Blast response of laminated glass panels: a critical review of analysis and design methods

Abstract

Laminated glass panels are often used to enhance the blast resilience of buildings by replacing the inherently brittle, monolithic glass that has historically been used in building façades. These composite ductile panels offer superior blast resistance and result in reduced glass-related injuries, due to the interlayer's ability to both provide residual resistance, following the fracture of the glass layers, and retain glass fragments. This paper reviews the various analysis methods that have been developed to support the blast design of laminated glass panels and reduce the need for expensive blast testing. The focus is on panels with polyvinyl butyral, as this is the most commonly used interlayer in building façades. The methods identified are categorised into empirical design guidance, analytical models, finite-element analysis and equivalent singledegree-of-freedom methods, thereby enabling a comparison of the modelling principles adopted and the material properties assumed within the different categories. This is informed by first presenting a brief overview of the material properties of laminated glass under blast conditions.The consistency of the underlying structural mechanics principles is discussed by comparing the methodologies across the different categories. Finally, the ease of application is considered, highlighting the methods that are often preferred by practitioners. Word count: 6,420 main text, No of figures: 7, No of tables: 4 List of notation PVB is polyvinyl butyral FEA is finite-element analysis ESDOF is equivalent single-degree-of-freedom