Abstract
The paper defines the behaviour of simply supported monolithic glass beam consisting of only one layer glass pane with discontinuities created by four holes positioned symmetrically on the beam. Similar glass panes can be found in real constructions where they act as a beam supporting glazing, roofs or decks of nowadays very popular transparent pedestrian bridges. The main aim of this paper is to provide both experimental and numerical analysis of stress distribution alongside the beam with a focus on areas where peak stresses may occur. The areas of interest are specifically speaking around openings, around supports and in the areas where the forces are introduced to the beam. As Eurocode standards for structural glass are still in the process of codifying and most of the nowadays literature only provides suggested axial distance of holes and hole to pane edge distance based on the thickness of the glass pane. This paper will provide the future designers of glass load-bearing structures with a closer look at stress distribution around the mentioned area. It was essential to do parametric study in software using FEM to investigate as much as possible axial distances of openings without a significant increment in the total cost of the experiment.
Highlights
The widespread of using glass is brought by modern architecture and progressive architects who are not afraid of designing subtitle and transparent structures
Nowadays very popular all-glass structures with the glazing joined to the glass beams with holes as a primary load-bearing structure, are designed in dozens all over the world, but there is not a universal guide for determining the hole to edge distance according to the way of loading
The parametric study provided the data which were compared to suggested distances mentioned in previous chapters
Summary
The widespread of using glass is brought by modern architecture and progressive architects who are not afraid of designing subtitle and transparent structures. Glass as a load-bearing material has an irreplaceable place in Building construction business of 21st century, where it is used for glazing of façades, bridges, ceilings, and staircases [4]. When used as a loadbearing structure it transfers self-weight to other load-bearing structures but actively transfers loads like wind, snow or forces acting on a structure during the fire, to foundations and to soil [1]
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