Experimental investigation on a new embedded point-fixing device for laminated glass

The aim of the work presented in this paper is to characterize the mechanical behavior of a new embedded point-fixing device for laminated glass. This kind of support is based on the principle known as “interlayer junction” in which the anchor is bonded to the interlayer and embedded in the glass panes during the lamination process. The purposes of this innovative point-fixing system are mainly focused on interior architecture applications: e.g. balustrades, stairs, doors, elevators, design furniture, etc., taking advantage of the beautiful aesthetic of an “all-glass” element. This is due to the fact that, contrary to traditional point-fixings bolted connections, the countersunk hole is not passing through the outer glass layer, so that the truncated cone stainless steel anchor looks like embedded in the glass mass. A comprehensive experimental investigation on the load-bearing capacity under the combined action of axial and shear force has thus been performed. Finally, design criteria are provided and applied to a case study with demonstration purpose only. In addition to the interaction diagrams given for combined load cases between axial and shear force also a simplified analytical failure criterion, which is intended for use in the practical design, is proposed.