Vibration Analysis and Characterization of Damaged Structural Glass Elements

Load-bearing structural glass elements in buildings take often the form of columns, beams, plates and even stand-alone complex assemblies, where glass interacts with other constructional materials. Among others, the dynamic response o laminated glass (LG) elements attracts high interest, given that it relates to design of buildings under impact or seismic events. In this regard, a combination of various aspects should be properly taken into account for reliable estimates, such as the sensitivity of common interlayers to vibration frequency, ageing and operational conditions (for in-service systems). Further uncertainties for in-service LG members may regard the actual boundary condition, as well as the quantification of possible damage phenomena, like the presence of delamination, etc. These aspects are pointed out in the paper for a case-study in-service system.