Experimental investigation of the bearing capacity between short hollow glass columns and a transparent thermoplastic interface material

• Published in: Engineering structures 2025-02, Vol.325, Article 119407
• Main Authors: Yost, Joseph Robert, Cregan, Matthew, Bolhassani, Damon, Chhadeh, Philipp Amir, Schneider, Jens, Lu, Yao, Akbarzadeh, Masoud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D/polyhedral graphic statics; Compression-dominant glass structures; Hollow glass unit; Polyhedral glass structures
• ISSN: 0141-0296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119407

In this research study, the fracture strength of flat 10 mm thick annealed glass sheets having an abrasive water-jet cut surface and bearing against a transparent interface material is experimentally investigated. The transparent interface material is necessary to provide axial-compressive force continuity in modular compression-dominant all- glass shell structures. A series of short glass columns were tested in axial compression under a variety of load cases, which included cyclic, creep, and monotonic-to-fracture loading. A target glass fracture bearing stress of 36.6 MPa is identified and represents an upper bound bearing stress for annealed glass compression members failing in a flexural buckling mode. The study concludes the transparent thermoplastic material, known as Surlyn, was able to achieve a fracture strength that exceeds the target value and that the fracture strength is not affected by cyclic or creep loading. Consequently, column-related failure limit states will occur before glass fracture is associated with interface bearing. Glass fracture occurs in Type-I mode, reflecting the presence of interface tensile stress. Furthermore, the monotonic bearing stiffness in the service range of 5 to 15 MPa is increased by 20 % and 16 % for samples subjected to cyclic and creep loading, respectively, relative to monotonic-only samples. •Effective force transfer in the bearing of glass compression members.•Cracking strength of glass in bearing against a thermoplastic material.•Effect of load cycling and creep on glass cracking strength.•Abrasive waterjet cut glass and cracking strength against an interface material.