Calculation Methods for the Structural Behavior of Laminated Glass

Dr. Stephen J. Bennison, Mr. Ingo Stelzer, Mr. Phillip S. Davies, Mr. Jay G Sloan, Professor Huang Xiaokun and Mr. Liu Gang

Our understanding of the structural performance of laminated glass has made great advances over the past decade. In this contribution we review two major calculation methods that have been developed to compute stress and deformation development during the loading of laminated glass: 1) the effective thickness method, and 2) the finite element method. Key to both approaches is an accurate constitutive model for the interlayer deformation characteristics. Any model for the polymer needs to represent accurately the interlayer response to temperature and load duration. Validity of both approaches has been tested by comparing simulations to controlled experiments that quantify the deformation characteristics of laminated glass plates and beams. The calculation methods developed allow determination of laminate stress and deflection for different geometries, laminate constructions, interlayer types, loading/support configurations, load histories, and temperatures. Development of these methods has laid the foundation for objective structural design with laminated glass and optimum, value-engineered glazing solutions.

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The Authors

	Dr. Stephen Bennison Research Associate E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. Inc. Steve Bennison works on programs related to the development of polymer interlayers for laminated glass. Since 2001 he has been working for DuPont’s Glass Laminated Products business unit as a Researc... Read more
	Mr. Ingo Stelzer Design Specialist DuPont de Nemours Read more
	Mr. Phillip Davies Director Davies Laminated Glass Consulting Pty Ltd Phillip Davies has been involved with the laminated glass industry for DuPont for the past 22 years and has extensive experience in all facets of architectural laminated glass from manufacturing throu... Read more