Finite-element analysis of post-tensioned SG-laminated glass beams with mechanically anchored tendons

Based on past experimental research results, this paper aims to investigate the structural performance of laminated glass beams with post-tensioned, mechanically anchored tendons, via extended finite-element (FE) simulations. The post-tensioned glass beam concept offers the advantage of providing a certain amount of initial compressive stresses in glass, hence resulting in a marked increase of the initial fracture load and in a rather appreciable redundancy, compared to typically brittle, unreinforced glass beams. Due to the presence of the post-tensioned tendons, a significant level of residual strength can also be guaranteed, thus resulting in a structurally efficient and safe design concept. In order to fully optimize the expected resistance and redundancy potentialities, however, careful consideration should be paid for a multitude of geometrical and mechanical aspects. In this research contribution, both full 3D and shell models are implemented for post-tensioned laminated glass beams. Based on validation of these FE models towards the past full-scale experimental results, the effects of several mechanical parameters are emphasized (e.g. steel tendon percentage, level of the applied pre-stressing force and the presence of possible geometrical imperfections) under room temperature and quasi-static loads. It is expected, based on the current study, that the examined design concept could be further developed and optimized.