Point-fixed connections in structural glass with injection mortar infill. experimental investigation and numerical simulations

This paper focuses on the experimental and numerical study of the performance of point-fixed connections in structural glass panels. For that purpose, an experimental program of in-plane uniaxial compressive tests was conducted on small-scale specimens. The specimens were manufactured using monolithic and laminated heatstrengthened glass (HSG). The point-fixed connections were realized using two infill products: (a) fischer FIS V Plus and (b) Hilti Hit HY270. A Digital Image Correlation (DIC) based measurement system in combination with strain gauges is used for tracking kinematics and deformations of the investigated specimens. It was found that the performance of the two infill products is comparable. The tests demonstrate that the failure mode of the monolithic panels is governed by infill failure, whereas the failure of the laminated panels is controlled by glass fracture. The numerical study was performed to assess the stress distribution around the hole in laminated glass. A 3D Finite Element (FE) model built in Abaqus is validated based on DIC and strain gauge measurements. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the eccentricity in the laminated glass panels and the friction coefficient between infill and glass/steel. It was observed that the eccentricity in the laminated panels has a significant influence on the stress amplification in the panels. Also, it was found that the value of the friction coefficient can significantly change the distribution of the principal stresses around the hole.