Examination of Load Resistance in Window Glass Design

Abstract

The glass failure prediction model has been used as a calculation method for the load resistance (LR) of glass specified in North American design codes. However, because of the technology available, this model has only been experimentally proven under ramp loading. The model also has several defects, which have been pointed out in recent years, some of which may originate from this insufficient experimental validation. Thanks to the newly developed technology at the University of Western Ontario, glass strength modeling was revisited with sufficient experimental results, including fluctuating wind loads of long time duration. In addition, the value of LR specified in the current North American design codes was examined in light of several assumed parameters used in its calculation.