Predicting Performance of Aluminum - Glass Composite Facade Systems Based on Mechanical Properties of the Connection

Abstract

In this paper, an extensive Finite-Element (FE) numerical study is carried out on a glass framing with point mechanical connectors. The models have been calibrated based on literature studies and field research. The simulations have been performed in order to assess the mechanical behavior of the examined glass-aluminum panels. In frame-support glass structures, such as curtain walls, where glass plates are mounted onto a metal framework, the composite behavior between glass and the supporting aluminum elements is usually a problem. It has been showed that an application of elastomer gaskets decreases the stress concentration at the interface between aluminum and glass while does not significantly change the working scheme of the profile. Based on the proposed models, the failure mechanism for wider set of geometrical configurations can be analyzed.