Il vetro strutturale - Parte II

The first part of the paper was devoted to describe main mechanical features of glass and main types of glass for structural use. Particularly, the authors discussed issues linked to the fragility of glass, and how they make difficult the use of glass for main load-bearing elements. Hence, a solution can be found in laminated glass elements, formed by two or more glass plies bonded together with a thermoplastic material, and/or in coupling glass with other structural materials. The second part describes an innovative solution, developed by the authors, for building laminated glass beams strengthened with FRP bars, with tensile resistance. These beams behave similarly to R.C. be-ams and satisfy requirements of strength, stiffness and safety, while maintaining almost unchanged the transparency. The analysis of the structural response of these beams has been performed through an experimental campaign in the laboratory on full-scale specimens; experimental results have been later utilized to develop both theoretical and finite element numerical models.Topics presented here, like those of the first part, have already dealt with at greater length in the volume “Il vetro come materiale strutturale”, published by Edizioni Polistampa, Florence.