The effect of openings on stress distribution in glass beams – Dependence on a hole to beam’s edge distance

¹ Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Steel and Timber Structures, Slovakia
² Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Steel and Timber Structures, Czech Republic

^* Corresponding author: martin.lavko@tuke.sk

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.