Comparative Assessment of Analytical models for the ULS Resistance Verification of Structural Glass Elements under Variable Loads

Abstract

The design of glass structures, due to the intrinsic material properties, is mainly governed by the typical tensile brittle behavior of the material. In this regard, a currently open question related to the use of glass in buildings as a load-bearing constructional material, is represented by the correct estimation of static fatigue phenomena due to a generic combination of design actions. In this study, taking advantage of past literature contributions and existing design standards for glass, a novel analytical formulation is proposed for the resistance verification of a given structural glass elements under a Ultimate Limit State (ULS) combination of variable loads. The novel proposal is assessed towards three existing analytical formulations, based on two worked examples as well as an extended analytical analysis. In conclusion, the potential and criticisms of the examined approaches are discussed.