indicate that under
certain conditions laminated glass strength equals
or exceeds that of monolithic glass having
comparable dimensions. Strength data from
recently completed tests on laminated glass
samples fabricated with 2.28 mm polyvinyl butyral
interlayer greatly exceeded the strengths of
laminated glass samples having the same
rectangular dimensions but fabricated using
0.76 mm interlayer as well as the strengths of
comparably sized monolithic glass samples. The
thicker interlayer accounts for the increase in
strength. This paper summarizes a theoretical
beam model that explains the experimental results
in terms of the interlayer thickness and its ability to
transfer horizontal shear force between the glass
plies. It also discusses the effects of interlayer
thickness on LG strength and design.

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