Laminated Glass Members in Compression: Experiments and Modeling

It is well known that structural glass members are made by assembling thin laminated panels, which can be connected with different bonding techniques; for instance, with steel devices or with structural adhesives. The latter are very commonly used because they do not reduce the transparency of the member and make it possible to avoid stress concentrations because of the presence of holes. This technique is used to make up columns in glazing structures and different applications of the technique can be found in contemporary architecture. As evidenced by the literature, one of the most important problems in such members is caused by buckling phenomena, resulting from the slenderness of the panels. The great deal of research work conducted in the last 20 years has highlighted the fact that the critical load in laminated glass panels depends not only on the geometrical slenderness, but also, and perhaps above all, on the effective level of connection ensured by the interlayer. Although many studies have focused on the compressive behavior of panels, few are currently available about laminated glass columns. This study presents the results of compressive tests on glass members. Two different series of 12 columns with two different levels of connection were manufactured by assembling laminated glass panels with structural silicone. The specimens had different cross-sectional shapes and different heights. Additionally, compressive tests were performed on single panels with varying slenderness to study buckling behavior, and bending tests were undertaken on laminated and monolithic glass panels to characterize the mechanical properties and the level of connection between the two glass foils.