Experimental analysis of partially fractured annealed laminated glass elements under cyclic loads in “Stage 2”

Appropriate levels of post-breakage security and structural safety for laminated glass elements in constructions are a priority. Besides, the associated mechanisms are rather complex and challenging to assess, as well as to quantify with simplified strategies, due to a multitude of uncertainties. As such, rough calculation approaches are conservatively taken into account for the analysis and design of laminated glass, and any mechanical contribution from the cracked glass layer is fully disregarded. In this study, small-scale 2-ply specimens are investigated with a traditional 3-point-bending setup, by considering a cyclic protocol and the presence of preliminary damage corresponding to the so-called “Stage 2”. The corresponding equivalent modulus of elasticity for the cracked glass is experimentally derived from a total of 57 specimens, revealing an interesting residual mechanical capacity.