Testing of Structural Glass Elements: Calibration to Design

Calibration to Design

Abstract

The engineering of structural systems can be performed by more than one method.  Design standards with equations for the applicable limit states are available for most structural materials and remain the most common approach.  “Rational analysis” based on published papers and engineering fundamentals is another approach used where there are gaps in the local codes and standards.  Another method is “design by testing” which can be an effective approach to optimize the design and calibrate the limit state if used correctly.  However, as our standards have been advanced to cover more of the limit states with empirical formulas, practicing engineers have had less exposure to “design by testing” leading to inconsistent application, including the misinterpretation of “validation by testing” as equivalent to full design justification.  This paper discusses the “design by testing” method, highlighting on appropriate references, statistical analysis of the results and the appropriate reliability and safety factors to align with the standardized reliability objectives. The paper also clarifies the difference between “design by testing” and “validation by testing” and discusses the objectives of each approach, how they can be employed in practice, and how they are addressed within the Structural Glass Design Manual.