Experimental investigation of the rotational characteristics of a novel hybrid laminated glass beam-column connection prototype

Abstract

This article presents an experimental investigation of the rotational characteristics of a novel hybrid laminated glass beam-column connection prototype. The testing of small-scale prototype specimens is conducted to assess the effect of the main structural parameters such as glass pane thickness, interlayer and reinforcement properties on the rotational characteristics. To explore the possibility of using different lamination technologies for the realization of the joints, two different bonding technologies are considered separately: (a) autoclave and (b) UV-curing lamination. The specimens are subjected to a pair of self-equilibrated compressive forces up to failure in a custom-made setup. Digital image correlation (DIC) measurements together with strain gauges are used for tracking the kinematics of the main components. It was found that the prototype is able to develop a significant post-fracture and rotational capacity in a properly balanced combination of structural and material parameters. The results are presented in terms of moment-rotation (M - θ) curves, strains evolution in the steel and evolution of the crack patterns. Experimental observations suggest that depending on the choice of structural parameters three failure modes are possible: (a) crushing failure of the joint core, (b) plastic failure of the adjoining sections and (c) failure due to debonding of one of the bars in tension. It is concluded that one can achieve a desirable post-fracture and ultimate behaviour by properly balancing the structural and material parameters. Additionally, pull-out opening and tensile stresses in steel are measured at the interrupted section, revealing a transition in sectional behaviour from fully interrupted to a hybrid section over a certain transition length.