Potentials and Limits of Simplified Models for Linearly Restrained Glass Balustrades under Static Loads and Impact

Glass balustrades are designed to prevent large deflections and high stress peaks under conventional lateral loads. In practice, linear restraints are generally described in the form of ideal linear clamps for glass, to replace the actual geometrical and mechanical properties of restraint components. This means that strong simplifications are introduced in place of multiple details and components expected to offer local flexibility and prevent premature stress peaks in glass. In this paper, attention is given to linear restraints that are commonly described in terms of “clamp” boundaries for glass panels under lateral loads. The use of simplified mechanical models to characterize the actual stiffness and linear restraints and components is addressed, with the support of refined Finite Element numerical models and literature experimental data for balustrades under twin-tyre impact.