The Stability of Fractured Toughened Glass

Graham Dodd, Arup Materials Consulting

When toughened glass is fractured, the release of residual strain causes the pane to expand and, if the perimeter is constrained, the fragments of the fractured pane can remain mechanically interlocked with each other. It is commonly observed that fractured vertical panes of toughened glass sometimes remain in place. A series of experiments with toughened glass in insulating glass units and single panes was conducted to evaluate, for an existing building, the risk of glass collapsing if fractured by nickel sulphide inclusions. It was demonstrated that the outer panes of insulating glass units had significantly greater resistance to wind suction than single panes because of pressure equalisation. The fractured outer pane of toughened glass proved impossible to dislodge from the IG unit by means of suction pulses rapidly applied to the test rig. This finding is consistent with anecdotal evidence, provides an explanation for some differences in stability and has implications for the safe management of glass breakage.

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The Authors

Mr. Graham Dodd Associate Director Arup Materials Consulting Trained in manufacturing industry and qualified as a Mechanical Engineer, Dodd has worked in the design of glass structures and facades since 1988; initially with Pilkington Glass and since 1994 with ... Read more