High Performance Laminated Glass

Abstract

In this contribution we examine the mechanical behavior of laminated glass and show that improvements in performance may be achieved through the use of a stiff, structural, non-PVB, interlayer. Enhancements in mechanical properties, such as strength, creep, post-glass breakage coupled with enhancements in durability and materials compatibility, are provided with a stiff Ionomere interlayer that extends the performance of laminated glass well beyond the established PVB limits. The use of analysis tools based on finite elements and effective thickness methods is also presented. Such tools allow the designer to optimize the performance of laminated glass and take full advantage of the performance attributes of an Ionomere interlayer. Examples are given of projects where such a structural interlayer provides enabling technology and the most cost-effective, value engineered design solution.