Experimental investigation of multi-layered laminated glass beams under in-plane bending

Due to its relatively good safety performance and aesthetic benefits, laminated glass (LG) is increasingly being used as load-carrying members in modern buildings. This paper presents an experimental study into one applicational scenario of structural LG subjected to in-plane bending. The aim of the study is to reveal the in-plane behaviors of the LG beams made up of multi-layered glass sheets. The LG specimens respectively consisted of two, three and four plies of glass, bonded together by two prominent adhesives. A total of 26 tests were carried out. From these tests, the structural behaviors in terms of flexural stiffness, load resistance and post-breakage strength were studied in detail, whilst considering the influence of interlayer type, cross-sectional interlayer percentage and presence of shear forces. Based on the test results, analytical suggestions were made, failure modes were identified, corresponding failure mechanisms were discussed, and a rational engineering model was proposed to predict the post-breakage strength of the LG beams. The results obtained are expected to provide useful information for academic and engineering professionals in the analysis and design of LG beams bending in-plane.