Influences of Laboratory and Natural

Weathering on the Durability of Laminated

Safety Glass
Frank Ensslen
Semcoglas Holding GmbH, Langebrügger Str. 10, D-26655 Westerstede, Germany

Keywords

1=Laminated safety glass (LSG) 2=PVB-interlayer 3=durability 4=weathering 5=shear modulus

6=adhesion characteristics 7=DIN EN ISO 12543-4

Summary
Beside known influences on the shear
behavior of laminated safety glass
(LSG) as interlayer temperature, loading
rate and load duration, further effects
result from climatic load (e.g. long-
term exposure of ultraviolet radiation,
moisture and air temperature), especially
for outdoor applications. Experimental
investigations show that moisture
penetration of PVB-interlayer at the
glass edge zones is a major influencing
factor on the durability of LSG. Figure 1
Hence, shear behavior and adhesion Drilling of round glass samples with a positioning device (left); Depiction of samples originally located
characteristics change. Concerning at the edge, middle and inside of basic glass sheets (right)
large-scale architectural LSG panes
carrying wind, snow and dead load Pummel test, bake and cook test). samples with a thickness of Float 4
no significant endangering of their Basic test goals include assessing mm/PVB 0,76 mm/Float 4 mm were

Laminated Glass Design

structural safety occurs due to a local
deterioration of the interlayer, only. In
order to avoid visual damage of LSG
in environments with access of high
humidity (e.g. rain), it is recommended
to protect edges thoroughly and
effectively. Aging of the interlayer due
to UV-radiation and air temperature is
dependent on its intensity and duration,
however, resulting in a stiffer material
behavior, but not affecting the structural
saftey.
1 Introduction
Test methods for checking on the
durability of LSG regarding UV-radiation,
moisture and air temperature are
generally dealt in the international
standard DIN EN ISO 12543-4 [1]. That
standard is partly used by PVB-interlayer
manufacturers for their regular quality
controls with respect to chemical,
physical and optical characteristics of
LSG, especially the PVB-interlayer. In
addition, nowadays the standard gets
increased attention focusing on test
procedures required for the CE-marking
of LSG in compliance with EN 14449
[2] obligatory to all members of the
European Community beginning in
March 2007.
Within the scope of manufactures’
quality control tests LSG samples after
accelerated weathering in laboratory
according to [1], or weathering under
natural climatic conditions, are subjected
to varies, partly non-standardized test
methods (e.g. compression shear test,
the adhesion character and possible
delamination between interlayer and
glass, and analyzing the shear strength.
Of further interest are UV-transmission
and moisture concentration of the PVB-
interlayer. A visual inspection regarding
color changes (e.g. yellowing) is also
done.
Quantifying an important mechanical
parameter, such as the shear stiffness,
using the shear modulus (as a function
of time), after long-term influence of
enhanced climatic aging is missing
within these quality control programs.
Also, no statement on the load carrying
behavior of weathered large-scale
architectural LSG is made. Therefore,
the main part of this publication is the
investigation these open questions.
Transferring the test results of
weathering samples into practice is
done by numerical parameter studies
with the method of the finite elements
(FEM).
2 Experimental Investigations on
Small-Scale LSG Samples
2.1 Samples for the Shear Tests
Due to economic advantages studying
a large number of (climatic) parameters
basic tests on small-scale samples were
preferred.
Round LSG samples with a diameter
of 31 mm were gained from laminates
with a size of 100 x 100 mm by wet
drilling using a position device, as can
be seen in Figure 1 (left). These square
the basic glass sheets for laboratory
weathering. The basic glass sheets for
natural weathering were 300 x 300
mm with a thickness of 2/0,76/2 mm.
For preparation of the round samples,
however, samples with 100 x 100 mm
were cut from the latter basic sheets.
The type of PVB-interlayer used was
Trosifol MB.
As shown in Figure 1 (right), it was
distinguished between round samples
originally located at the edge and in
the middle of the laboratory basic glass
sheets, whereas the original location
for the natural weathering basic sheets
was classified by “edge and inside”.
For the reference samples no difference
between edge and middle (inside) was
made.
In the following, the 7 test series
and their weathering conditions are
explained:
• Series 1: Reference samples for series
2 through 7. Until testing (½ year
later) samples wrapped in plastic foil
were stored in a dark room.
• Series 2 to 4: Solarium weathering
of basic glass sheets with a duration
of 4, 8 and 20 weeks with 16 UV-
bulbs (Osram Ultravitalux®, 300 W)
following [59][1] at Trosifol facilities.
The distance between bulbs and
the basic material was around 1 m,
see Figure 2 (right). Surrounding
temperature was approx. 70 to 80
°C (in [1[59]]: 45 °C) with a relative
humidity of approx. 10 % and below.
• Series 5: Cycled weathering of basic
glasses in a climatic chamber (Weiss

GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS 2007 | www.gpd.fi 

 Figure 2 Duration of Radiation [h]

Intensity of UV-radiation 0 2 000 4 000 6 000 8 000 10 000 12 000 14 000 16 000 18 000 20 000

UV-A-Radiation on Horiz. Surface [kWh/m²]

as a function of the du- 300
ration [127][3], [4][133] 20 Weeks 2 Years
(left); Weathering of ba- 250 Phoenix, Arizona, USA
sic glass sheets inside so-
larium at Trosifol (right) 200 Miami, Florida, USA
16 x 300 W Ultravitalux
150 Bulbs Solarium at Trosifol

100

50 Freiburg i. Breisgau, Germany

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800
Duration of Radiation [d]

WK 1 180) for 12 weeks at Trosifol climatic environmental conditions for factors, like e.g. dust, haze. On the
facilities. In total 14 cycles with 16 LSG. As opposed to Arizona, day and other hand, ordinary sheet glass (except
hours at 80 °C (95 % rel. humidity), night temperatures are more balanced quartz glass) completely absorbs the
and 8 hours at -30 °C (50 - 60 % rel. (av: ≈ 24 °C). UV-B-radiation (280 to 315 nm) but
hum.) were performed. After that, Figure 2 (left) presents the correlation lets through the UV-A-radiation up to a
samples rested for 14 days in a dark between the intensity and duration of sheet thickness of 5 mm non-restrictive
room. Afterwards, above mentioned radiation for the UV-A-spectrum (315 [5]. At larger glass thicknesses this
procedure was repeated twice, which through 380 nm) in the solarium - for radiation is (almost) fully absorbed, too.
is a threefold weathering dosage the exposure on a horizontal surface The PVB-interlayer is able to (almost)
compared to the regular quality - in comparison with Arizona/Florida, completely absorb the UV-radiation
control program. and Freiburg (Germany), respectively, with increasing thickness. According
• Series 6: The 2 years natural determined from over 10 years-old to the PVB-interlayer manufacturer the
weathering of the basic glasses in averaged climatic data in [3]. Sample solarium samples with 4/0,76/4 mm
Phoenix, Arizona (USA), featured arrangement inside the solarium is have a UV-Transmission ≤ 0,5 %, only.
solar exposure with a high average shown in Figure 2 (right).
UV-radiation (≈ 107 kWh/m²a) and Figure 2 (left) illustrates that the 2.2 Test and Measuring Setup for the
at the same time during the day high amount of UV-A-radiation naturally Shear Tests
and dry environmental conditions (av: taken into the interlayer over a period
Figure 3 presents the test setup. The
≈ 28 °C, ≈ 43 % rel. hum.). At night, of 2 years exceeds the amount of that
testing device contains two similarly
temperature could drop by the hour for 20 weeks in solarium. However, the
built steel pieces, in which the round
until the frost line, whereas up to 46 solarium radiation was nonstop without
shear LSG sample was clamped on both
Laminated Glass Design

°C were possible, by day. any interruptions throughout the night

sides between adjustable aluminum
• Series 7: The 2 years natural with hot and very dry environmental
pieces. This kind of fastening shorts
weathering of the basic glasses conditions.
moments generated due to the
in Miami, Florida (USA), featured In general, the amount of the
excentric load introduction inside the
solar exposure with a high average terrestrial solar radiation (approx. 6
glass sample. Consequently, a pure
UV-radiation (≈ 119 kWh/m²a) to 7 % of the total solar energy) that
shear loading of the interlayer was
in combination with high daily hits a glass pane lessens, on the one
guaranteed.
temperatures (av: ≈ 27 °C) and a hand, through reflexion and refraction.
The tensile load was applied by a
permanent high relative humidity Important for the angle of refraction are
screw-driven testing machine (Schenck-
(av: ≈ 72 %), which means extreme the position of the sun and atmospheric

Figure 3
Small-scale testing device and round glass sample (right and middle); Mounting of LVDT at outer faces of shear sample (left)

 GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS 2007 | www.gpd.fi

Trebel) with a maximum capacity of 250 1,66
kN. Measuring the mutual displacement Moisture Content Avg. Val. Middle/Inside Sample
of PVB-Interlayer Avg. Value Edge Sample
of the LSG panes was done by two 1,38
in %
LVDTs with a maximum measuring 1,28
1,22
length of ±2 mm. The measuring
devices were fixed to the outer glass
faces in order to measure displacement 0,86
Initial Moisture Content
at the shear sample directly (cf. Figure acc. to Manufacturer
0,78
3).
0,52 0,50 0,51 0,53
0,450,45 0,44
2.3 Shear Test Performance 0,38
One of the LVDTs was used to regulate
a constant shear velocity of v1 = 0,1 0,040,05
mm/min und v2 = 1,0 mm/min over the
complete testing time (stroke-control Series 1 Series 4 (Series 5) Series 5 (Series 6) (Series 7)
mode). The shear velocities selected
delivered suitable test durations and Reference 20 Weeks 2 Cycles 3 Cycles 3 Years 3 Years 3 Years
the most reliable test results. Also, a Solarium Clim. Clim. Arizona Florida Troisdorf
wide range of the time scale (1 s - 70 Chamb. Chamb. (Germany)
s) was preferably covered (cf. Section Figure 4
2.6.3), which is normally important for Moisture content of PVB-interlayer of series 1 and series 4 to 7
characterizing the mechanical behavior
of a polymeric material. When a shear
angle of γ = 1,0 rad was reached or 2,0
Edge Inside
sample damage occurred, the tests were Sample Sample 3 Years Florida (Series 7)
1,8
Moisture Content of PVB-Interlayer [%]

stopped (not for the hystereses). During 3 Years Troisdorf, Germany

testing the temperature of the samples 1,6 3 Years Arizona (Series 6)
was 26 °C.
1,4
2.4 Determination of Moisture 1,2 Initial Moisture Content
Content of PVB-Interlayer (0,45 ± 0,07 %) for Trosifol MB
1,0 acc. to Manufacturer Spec.
Measuring the moisture content of
the PVB-interlayer (exactness 0,02 0,8
%) was done with an Infrared-
0,6
Spectrophotometer (Pier-Elektronik
GmbH). The water concentration of 0,4

Laminated Glass Design

the interlayer was determined (through
the top glass sheet) at the basic units 0,2
(100 x 100 mm and 300 x 300 mm) 0,0
- beginning from the glass edges up to
0 2 4 6 88 10 12 14 14
16 12
18 10
20 8
22 6
24 4
26 2
28 0
30
the middle - by 10 mm steps.
Distance to Glass Edge [cm]
2.5 Results of Moisture Measurements Figure 5

Pre-tests in [6] showed that the
generally surrounding temperature
significantly influences the moisture
desorption/absorption processes of
the hygroscopic PVB-interlayer. At
a temperature of +80 °C moisture
processes are accelerated, dependent
on the environmental relative humidity,
especially at the edge zones of the
samples. At room temperature (≈ 21
°C), however, mechanisms are slowed
down. In this stage only moderate
changes of the moisture content occur
compared to the reference.
Artificial weathering using the
climatic chamber (series 5) meant a
particular kind of weathering procedure
for LSG. Figure 4 demonstrates a large
increase of the moisture concentration
for the samples located at the edge and
in the middle after weathering of 2 or
3 cycles in the climatic chamber. The
moisture content of the middle samples
increased after 12 weeks up to 1,28 %
(at edges up to 1,66 %) compared to
the initial values of 0,4 - 0,5 %. Glass
corrosion in form of haze was detected
on the outer faces of the samples.
The interlayer of the small-scale
samples completely dried out during 20
weeks of solarium weathering (series 4).
Moisture distribution in PVB-interlayer for naturally weathered LSG (to show tendencies of the
8.5.2007 Figures mois-
4 - 5.xls Figure 5
ture distribution of series 6 and 7)
In the results for natural weathering interlayer happen depending on relative
presented in Figure 4 no significant humidity, temperature, and duration.
change of the moisture concentration Thus, damaging of the glass-interlayer
of the PVB-interlayer of Arizona samples adhesion in these zones can easily occur.
after 3 years can be observed. Values Low temperatures can lead to freezing
for both - edge and inside samples - of water components resulting in
stay around the initial moisture values molecular alteration.
acc. to manufacturer’s specification.
In Figure 4 Florida samples show a 2.6 Results of Shear Tests
substantial moisturing of the edge zones
2.6.1 Shear Behavior after
accelerated through high average air
Accelerated Laboratory Weathering
temperature.
In general, solarium samples (series 2
For a better understanding, Figure 5
to 4) tested with a shear velocity of v1 =
presents the results of the PVB-interlayer
0,1 mm/min (Figure 6 - left) and v2 = 1,0
moisture distribution for the naturally
mm/min (Figure 6 - right) have a steeply
weathered basic glass sheets. Additional
increasing curve progression compared
lines in Figure 5 sketch the location of
to the reference samples. Consequently,
the round samples in basic glass sheets.
a stiffer, or more brittle, respectively,
For penetrating depths of 90 to
material behavior is observed.
100 mm after 3 years of extremely
More significant tendencies are
muggy climatic conditions no significant
observed for a longer duration of
changes of the moisture concentration
radiation. Altogether, the lower shear
are recognizable. Dry conditions in
speed generates lower test curves.
Arizona only lead to marginal moisture
In addition, for the beginning of the
changes at the ultimate glass edges.
working lines of the 20-weeks-solarium
At the ultimate edge of the glass
samples a more stiffening influence can
sheets (< 10 mm) permanent moisturing
be detected (circled in Figure 6 - right).
and drying processes inside the PVB-

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 3,5 3,5
Comparison of Samples Lab. Weathered (v = 0,1 mm/min) Comparison of Samples Lab. Weathered (v = 1,0 mm/min)
Shear Stress τ [N/mm²] 3,0 4 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 2) 3,0

Shear Stress τ [N/mm²]

2,5 2,5 20 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 4)
Reference Reference (Series 1)
8 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 3)
(Series 1)
2,0 20 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 4) 2,0 8 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 3) 12 Wks. Clim.
Chamb. - Middle
(Series 5)
1,5 12 Wks. Clim. 1,5 4 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 2)
Chamb. - Middle
1,0 (Series 5) 1,0
12 Wks. Clim. Chamber - Edge (S. 5) 12 Wks.
0,5 0,5 Clim.
Chamb. -
Edge (S. 5)
0,0 0,0
0,0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,2 0,0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,2
Shear Angle γ [rad] Shear Angle γ [rad]

Figure 6 Figure 6 left Figure 6 + 8.xls 8.5.2007 10:40 Figure 6 right Figure 6 + 8.xls 8.5.2007 10:40

Exemplary τ-γ chart for different artificially weathered LSG with v1 = 0,1 mm/min (left) and v2 = 1,0 mm/min (right)

As a result of the intense weathering The τ-γ curve progressions of the 2.6.2 Shear Behavior after Two Years
conditions in the solarium (~ 70 °C, samples weathered in the climatic of Natural Weathering in Arizona
~ 10 % rel. hum.), three possible chamber (series 5) are flat, partly bent and Florida
influencing factors on the shear downwards, for both shear velocities. The existing climatic conditions in
behavior were assessed: Basically, the original location in the Florida (series 7) are one of the most
• Disappearing of softener basic glass sheet (cf. Figure 1 - right) intense weathering forms of LSG and
components, which volatilize over plays a significant role. The graphs of can be compared with a moderate test
free glass edges. the edge samples are far lower than using the climatic chamber. Also, the
• Drying out of PVB-interlayer. for the middle samples. Partially, loss of samples’ original location (cf. Figure
• As a third influencing effect the UV- adhesion was reduced and delamination 1 - right) in the basic glass sheet is
radiation energy plays an important could be observed during testing, important for the test results obtained.
role. During the production of the as shown in Figure 7 (right). These The curves from the edge samples
interlayer, UV-absorber with a high phenomena can be explained through are far lower than from the inside.
dosage is added to the polymer two mechanisms: As shown in Figure 8 (left, right), all
matrix. As is generally known, this • Moisture enters into laminate over curves including reference’s correspond
additive inhibits intermolecular free glass edges. As a result, the very well with each other for both
degrading for a certain period of time. polymeric interlayer gets softer shear velocities. Partially, delamination
It could not clearly be determined (decreasing of shear modulus), occurred at Florida edge samples with
how much UV-absorber was spent because water generally acts like a the lower testing speed.
Laminated Glass Design

due to the nonstop and intense softener. When inspecting Arizona curves
UV-exposure in the solarium, and • An increasing moisture concentration (series 6) in Figure 8 (left, right) no
thus, molecular degradation in the on the interlayer leads to a reduction major deviations between edge and
interlayer occurred. Also, because of of the adhesion between glass surface inside samples can be noticed for both
the high temperature level during and interlayer. Delamination of edge shear rates. For a speed of v1 = 0,1
solarium weathering UV-degradation samples predominately occurred with mm/min all curves show hystereses.
could not be determined, separately. the faster testing speed (v2 = 1,0 mm/ Generally, lower curves were obtained
Principally, all three factors caused the min). with the lower shear rate.
same effect on the shear modulus. The High temperatures inside the solarium
elusion of softener, reduced moisture (≈ 70 °C) caused a yellowing of the 2.6.3 Secant Shear Moduli as a
content and the UV-radiation itself interlayer at sample’s edge zones, as Function of Time for Weathered LSG
lead to a restricted molecular mobility, can be seen in Figure 7 (left, middle). Figure 9 (left) displays shear test
and, as a result of that, affected an Enhanced yellowing could be observed results evaluated as time-dependent
increased resistibility of the polymer with longer weathering duration, but secant shear moduli after laboratory
chains. This, however, results in a stiffer seem to have only secondary influence weathering (Series 2 to 5). Stiffening
shear behavior. Which one of the three on general shear behavior. Other visual tendencies can be observed for the
factors acting in combination dominates deterioration could not be detected. solarium samples, while shear stiffness
is not known and requires further Figure 7 (right) shows the delamination for the climatic chamber samples
investigations. of the interlayer. is reduced. For the latter, a larger
difference between weathered sample
and reference can be found for a

Figure 7
Basic glass sheets after 20 weeks of weathering in solarium (left and middle); Delamination of edge sample after weathering in climatic chamber (right)

 GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS 2007 | www.gpd.fi

 3,5 3,5
Comparison of Samples Nat. Weathered (v = 0,1 mm/min) 2 Yrs. Arizona - Edge
Comparison of Samples Nat.
(Series 6)
3,0 3,0 Weathered (v = 1,0 mm/min) 2 Yrs.
Arizona -

Shear Stress τ [N/mm²]

Shear Stress τ [N/mm²]

2 Yrs. Florida - Inside (Series 7) Inside (S. 6)
2,5 Reference (Series 1) 2,5
2 Yrs. Florida - Inside (Series 7)
2 Yrs. Florida -
2,0 2,0
2 Yrs. Arizona - Inside (Series 6) Edge (S. 7)

1,5 2 Yrs. Arizona - Edge (Series 6) 1,5

1,0 1,0 Reference (Series 1)

0,5 0,5

0,0 2 Yrs. Florida - Edge (S. 7) 0,0

0,0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,2 0,0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,2
Shear Angle γ [rad] Shear Angle γ [rad]
Figure 8
Figure 8 left Figure 6 + 8.xls 8.5.2007 10:40 Figure 8 right Figure 6 + 8.xls 8.5.2007 10:40
Exemplary τ-γ chart of naturally weathered LSG with v1 = 0,1 mm/min (left) and v2 = 1,0 mm/min (right)

4,0 2,0

3,5
Secant Shear Modulus [N/mm²]

Secant Shear Modulus [N/mm²]

20 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 4) Reference (Series 1)

3,0 8 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 3) 1,5

4 Wks. Solarium - Edge (Series 2) Florida - Inside (Series 7)
2,5
12 Wks. Clim. Chamb. - Middle
2,0 (Series 5) 1,0
Arizona - Inside
1,5
(Series 6)

1,0 0,5
Reference (Series 1) Florida - Edge (Series 7)
0,5 Arizona - Edge (Series 6)
12 Wks. Clim. Chamb. - Edge (S. 5)
0,0 1s 5s 60 s 0,0 1s 5s 60 s
1E-04 1E-03 1E-02 1E-01 1E-04 1E-03 1E-02 1E-01
Time [h] Time [h]

Figure 9
Secant shear modulus as a function of time - series 2 to 5 (left), series 6, 7 (right)

Laminated Glass Design

shorter loading time (11 s - 77 s). More Figure 10
details about the evaluation using a Element grid of quarter
time-dependent secant shear modulus plate and demonstration
of different shear moduli
can be found in [6]. of PVB-interlayer at the
As Figure 9 (right) illustrates, Arizona edge zone (here: 100
samples (series 6) show only slight mm deteriorated zone)
and inside
deviations in total shear behavior
between edge and inside sample under
consideration of the time-dependent
secant shear modulus.
As opposed to that, after two years post breakage behavior and reduced very low shear modulus (0,05 N/mm²),
of Florida weathering (series 7) two binding of glass splinters. as shown in Figure 10. For the non-
circumstances are presented: While In order to clarify, whether moisture aged PVB-interlayer an exemplary shear
under relevant testing parameters no that enters into the PVB-interlayer modulus of 1,0 N/mm² was selected.
major influences on the shear modulus over the edges has an influence on For calculation a linear elastic
of the inside samples are observed, the the bending behavior of uniaxially material behavior of the interlayer
shear modulus of the edge samples was and biaxially carrying large-sized LSG and an unaffected interface between
considerably lower (25 - 35 %) due to panes, numerical parameter studies glass and interlayer were assumed.
the moist state of the PVB-interlayer were carried out using the general FEM Modeling of the plate was done with
compared to the reference. program Ansys 7.0 [7]. Independent real LSG dimensions measured with
from an interlayer product type, 3,86/0,70/3,86 mm. The modulus
3 Numerical Parameter Studies on moisture penetration at the edges was of elasticity of the glass was 70000
Large-Scale LSG Panes simulated and the total bearing behavior N/mm², and Poisson’s ratio ν = 0,23.
due to a short, spontaneous loading A non-linear calculation with volume
3.1 Influence of High Edge Moisture element Solid 45 [7] three-layered was
was analyzed. Modifications of the glass
Content on Load Bearing Behavior performed. Calibration of the reference
characteristics over time were neglected.
Based on cognitions won, high moisture FE model (non-aged interlayer) was
concentration of PVB-interlayer can be 3.1.1 Uniaxially Supported Plate done by re-calculating test results of
a major safety and design factor for Simulation of a strong moisture four-point-bending tests on LSG plates
the impairment of the load bearing penetration of the PVB-interlayer at the with the same dimensions. Additionally,
performance of architectural LSG. edges of a uniaxially supported plate reliability of results was verified by
Because of that reason, high moisture (1100 x 360 mm) was done, as a worst analytical approaches in the Literature.
concentrations are specified here as case scenario, by extremely reducing the Figure 11 presents a non-linear
a significant aging attribute. First, the shear modulus. Hence, in main bearing regression curve (polynom of 2. order)
relevant bond area carrying the load direction the edge zones from the edge for the increasing of the mid-span
is reduced. Second, a deteriorated up to 100 mm inside of the plate were deflection as a function of the ratio of
adhesion of glass-interlayer shows a bad stepwise allocated with a modified, deteriorated edge zone and relevant

GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS 2007 | www.gpd.fi 

 total bond area (1000 x 360 mm). The Figure 11 35
trend line is generally independent

Increase of Mid-Span Deflection [%]

Increase of mid-span
deflection of uniaxially 30
from the load step. It can be seen
supported plate vs. ratio
that for a reduced bond area of 15 of deteriorated edge zone 25
% the mid-span deflection increases and total bond area
about 5 %. Hereafter, the deflection 20
increases with diminished bond area,
15
disproportionately.
10
3.1.2 Biaxially Supported Plate
In the following, the influence of strong 5
moisture penetration of the PVB-
interlayer at the edges of a biaxially 0
supported plate (2000 x 1000 mm) is 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
examined. Analogous to the previous Ratio between Deteriorated Edge Zone and Total Bond Area [%]
section, the plate’s edge zone was
stepwise allocated from the edge up
to 100 mm inside of the plate with a Figure 12
modified, very low shear modulus (0,05 Element grid of quarter
N/mm²), as shown in Figure 12. For plate and demonstration
of different shear moduli
the non-aged PVB-interlayer the shear of PVB-interlayer at the
modulus was 1,11 and 3,0 N/mm². edge zone (here: 100 mm
The latter shear modulus represents a deteriorated) and inside
monolithic material behavior. Model
calibration was done by re-calculating
test results of area loaded LSG plates.
Results’ reliability was verified by
analytical approaches in the Literature.
Figure 13 shows the increase of the
mid-span deflection as a function of Figure 13 25
the ratio of deteriorated edge zone Increase of mid-span de- G = 1,11 N/mm²
Increase of Plate Deflection [%]

and relevant total bond area (1980 x flection of biaxially sup-

20
G = 3,0 N/mm²
1 kN/m²
980 mm) for both shear moduli and ported plate vs. ratio of
deteriorated edge zone
the area load applied. The increase of and total bond area
15 3 kN/m²
mid-span deflection reduces with an
increase of the deteriorated edge zone
at a constant area load. This tendency 10
Laminated Glass Design

is observed for both shear moduli and

can be attributed to the development 5
of membrane effects for a softer load
bearing behavior.
When comparing the non-aged and 0
aged interlayer in Figure 14, a change 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
of the distribution of the maximum Ratio between Deteriorated Edge Zone and Total Bond Area [%]

principal tensile stresses at the bottom

side of the lower plate (quarter plate)
can be registered for both shear moduli
and, for instance, an area load of q = 2
kN/m². For the bottom side of the lower
plate there is an increase of the stresses
following the plate diagonal (increase of
influencing membrane stresses), where
as maximum stresses in plate middle
stay almost constant. Hence, the level of
the shear modulus has no significance
on the level of the maximum principal
tensile stresses in plate middle in
comparison between a non-aged and
aged PVB-interlayer. Further results of FE
parameter studies are presented in [6].

4 Conclusions – Summary
According to the author’s opinion,
stiffening aging phenomena (e.g.
embrittleness, drying out) due to UV-
radiation and high air temperature and
their influence on the general shear
behavior can be neglected for a relevant
shear angle in construction practice
(γ ≤ 0,9 rad [8]).
The numerical parameter studies
showed that moisture penetration of
the PVB-interlayer at the edge zones of Figure 14
large-scale architectural LSG has to be
Comparison of the distribution of the maximum principal tensile stresses (quarter plate) for non-aged
regarded only as a local deterioration and deteriorated edges (here: 100 mm) exemplary applying an area load of 2 kN/m²

 GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS 2007 | www.gpd.fi

of the interlayer. A partial failure of the
bond performance leads to marginal
changes of bearing behavior for
uniaxially carrying plates. Similarly, this
can be considered for biaxially carrying
plates under bending stress (wind, snow
and dead load), while a softer bearing
behavior is additionally compensated
through membrane effects. Thus, a
deterioration of the PVB-interlayer
is restricted to optical changes and
visual vitiations generating bubbling
or delamination of the interlayer at
the glass edges. As a further result,
for both LSG structures, consequences
concerning an endangering of the
structural safety can be eliminated.
As well, a domino effect for adjacent
structural elements is unlikely. An
immediate changing of deteriorated
panes is not required.
With respect to structural elements
under high compressive loading (e.g.
columns) delamination can be significant
due to possible instabilities (e.g. local
buckling [9]). For glass constructions
with point holders instabilities cannot
be excluded in case of delamination,
GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS 2007 | www.gpd.fi
but further investigations in that field
are necessary. Considering LSG used
for photovoltaic applications severe
problems with functionality occur if
moisture concentration exceeds specific
values.
In order to avoid damages at the
edges of architectural LSG especially
in extreme climatic environmental
conditions or, with access to high
humidity (e.g. rain), a thorough and
effective protection (e.g. sealing [10])
of glass pane’s edges during building
should be arranged.
The assumption of a general aging
factor of LSG completely reducing
adhesion of glass-interlayer can be
abandoned according to the current
state of knowledge.
References
[1] DIN EN ISO 12543-4: „Verbundglas und
Verbund-Sicherheitsglas - Teil 4: Verfahren
zur Prüfung der Beständigkeit“, Beuth Verlag
GmbH, August 1998
[2] EN 14449: „Glas im Bauwesen -
Verbundglas und Verbund-Sicherheitsglas -
Konformitätsbewertung/Produktnorm“, Beuth
Verlag GmbH, Juli 2005
[3] Müller, M., „Handbuch ausgewählter
Klimastationen der Erde“, Universität Trier:
Forschungsstelle Bodenerosion, 1996, pp. 6-
19, 82, 83, 254, 255
[4] Osram, „Technische Informationen - 300W
Ultravitalux® Lampe“, 1990
[5] Scholze, H., „Glas - Natur, Strukturen u.
Eigenschaften”, Springer-Verlag, 1988
[6] Ensslen, F., „Zum Tragverhalten von Verbund-
Sicherheitsglas unter Berücksichtigung
der Alterung der Polyvinylbutyral-Folie“,
Disseration, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Shaker-
Verlag, 2005
[7] Ansys Inc., “Ansys Theory Reference”, Version
7.0
[8] Schuler, C., „Einfluss des Materialverhaltens
von Polyvinylbutyral auf das Tragverhalten von
Verbund-Sicherheitsglas in Abhängigkeit von
Temperatur und Belastung“, Dissertation“, TU
München, 2003
[9] Schutte, A., „Zum Einsatz von Glas als vitales
Tragelement in leichten Flächentragwerken“,
4. Desdner Baustatik-Seminar: Leicht und
ultraleichte Ingenieurbauten, Lehrstuhl für
Statik, TU Dresden, 2000
[10] Block, V., Davies, P.S.: „Enhanced edge
stability with structural glass laminates”, Glas
Processing Days 2005, Conference Proceedings
Book, 2005
Laminated Glass Design