A Unified Approach for the Shear Buckling Design of Structural Glass Walls with Non-Ideal Restraints

In this study, a unified design approach is assessed and proposed for the shear buckling verification of structural glass walls supported by non-ideal restraints. Based on the current trends of practice in buildings, the effect of (i) adhesive joints, (ii) metal frames with interposed adhesive joints or (iii) point mechanical connectors on the actual shear buckling behavior of the examined glass shear walls is properly investigated. The theoretical buckling resistance of the selected panels is first assessed by means of Finite-Element (FE) simulations, in the form of fundamental buckling shapes and Euler’s critical loads. Analytical fitting curves of general applicability are proposed, so that the classical formulations derived from shear buckling theories could be used for a rational estimation of the Euler’s critical loads, based on the restraints geometrical and mechanical features. As shown, the examined restraints have a fundamental role in the so predicted values and the assumption of ideal restraint configurations would unavoidably lead to unsafe, marked overestimations. Subsequently, the actual shear buckling resistance is also assessed, e.g., by taking into account the effects of possible initial geometrical imperfections, damage in glass or failure mechanisms in the restraints. Due to the implementation of accurate but computationally efficient FE models able to reproduce the desired mechanical effect of restraints, as well as any possible local damage in them, a rather close agreement is found with a standardized design buckling approach already in use for ideally simply supported glass shear walls only.