This research aims to investigate the effect of the Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcement on the strength of bolted glass joints.
Poster: Tudor Zirbo
Supervisor: Dr Mithila Achintha
University: University of Southampton
Summary:
Compared to other structural materials such as steel or timber, glass is a brittle material which means it cannot yield but its failure occurs suddenly and is hard to predict. It is for this reason that the most critical components of structural glass elements are the connections which can generate stress concentrations that could lead to premature failure of the glass.
In order to meet the safety requirements, structural engineers are compelled to oversize the glass elements by 60 to 80% depending on the country, which implies higher production costs. Despite the generous allowance, glass is still susceptible to fail in extreme loading conditions such as blasts or earthquakes. Besides the material losses and the high costs of replacing the broken panes, the fallen glass possesses great hazard to the occupants and pedestrians around the building.