Experimentelle Untersuchungen zu Glas-Polycarbonat-Verbundtafeln

Experimental research on glass-polycarbonate composite panels

The requirements for glazing in façade constructions increase steadily in consequence of numerous new functions. The base material glass can often meet these requirements only in combination with other materials. Therefore, in the field of safety glass, glass-polycarbonate composite panels are used. Glass possesses a high material stiffness whereas polycarbonate provides high impact strength in combination with low weight. The composite panels combine high resistance against attack with slender cross-sections and reduced dead load in comparison to common laminated safety glass. Due to this fact, the composite enables the use of more slender frame and support structures. The supplementary installation in existing buildings and the subsequent processing to insulation glass is simple. In Germany, horizontal glazing demands laminated safety glass to meet the legal and structural requirements. In addition to the structural behaviour of the glazing, the post-breakage performance is also assessed. Furthermore, the structural design of glass-polycarbonate composite panels requires a profound knowledge of the material properties and the interaction of multiple layers in the composite construction. The parameters required are determined in a large number of experimental research and form the basis for a suitable design concept of composite panels.