Finite element analysis of laminated structural glass plates with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer

The study deals with the mechanical behaviour of laterally loaded structural glass laminated with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. To evaluate the influence of the mechanical behaviour of PVB in structural glass plates, a finite element model was developed. The numerical model was verified on the basis of the results from the literature and by own experimental results, completed in accordance with the standard EN 1288-3. The glass plates were loaded by four-point-bending. In each case the specimens had the same ichnographical size, however the thickness of the glass plates and the laminating film was different. The fundamental aim of the experiment was to evaluate the behaviour of different structural configurations and to validate the numerical model. The PVB film was considered to be a non-linear elastic hardening material in the numerical analysis. The final goal of the study was to conduct a parametric examination of a two-layered glass plate bent in two directions. By reducing the thickness of laminating film, the structure becomes more rigid, so that deflection has reduced. During the parametric studies asymmetrically built-up plates were examined. The results showed that the maximum value of tensile stress - on the bottom surface of the lower layers - is reduced by 15-20%, if the lower layer is thinner and the upper layer thicker.