Laboratory Test on Dynamic Material Properties of Annealed Float Glass

Abstract

In this study, laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the dynamic material properties of annealed float glass, which is widely used in building applications. The influence of strain rate effect on glass strength and Young's modulus is studied. Quasi-static tests were performed first to determine the glass static strength and Young's modulus; then dynamic compressive tests were carried out at the strain rates from 98/s to 376/s using a modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. Tensile tests were performed in the strain rate range of 35/s to 990/s through splitting tensile test (Brazilian test). Test results reveal that the compressive and tensile strengths of annealed glass are very sensitive to strain rate. Dynamic increment on glass compressive strength is found more significant than its tensile strength, a phenomenon different from other brittle materials such as concrete. The Young's modulus is found relatively insensitive to strain rate in the testing range, and is slightly larger in compressive tests than in tensile tests. Based on the test data compressive and tensile dynamic increment factors (DIF) of annealed glass with respect to strain rate are formulated. The glass fracture process is also investigated in this paper based on the images taken by high-speed camera during the tests. The fracture images and glass fragments are discussed and used to explain the testing results.