Kozak R. Bearing capacity of thin multilayer glass beams

This thesis is devoted to experimental and theoretical studies of the bearing capacity of glass beams subjected to four-point bending in the laboratory. The glass beam samples under study differed in height and number of glass layers. All beams were divided into a series of samples by the developed experimental research methodology. The test methodology for glass beams consisted of testing single-span statically determined beams for four-point bending. The beams were loaded with a static load for a certain period until their destruction. The physical and mechanical properties of the glass samples from which the glass beams were made were investigated. To study the glass beams, an optical method of digital image correlation was used to measure the deformation characteristics on the surface of the glass beams, as well as mechanical gauges to measure relative deformations, deflections, and lateral deformations. As a result of the research, the bearing capacity of glass beams subjected to four-point bending was analyzed. The characteristic and calculated tensile strength of glass in bending were determined. Analytical and finite element calculations are presented. Recommendations for the design of glass structures are given and tested on real objects. The world of construction does not stand still and offers new technologies to realize the fantastic ideas of architects in the form of new forms. One of the most common materials used in such structures is glass. Thanks to its aesthetic properties, glass allows you to create something futuristic, buildings that will take your breath away, creating the effect of transparency and lightness. Modern people are no longer surprised by glass structures. Most of the buildings made entirely of glass are small architectural forms, mezzanines, greenhouses, and facade elements. Glass is also used as one of the floor elements to create the effect of transparency. There are more and more truly impressive structures with large spans made entirely of glass, such as glass bridges, pools, stairs, and canopies. Beams are the main element of any span structure. Based on the glass manufacturing process, it is logical to manufacture beams with the glass sheets oriented vertically to the axis of load application. This approach saves expensive material, but has many disadvantages, the main one being the loss of beam stability out of plane. Another disadvantage, but this time of glass as a material, is the fragility and rather large variation in strength characteristics, which are taken into account by large reliability factors ranging from 1.5 to 1.8. The very nature of glass fracture is sudden, and its destruction can occur before large deflections, etc. Triplexing technology makes it possible to produce laminated glass elements with increased operational safety. In Ukraine, there are currently no regulatory documents that would prescribe clear rules for the design of glass structures, as in Ukrainian construction, glass structures are considered mainly as enclosing structures. Therefore, conducting scientific research on the performance of glass structures, namely beams, will expand the possibilities of using glass structures as load-bearing elements. Recommendations for the design of glass structures are given and tested on real objects.