Glass-to-metal assemblies in glazing, using adhesives with surface treatments

Abstract

This research continues of previous research carried out by Cachia (1999} highlighting the performance and feasibility of glass-to-metal connections using structural adhesives as a substitute to traditional bolted systems used in structural glazing, with the aim being to remove concentrated loads found in current bolted systems which induces failure at a load much lower than the overall in-plane axial capacity of the glass plate. The study consists of testing glass-to-metal connections in shear, tension and combined shear and tension loads using two different adhesives and a rough surface finish on the steel substrate in a series of pull-out tests. The samples' ultimate load and displacement achieved, along with the mode of failure experienced are evaluated. The results obtained shows a significant increase in performance from the previous research, however with a lack of consistency in the values obtained. Causes for this lack of consistency are unknown. Suggestions for further research and methods to improve testing are also suggested.