The calculation methods for the design of mechanical elements have evolved significantly in recent decades. It was in the 19th century that Continuum Mechanics (CM) began to develop, and a century later, the theorization of the Finite Element Method (FEM) emerged. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to solve engineering and physics problems involving complex structures. The theorization of the Finite Element Method involves defining the mathematical foundations on which this method is based. This theorization, coupled with the continuous improvement of numerical solution methods and the continuous improvement in processor power (Moore’s Law), has brought about a turning point in modern mechanical design methods.

Previously, structural calculations were always done by hand using tables (graphical models) and beam formulas from the strength of materials. With modern means and the use of dedicated finite element analysis software, it is now possible to perform calculations on complex geometries and predict mechanical behavior locally and accurately. Just imagine what a structure similar to the Eiffel Tower could look like today with modern resources! With more precise calculation models, it is possible, for example, to refine the behavior of glass in support zones, contact zones, drilling zones, and accurately determine stress levels in the glass and fixings. When well-mastered, these new techniques are very interesting as they reduce the number of assumptions and, ultimately, limit overdesign of structures and glass thicknesses.

The calculation methods for the design of mechanical elements have evolved significantly in recent decades. It was in the 19th century that Continuum Mechanics (CM) began to develop, and a century later, the theorization of the Finite Element Method (FEM) emerged. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to solve engineering and physics problems involving complex structures. The theorization of the Finite Element Method involves defining the mathematical foundations on which this method is based. This theorization, coupled with the continuous improvement of numerical solution methods and the continuous improvement in processor power (Moore’s Law), has brought about a turning point in modern mechanical design methods.

Previously, structural calculations were always done by hand using tables (graphical models) and beam formulas from the strength of materials. With modern means and the use of dedicated finite element analysis software, it is now possible to perform calculations on complex geometries and predict mechanical behavior locally and accurately. Just imagine what a structure similar to the Eiffel Tower could look like today with modern resources! With more precise calculation models, it is possible, for example, to refine the behavior of glass in support zones, contact zones, drilling zones, and accurately determine stress levels in the glass and fixings. When well-mastered, these new techniques are very interesting as they reduce the number of assumptions and, ultimately, limit overdesign of structures and glass thicknesses.

In general, the calculation methods for sizing glass panels are carried out using software that employs advanced mathematical models. It is possible to predict the movements of glass panels on facades and calculate their mechanical stresses. These calculations enable the optimization of structures and glass panels for top-notch projects!

In general, the calculation methods for sizing glass panels are carried out using software that employs advanced mathematical models. It is possible to predict the movements of glass panels on facades and calculate their mechanical stresses. These calculations enable the optimization of structures and glass panels for top-notch projects!

The commonly used method for sizing and predicting the strength of glass supported on one or two sides is to employ a beam bending model.

The commonly used method for sizing and predicting the strength of glass supported on one or two sides is to employ a beam bending model.

In the following example, we will study the bending stresses in VEA glazing for a very specific configuration. For example: a glass panel is held in place by just 3 fixing points and subjected to a wind pressure of 1000 Pa. The model is drawn in CAD, followed by meshing and the application of fixing points to hold the glass in place (boundary conditions).

In the following example, we will study the bending stresses in VEA glazing for a very specific configuration. For example: a glass panel is held in place by just 3 fixing points and subjected to a wind pressure of 1000 Pa. The model is drawn in CAD, followed by meshing and the application of fixing points to hold the glass in place (boundary conditions).

The results for glass deformation initially show that they are limited to 15mm. Furthermore, the bending stresses (outside the support zone) are lower than the allowable stresses for the glass (including load and material safety factors). The verification is carried out according to the criteria outlined in CSTB’s document 3574_v2.

The results for glass deformation initially show that they are limited to 15mm. Furthermore, the bending stresses (outside the support zone) are lower than the allowable stresses for the glass (including load and material safety factors). The verification is carried out according to the criteria outlined in CSTB’s document 3574_v2.

The dimensions of the glass (height, width, thickness), excluding drilling zones, are suitable for the project. However, it can be observed that localized stresses appear at the drilling locations. A more detailed analysis must therefore be conducted to assess the stresses in these areas.

To analyze the stresses in the glass’s drilling zones, a more detailed modeling of the glass and the contacting parts is performed. The materials, geometry of the parts, and contacts are defined in a precise numerical simulation model to accurately assess the stresses in the glass.

The dimensions of the glass (height, width, thickness), excluding drilling zones, are suitable for the project. However, it can be observed that localized stresses appear at the drilling locations. A more detailed analysis must therefore be conducted to assess the stresses in these areas.

To analyze the stresses in the glass’s drilling zones, a more detailed modeling of the glass and the contacting parts is performed. The materials, geometry of the parts, and contacts are defined in a precise numerical simulation model to accurately assess the stresses in the glass.

In some cases, curvature radius tests are conducted on the glass panels to ensure deformation limits of the glass at the attachment points. These tests help verify the maximum allowable local stresses at the attachment points. The following figure illustrates the conductance of curvature radius tests and a comparison of the results obtained through calculations.

In some cases, curvature radius tests are conducted on the glass panels to ensure deformation limits of the glass at the attachment points. These tests help verify the maximum allowable local stresses at the attachment points. The following figure illustrates the conductance of curvature radius tests and a comparison of the results obtained through calculations.

In addition to enabling the reduction of glass thicknesses, stress visualization helps design fittings and supports that are suitable for various projects (glass railings, structural glass, cladding, point fixings, etc.).

In addition to enabling the reduction of glass thicknesses, stress visualization helps design fittings and supports that are suitable for various projects (glass railings, structural glass, cladding, point fixings, etc.).