Flexural-torsional buckling tests on laminated glass beams

The current production technology of laminated glass (LG) elements makes the use of stubby sections complex or of little advantage, so that LG slender eleents are the most used. To evaluate the structural response of slender elements, it is required to investigate their stability behaviour. The paper deals with the response of slender beams bent about the section strong axis with reference to the possible onset of lateral torsional buckling. The response is strongly dependent on the interlayer capacity to transfer and distribute shear stresses between glass plates. An experimental campaign has been desiged to study shear stress transfer mechanisms and failure modes of bent laminated glass beams. Four tests have been performed; specimens consist of 3 x 12mm thick glass plates for a total heigth of 300mm and 3.0m span, assembled using SGP interlayers.