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Cast glass is a promising, three-dimensional expression of the material for architectural and structural applications, particularly for the creation of all-transparent, self-supporting structures and envelopes. Typically applied in the form of solid blocks, cast glass components can be used as repetitive units to comprise fully-transparent, cast glass masonry walls. To maximize transparency and ensure an even load distribution, the glass blocks are bonded together by a colourless adhesive. Currently, there is a lack of standardized structural specifications, strength data and building guidelines for such adhesively-bonded cast glass-block systems. As a result, any new application is accompanied by experimental testing to select the adhesive and certify the adhesively bonded system. Since the choice of adhesive is highly dependent on the prerequisites set for each case-study -such as the structural and visual performance, available budget, the structure’s geometry and climate conditions- the preselection of the most prominent adhesive family at an early project stage can prevent an excessive budget and construction complications. This paper, therefore, aims to shed light on the selection process of adhesives for cast glass assemblies by first providing an overview of the most suitable bonding media families for such systems; these include stiff adhesives, flexible adhesives and cement-based mortars. Following, the paper reviews the research & development process of the adhesively-bonded glass-block systems in three distinct built projects, in which the TU Delft team has been involved: The Crystal Houses façade (NL), the LightVault, a robotically assembled glass vault (UK) and the Qaammat pavilion in the arctic circle (GL). The adhesive requirements for each of the three case studies are discussed in terms of structural and visual performance and ease-of-assembly (constructability). These criteria are decisive in pointing out the most promising bonding media family per case-study. The final shortlist of adhesive candidates within that bonding media family is subject to the full list of performance criteria, but also to market availability. The shortlist of adhesive candidates are typically experimentally evaluated, first via application testing and then via strength tests in order to choose the most suitable candidate. Based on the above, the review concludes in proposing guidelines for the effective selection, design and experimental verification of adhesively-bonded cast glass assemblies.

In this paper a methodology for studying the mechanical behaviour of complex structures made of GFRP structural members joined by means of adhesive connections and subject to variable intensity loads is presented. The fundamental equations are derived by an asymptotic approach applied on composite structures made of two elastic solids bonded together by a third thin one represented by a thin layer with a nonlinear behaviour . The adhesive layers are considered micro cracked according to the Kachanov’s assumptions. Within this framework, to calibrate the parameters of the imperfect interface model, the mechanical properties and damage evolution of an epoxy adhesive have been experimentally evaluated under cyclic loadings. The experimental tests have been performed on aluminium cylinders considering different thicknesses of adhesive. The experimental results evidence how the adhesive thickness influences the strength, stiffness and consequently the initial damage parameter (initial cracks) of the bonded connections. Finally, the robustness and accuracy of the imperfect interface model is demonstrated by the excellent comparison with experimental results of a GFRP hollow column to built-up beam adhesive connection, under static, cyclic and fatigue loads using a description of damage evolution.

This paper explores a novel restoration approach for consolidating historic structures using structural glass to substitute for the missing elements, preserving at the same time the structural integrity of the structure. A restoration design is proposed for the hypothetical consolidation of the remaining tower of Schaesberg Castle, in Limburg, The Netherlands. The masonry walls suffer from a significant loss of material and a temporary steel structure currently prevents the tower from collapsing. It is proposed to use stacked float glass to fill the missing parts of the wall. The connection between the old masonry and new glass is the most challenging aspect given the different physical and mechanical properties of the materials, which need to work together in a coherent way. Shear tests of various connecting materials are carried out in order to evaluate the performance of this connection with respect to aspects of compatibility and feasibility.

This paper explores a novel restoration approach for consolidating historic structures using structural glass to substitute for the missing elements, preserving at the same time the structural integrity of the structure. A restoration design is proposed for the hypothetical consolidation of the remaining tower of Schaesberg Castle, in Limburg, The Netherlands. The masonry walls suffer from a significant loss of material and a temporary steel structure currently prevents the tower from collapsing. It is proposed to use stacked float glass to fill the missing parts of the wall. The connection between the old masonry and new glass is the most challenging aspect given the different physical and mechanical properties of the materials, which need to work together in a coherent way. Shear tests of various connecting materials are carried out in order to evaluate the performance of this connection with respect to aspects of compatibility and feasibility.

The conditions of adhesive connections testing can significantly affect the recorded findings. The standards, under which the investigations are conducted, do not take into account numerous factors that can greatly influence the outcome of the tests. Moreover, the research parameters in the standards are not specified. It is not defined in what manner their change, or any failure to comply with the standards, will affect test results. This article presents the results of experimental research, completed with numerical simulations, designed to test to what extent the recorded impact strength of adhesive connections is affected by the stiffness of the test stand, and the speed and energy of the impactor. In the experimental research, the authors used block samples whose substrates were made of an aluminum alloy. The elements of the samples were bonded by means of three different epoxy adhesives. The models used in numerical calculations were built on the basis of the real dimensions of the specimens used in this experimental research. As a result of the performed tests and conducted calculations, it was found that the use of test stands of lesser stiffness resulted in an increased registered impact strength due to an increased energy value of elastic deformations.

In most full-composite structures nowadays, pultruded profiles are joined together to form more complex cross-sections that are not produced by the pultrusion process. These unconventional cross-sections represent a critical point in terms of strength and deformability of the whole structure, especially due to the presence of adhesive. This fundamental unknown aspect recently inspired the authors of the present paper to study the mechanical behavior of a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) profile with a complex cross-section shape obtained by bonding simple pultruded plates (bonded beams) by epoxy resin. The first step was to compare the behaviors of bonded beams with those of similar pultruded ones. With this aim, in a previous paper the flexural global behavior of an I-bonded beam was investigated, highlighting its better performance with respect to the pultruded I-profile in terms of failure load and stiffness. Now the authors would like to extend the study, both experimentally and numerically, to the mechanical behavior of the adhesive web–flange connections in terms of axial stiffness. Seventeen full specimens were tested by performing pull-out tests under force control. A uniformly distributed load was applied to the lower flange in order to favor the detachment of the flange from the web of the profile by using a steel device designed and realized ad hoc . The overall result of the research is that the bonded profile shows a good mechanical behavior justifying its use in technical practice. In addition, the bonded beams represents a valid alternative to the pultruded profile especially when the latter is not available on the market. In more detail, in bonded beams, the presence of the resin (instead of resin and fibers as in pultruded beams) at the web-to-flange connection does not affect the flexural global behavior but does penalize the axial behavior of their connections, as here demonstrated.

Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Bu çalışmada, Al 2024-T3 levhalar ile 8 katmanlı karbon elyaf takviyeli epoksi kompozit levhaların tek taraflı bindirmeli yapışma bağlantıları oluşturulmuş ve bu yapışma bağlantılarının düşük hızlı darbe sonrası yükleme durumları incelenmiştir. Bu amaçla, elektro eğirme yöntemiyle naylon 6.6 (N 6.6) nano elyaf ve ağırlıkça farklı miktarlarda (%1,%3 ve %5) grafen nano parçacık (GNP) takviye edilmiş nano elyaflar üretilmiştir. Yapışma bağlantısında kullanılan saf epoksi reçine, üretilen bu nano elyaflar ile takviye edilmiş ve bu kapsamda 5 farklı tipte tek taraflı bindirmeli yapışma bağlantısı üretilmiştir. Üretilen bu numunelere 5 farklı sıcaklıkta (-50°C, -20°C, 0°C, 25°C ve 50°C) düşük hızlı darbe (1,04m/s) testleri uygulanmıştır. Darbe testleri sonucunda kopmayan numunelere ASTM D1002-10 standardına uygun olarak oda sıcaklığında sabit çekme hızında çekme testleri yapılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler ve yapılan karşılaştırmalar doğrultusunda tek taraflı yapışma bağlantısında en yüksek mekanik özellikleri sağlayan takviye oranları belirlenmiş ve farklı sıcaklıkların etkisi incelenmiştir. Ayrıca üretilen nano elyafların ve çekme sonrası yapışma yüzeylerinin taramalı elektron mikroskobu (SEM) ile yüzey morfolojisi incelenmiştir. Bunun yanında epoksi reçine ile N6.6 nanoelyaf takviyeli diğer epoksi yapıştırıcıların camsı geçiş sıcaklığı, erime sıcaklığı, termal bozunma sıcaklığı ve kütle kaybı, Termogravimetrik Analiz (TGA) ve Diferansiyel Termal Analiz (DTA) ile incelenmiştir. Yapılan darbe deneyleri sonucunda numunelerin uygulanan 3J'lük enerjinin yaklaşık 1,5J lük kısmını absorbe ettiği görülmüştür. Darbe sonrası çekme testlerinde ise N 6.6 nanoelyaf katkılarının yapışmadaki kopma kuvvetini artırdığı görülmüştür. Düşük hızlı darbe sonrası en yüksek kopma kuvveti %1 GNP katkılı N 6.6 nanoelyaf katkılı yapıştırıcıda ve oda sıcaklığında tespit edilmiştir., In this study, Al 2024-T3 sheets and 8-layeres Carbon Fiber reinforced composite sheets are formed with single lap adhesive joints and after the low velocity impact loading status of these adhesive joints was investigated. For this purpose, Naylon 6.6 (N 6.6) nano fiber and N 6.6 nano fibers reinforced with graphene nano particle (GNP) in different ratios (1%, 3% and 5%) by weight of N 6.6 was produced by electro spinning method. The pure epoxy resin used in the adhesive connection is reinforced with these produced nano fiber and pure epoxy bonding as reference sample 5 different types of single lap adhesive joints were produced. Low velocity impact (3J) tests were applied to these samples at 5 different temperatures (-50°C, -20°C, 0°C, 25°C and 50°C). As a result of impact tests, under constant crosshead ratios tensile tests were carried out to unbroken samples at room temperature in accordance with ASTM D1002-10 standard. According to the obtained data and comparisons, the reinforcements providing the highest mechanical properties were determined and the effect of different temperatures were examined in the single lap adhesive joint. Also, surface morphology of the nano fibers and the surface of the adhesive joints after tensile tests was investigated by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the glass transition temperature, melting temperature, thermal decomposition temperature and mass loss of epoxy resin and other epoxy adhesives reinforced with N6.6 nanofiber were investigated by Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). As a result of the impact tests, it was observed that the samples absorbed approximately 1.5 J of the applied 3J energy. It has been observed that N 6.6 nano fiber reinforcement increase the breaking force of the adhesion in tensile tests after impact. The highest breaking force after low-velocity impact was determined at 1% GNP reinforced N 6.6 nanofibers and at room temperature.

In order to increase transparency in buildings, structural elements made of laminated glass are being developed. The recent technological improvements in terms of material research, fabrication processes, and construction techniques, are creating new design opportunities for laminated glass structural elements. For laminated glass, the post-breakage strength and safety are important because of the brittle nature of glass, especially in structural applications. The connection between elements is a critical part, because high loads are concentrated in small surfaces, leading to local peak stresses. In this review, different connection types for structural glass elements are presented, and their performance is evaluated. Most common connection types are mechanical, adhesive, and laminated. The main goal of this review is to compare the experimental results obtained from different types of connections, evaluating the type of test, the materials used, the pre- and post-breakage performance, the failure mode, and the influence of ageing factors and load duration. The authors would The authors would like to thank the Catalan Government for the quality accreditation given to their research group (2017 SGR 1537). The work was partially funded by CRISTEC with CDTI funds (IDI-20160588). GREA is certified agent TECNIO in the category of technology developers from the Government of Catalonia. Xavier Centelles would like to thank University of Lleida for his research fellowship.

Adhesive connections experience in recent years an increasing popularity in the field of structural glass. Generally, linear adhesive joints are positioned on the surface of glass panes as in the case of structural sealant glazing systems. However, due to the existing trend for larger glass elements and implicitly glass panes with higher thickness, connections with adhesive joints at the edge of laminated glass panes become more interesting. In this article, experimental results for such linear adhesive joints with glass and stainless steel substrates, tested under tensile, compressive and shear loading, are presented and discussed. Three different cross section geometries of the joints are investigated: rectangular, L-shaped and U-shaped. For each of these cross sections, two silicone adhesives approved for structural sealant glazing systems and one structural acrylic adhesive are included in the experimental programme. All tests are performed at ambient conditions. Beside the mechanical behaviour in the form of load versus displacement results, also the failure modes and patterns are analysed. Regarding the interaction of the adhesives with the interlayer material under compressive loading, it is observed that at certain loads bubbles start to form in the interlayer and subsequently a delamination is initiated for all three adhesives. Moreover, the specimens with acrylic adhesive exhibit delamination as well under tensile and under shear loading. The results from this experimental study provide novel findings for linear adhesive connections at the edge of laminated glass panes and represent a basis for further investigations and developments on such joints., Glass Structures & Engineering, 4, ISSN:2363-5142, ISSN:2363-5150

Connections between structural glass components represent one of the main critical aspects of glass engineering. In the last years, a novel typology of adhesive connections has emerged, known as laminated adhesive connections. Two adhesive materials for laminated connections in glass applications are used in this work: the transparent ionomer SentryGlas (R) (SG). from Kuraray and the Transparent Structural Silicon Adhesive (TSSA) from Dow Corning. Both SG and TSSA show a complex behaviour dependent on strain rate and temperature. This work presents a study that aims (i) to investigate the mechanical behaviour and strength of this connection typology under shear loading and (ii) to quantify the effects of strain rate and temperature on the strength of the connections. This is done by means of a combined experimental, analytical and numerical study on laminated connections made of circular metal connectors bonded to rectangular glass plates. The experimental investigations presented in this work showed that temperature and strain rate variations have important effects on the mechanical response of the connections. Three-dimensional numerical analyses showed a non-uniform stress field with large gradient over the three dimensions. Through analytical studies, prediction models are finally proposed for the shear resistance of TSSA and SG laminated connections. The models are obtained developing an algorithm for multi-dimensional non-linear models with variable standard deviations. A logarithmic law is proposed for the strain rate effects for both TSSA and SG connections. Linear and inverse hyperbolic tangent-based laws are instead proposed for the TSSA and SG temperature behaviour respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) I-beam-column adhesively bonded connections are tested under combined bending and shear. The special feature of the novel connection is the wrapping of the seat angles at the connection by a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric wrap. The wrap is primarily intended to alter the connection failure mode from brittle to pseudo-ductile, thus providing adequate warning of impending failure. Four moment resisting connection configurations are tested, including the reference configuration without the wrap. It is observed that the connection failure is initiated by the fracture of the adhesive, but the provision of the wrap, together with a steel seat angle, alters the failure mode from brittle to pseudo-ductile. The post-peak load deformation is achieved without a large drop in the resistance of the connection. On other hand, the connection with the wrapping and a GFRP seat angle can also change the failure mode to pseudo-ductile, but it could not be done without a large reduction in the connection resistance after the peak load.

The consistent architectural transparency demand in buildings is highly promoting the structural use of glass, in combination or to replace load-bearing components made of traditional constructional materials. Despite its huge application in facades, roofs, envelopes, frame components, however, glass still represents a rather innovative and not well-known material, requiring specific design conceptsm and further extended studies, toward the fulfillme nt of safe design requirements. A key role in glass systems and assemblies involving multiple components is given to connections. Major issues in their design, consequently, arise from restraining single glazing elements, as well as from ensuring their mechanical interaction with other constructional systems, as a part of full 3D buildings, including several materials, and various loading/boundary conditions. In this paper, an overview of typical connection types in use for glass systems is presented, with special consideration for mechanical, adhesive, and laminated adhesive connections, giving evidence of their typical applications, evolution, current design issues. Existing research and major projects are also discussed, both at the material/component level as well as at the assembly level.

This article gives an overview of the research conducted by the authors from the design concept to the engineering and full-scale testing of the bundled glass column. Consisting of adhesively bonded solid glass rods, the bundled column is a promising solution for transparent compressive members. To investigate the feasibility of the bundled column for real applications, a production method is developed first for manufacturing specimens with guaranteed, consistent structural and visual performance. The final column consists of six solid circular rods adhesively bonded to a central star-shaped profile by a clear, UV-curing adhesive. To validate the design, series of prototypes up to 2.4 m long are made and tested in compression. With the aim of securing a more gradual and thus safer failure, a post-tensioned steel tendon is introduced to one of the 2.4 m long series and experimentally evaluated. The results demonstrate that the chosen adhesive and rod configuration enable the designed column to perform monolithically under loading and fail in values close to the theoretical buckling force. The results of the post-tensioned specimens suggest that post-tensioning allows for a more ductile and more consistent failure, which in turn can allow reduced safety factors. Based on the findings, suggestions are made for the further engineering of the bundled column.

For the first time, the feasibility of adhesively bonded connections in FRP frame structures is explored as an alternative to bolted connections. Eight full-scale GFRP beam-column connections are tested and their failure mode, strength and rotational stiffness are investigated. A single pultruded GFRP I-profile is used for the two members. In four of the specimens the beam and the column are connected by epoxy adhesive and GFRP seat angles, similar to the so-called “standard bolted connection”. In the remaining four specimens, the seat angles are supplemented by additional GFRP angles and stiffeners to strengthen the column flange and web. The beam-column assembly forms an inverted L-shape frame, with the column being fixed at the bottom and attached to the beam near the top. The beam, acting as a cantilever, is loaded by a point load near its free end, which subjects the connection to bending and shear. The current standard connection failed by debonding within the column flange while the improved/strengthened connection failed within the adhesive or at the adhesive-column flange interface. The test results reveal that both the standard and improved connection can have at least the same strength as the corresponding bolted connection, irrespective of whether GFRP or steel bolts are used to make the connection. Hence, the current restrictions against the use of adhesive beam-column connections in GFRP frame structures may be unjustified. In making this comparison, the observed failure load of each connection is normalized by the ultimate moment capacity of the GFRP profile in the beam-column assembly.

The recent demand for architectural transparency has drastically increased the use of glass material for structural purpose. However, connections between structural glass members represent one of the most critical aspects of glass engineering, due to the fragile behaviour of this material. In that respect, research activities on adhesive point-fixings are currently on-going. The mechanical behaviour of adhesive point-fixings is affected by large nonlinearities, which are usually investigated by nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This paper focuses on the geometrical and the material nonlinearities of adhesive point-fixings for glass structures. Firstly, the nonlinear material behaviour of two selected adhesives are investigated by means of uniaxial tension and compression tests on the bulk material. The production of specimens, test methodology and displacement rate dependency are discussed. Secondly, the nonlinear stress distribution occurring in the adhesive and the joint stiffness is investigated by means of nonlinear FEA. The effects of several parameters on the mechanical behaviour of adhesive point-fixings, such as the connection dimensions and adhesive elastic properties, are studied. The adhesive stress-strain curves resulting from the experimental campaign show that the adhesives exhibit a large nonlinear behaviour. The results show that the stress and strain at failure reduce as the displacement rate is reduced. From the numerical investigations it is concluded that large nonlinearity involves the mechanical behaviour of adhesive point-fixing which cannot be neglected. The stress distribution within the adhesive deviates from uniform nominal stresses, even in case of simple load condition, with stress peaks up to four times higher than nominal stresses., Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, Vol. 2 No. 1-2 (2014): Special Issue Glass

The recent demand for architectural transparency has drastically increased the use of glass material for structural purpose. However, connections between structural glass members represent one of the most critical aspects of glass engineering, due to the fragile behaviour of this material. In that regard, research activities on a novel type of metal-to-glass adhesive connections (called laminated connections) are currently on-going at EPFL. These joints make use of transparent thin polymer foils - i.e. an ionomer polymer (SentryGlas® from Dupont) and a structural silicon (TSSA from Dow Corning) – that are cured by an autoclave lamination process. The research activities involve both experimental and numerical studies with the aim to develop a design model and failure criterion for laminated connections. In this paper, the nonlinear numerical investigations on the behaviour of this type of adhesive joints are presented. In particular, the effects of mechanical and geometrical parameters on the response of the laminated connections are studied by non-linear modeling. The results are obtained performing several numerical simulations varying the parameters’ values and monitoring the related effects. Strong non-linearity in both strain and stress field distributions are observed, even in case of simple load conditions. The results suggest that, with the purpose of performing numericalexperimental comparisons, precise measurements have to be performed since very small displacements are to be expected. Additionally, an appropriate modeling of both boundary conditions (realized by the test setup) and adherents’ deformations (of both steel and glass adherent) is necessary.

This article gives an overview of the research conducted by the authors from the design concept to the engineering and full-scale testing of the bundled glass column. Consisting of adhesively bonded solid glass rods, the bundled column is a promising solution for transparent compressive members. To investigate the feasibility of the bundled column for real applications, a production method is developed first for manufacturing specimens with guaranteed, consistent structural and visual performance. The final column consists of six solid circular rods adhesively bonded to a central star-shaped profile by a clear, UV-curing adhesive. To validate the design, series of prototypes up to 2.4 m long are made and tested in compression. With the aim of securing a more gradual and thus safer failure, a post-tensioned steel tendon is introduced to one of the 2.4 m long series and experimentally evaluated. The results demonstrate that the chosen adhesive and rod configuration enable the designed column to perform monolithically under loading and fail in values close to the theoretical buckling force. The results of the post-tensioned specimens suggest that post-tensioning allows for a more ductile and more consistent failure, which in turn can allow reduced safety factors. Based on the findings, suggestions are made for the further engineering of the bundled column.

The demand for architectural transparency has drastically increased structural use of glass in buildings and constructions. Connections between structural glass components represent one of the main critical aspects of glass engineering. In the last years, the use of adhesive connections in structural applications has been considered promising because avoids the drilling process and the high contact stress intensifications of bolted connections. This work focuses on a novel typology of adhesive connections known as laminated adhesive connections. Two transparent adhesive materials are used: the ionomer SentryGlas® (SG) from Kuraray and the Transparent Structural Silicon Adhesive (TSSA) from Dow Corning. In this work, the mechanical behaviour of laminated connections at varying temperature, strain rate and loading condition is studied by experimental, analytical and numerical investigations. The mechanical behaviour of laminated connections under shear loading is firstly experimentally investigated at varying strain rate and temperature. A variational approach is proposed to analytically describe the non-linear stress field distribution in the adhesive. Numerical analyses are then performed to quantify stress peaks and the non-linear the stress field distribution in the connection over the three dimensions. Prediction models are proposed for the computation of the shear resistance of laminated connections. The mechanical behaviour of laminated connections under tensile loading is then experimentally investigated at varying strain rate and temperature. An analytical study is performed to derive the effect of the confinement state on the stress state of the adhesive, with particular attention to the hydrostatic component of the stress tensor. FEM analyses are then used to compute the 3D temperature-dependent stress field distribution, the deviatoric and hydrostatic components of the stress tensor and to quantify the stress peaks in the adhesive. Prediction models are proposed for the computation of the tensile resistance of laminated connections. The analytical development of a new generalized failure criterion is then presented. In this study, a novel four-dimensional model that account for a generic stress state is derived. The governing equation is expressed as a function of the three-dimensional stress tensor, the temperature and the strain rate. Both deviatoric and hydrostatic energetic components are taken into consideration by means of a non-linear function of the two contributions. The proposed model is defined over four independent dimensions: the equivalent stress, the hydrostatic stress, the strain rate and the temperature. At varying strain rate and temperature, the surface evolves as a function of the strain rate and temperature values, following either a linear or logarithmic or hyperbolic-tangent law depending on the material. Additional experimental investigations are also performed by tensile-torsion tests to validate the proposed model at varying value of triaxiality. The mechanical behaviour of embedded laminated connections under pull-out force is finally experimentally investigated at different temperatures. Numerical finite element analyses are carried out and the results compared to the varying failure mode and failure location at different temperatures. A new prototype of a glass components with embedded laminated connections is proposed, focusing on post-breakage behaviour and redundancy.

The recent demand for architectural transparency has drastically increased the use of glass material also for structural purpose. However, connections between structural glass members represent one of the most critical aspects of glass engineering, due to the fragile behaviour of this material. This work presents the experimental and numerical investigations of embedded metal-to-glass connections realized by embedding a thin metal plate within an ionomer interlayer usually used for laminating glass panels. The tested specimens consist of small rectangular glass panels combined with rectangular stainless-steel plates, laminated with a transparent ionomer polymer. The experimental investigations are performed by pulling out the metal plate from the laminated glass panel, at constant displacement rate. Tests at different temperatures are carried out, because of the temperature sensitivity of the interlayer polymer. The connection’s response in terms of load versus relative displacement is here presented. Then, numerical investigations on this type of metal-to-glass connection are performed, with the goal to compute the non-linear distribution of both strain and stress’s fields within the interlayer. In that regard, the experimental tests are simulated by a non-linear FE model. The effects of geometrical non-linearity are taken into account. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results are here presented focusing on the interface level between interlayer and glass material. From the study it is concluded that (i) the use of the adhesion properties of the interlayer material of laminated glass is a promising technique for joining structural glass member (ii) the numerical model developed in this work represents an efficient tool to predict the behaviour of such type of connection.

The use of glass material for structural components has drastically increased in the last decade. Among others, a laminated connection is a type of adhesive joint that makes use of foil interlayer adhesive to transfer forces between glass and metal parts. In this work, the use of embedded laminated connections is studied as connection between glass beams. In particular, it is experimentally investigated the use of embedded connections laminated to make a moment joint between laminated glass beam segments. The mechanical behaviour of such glass beams with embedded laminated connections is studied under different loading scenario. Tests are performed under monotonic, creep and damage protocol. Different geometry and location of the embedded laminated connections are compared. The results of this work showed that embedded laminated connections represent an efficient means of load transfer between glass beams. It is observed that the choice of an appropriate geometry and location of the embedded connections can provide a substantial enhancement to the mechanical behaviour of the beam. In particular, a redundant and ductile structural behaviour of the moment connection can be achieved. Furthermore, results also showed that beams with embedded laminated connections are able to resist to severe damage scenarios and to sustain the applied load over time, even in the case of breakage of all glass panels.