Studies on Thin-Glass-Polycarbonate Composite Panels with Linear and Point-Load Bearing Capacities

The Department of Structural Engineering, in collaboration with SiLATEC Sicherheits- und Laminatglastechnik GmbH of Gelting, is investigating the linear and point-supported mounting of thin-glass polycarbonatecomposite panels as a very slim and lightweight special safety glazing solution compared to conventional laminated safety glass.

Thanks to the full-surface bond with a polycarbonate panel—which acts as a ductile material for the brittle thin glass—this multilayer system provides sufficient geometric stiffness combined with high residual load-bearing capacity in the event of glass breakage, thereby preventing failure of the mounting system, particularly when point fixings are used.

However, further investigations are required for the linear or point-support mounting of thin-glass-polycarbonate laminated panels in applications as single-pane and multi-pane insulating glass units, to serve as a basis for the development of suitable glazing assemblies, as no scientific findings on this topic are currently available.