Background Report Glass – Part 2: Plate calculation

Glass for greenhouses according to EN 13031-1:2019, Annex A

Comparison of plate calculation methods according to EN 13031-1, Annex A - FprEN

16612, Annex B - prEN 13474, Annex B - CNR-DT 201, chapter 6
for 4 mm monolithic glass (MG), continuously supported on 2, 3 or 4 edges

1 Introduction

Part 2 of this Background Report will show the simplifications of plate calculation in EN
13031-1, Annex A. They, too, lead to very low ultimate resistances for some glass panels in
comparative calculations. This report also analyzes the reason for the deviation.
For this purpose, the now well established calculation formulae for thin glass panels with large
deformations supported on all 4 sides under evenly distributed loads are used, published in the
European glass standards or their drafts, such as the Italian CNR-DT 201:2013, 6.6.1, prEN
13474:2013, Annex B and recently in FprEN 16612:2019, Annex B. The latest technical report
CEN/TS 19100-2:2020 as a precursor for the future Eurocode for glass refers in paragraph 7
(3) to the calculation in EN 16612.
The presentation and discussion of the background for the different influences in the 356-page
long Italian background report CNR-DT 201:2013, called “design guide”, is most detailed and
very informative, but still has the old format. In the meantime, the calculation formulae have
been changed (shift of the aspect ratio l). It is not possible any more to mix old and new
formulae and their coefficients. The interim German translation E DIN EN 16612:2017 already
has the new format of the final draft FprEN 16612:2019.
In contrast to all other sources, where maximum stresses smax and deformations wmax are
calculated in the center of the plate, EN 13031-1, Annex A uses an ultimate resistance format
(ULS) for the loads in the form of:
pgl,Ed £ pgl,Rd
pgl,Ed Design value of the combinations of action components perpendicular to the
glass surface, evenly distributed in kN/m2;
pgl,Rd Design value of the ultimate resistance of the glass panel against the design value
of the action components in kN/m2.

2 Plate calculation according to EN 13031-1, Annex A

For the standard case in greenhouse construction, for rectangular glass panels continuously
supported on all sides under evenly distributed loads, the following calculation formula for the
ultimate design resistance* pgl,Rd is available in EN 13031-1 Annex A, A.2(5)
pgl,Rd = E × (4 tpl2 / (a × b))2 × [ ½ × ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B) ]1/2 £ 40 E (4 tpl2 / (a × b))2
with: E Modulus elasticity of glass: E = 70 000 N/mm2;
tpl Design value of the thickness of glass panel, with tpl = tnom - Dt; e.g. for
tnom = 4 mm and Dt = 0,2 mm: tpl = 3,8 mm;
a and b larger (a) and smaller (b) span of a glass panel;
B, C, k2, k3, k4, b Factors for influences of the dimensions and the bending strength of the
glass panel.
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Note: * No unit is specified for this formula. Elsewhere, loads have the unit kN/m2. However,
from the unit of the modulus of elasticity E in N/mm2, the unit of N/mm2 follows. Since it is a
limit value for a load, it must be converted to kN/m2 by a factor of 103.

2.1 Required correction of a printing mistake

For the calculation formula pgl,Rd, the factors B, C, k2, k3, k4 and b for the plate dimensions and
glass strength are given. These factors have caused a striking number of printing errors in the
past, and despite all affords again in the exponent of b in the last issue EN 13031-1:2019. In
the first issue EN 13031-1:2001 the exponent was also wrong, but in a different place. The
German version of the first edition DIN EN 13031-1:2003 was completely useless due to
incorrect square root expressions.

In EN 13031-1:2019 Annex A, Table A.2, the formula for the factor b contains the exponent
exp = -1,17 (a /(b - 1))1,073 instead of -1.17 (a/b - 1))1,073. This would require a division by zero
for plates with the width b = 1 m. In the process, every calculation program would crash.
If dimensions in mm are used, this error is avoided. However, the exponent is calculated
incorrectly with -1.17(~a/b)1.073 instead of -1.17(a/b -1)1,073. This leads to greater loads pgl,Rd, so
that the deformation criterion becomes decisive, as it is shown in comparative calculations. The
error is on the unsafe side and should be corrected as soon as possible.

2.2 Possible simplifications

Also, the formulae and coefficients can be simplified, to prevent further printing mistakes.
These factors contain many expressions multiple times. The factor k4 = 0,8 is unnecessary, if
its value 0,8 can be inserted into the formula.

B = (k3/k4)2 - (fgl,d × a × b / (4 k4 × E × tpl2))2 - (fgl,d × a × b / (4 k2 × E × tpl2))2

C = ((k3 × fgl,d × a × b) / (4 k2 × k4 × E × tpl2))2
k4 = 0,8
k3 = 4,75 (a/b - 1)2 + 4
k2 = 24 b / (a/b)
b = 0,0447 + 0,0803 × (1 - eexp) with exp = -1,17 (a/b - 1)1,073

Note to b: Here the corrected version of the printing error in the exponent of b in
EN 13031-1:2019 is used.

All terms containing the strength fgl,d, the modulus of elasticity E, the plate dimensions (a × b)
and the plate thickness tpl (all in blue) are summarized using an abbreviation for the
dimensionless strength f* = (fgl,d / E) (a × b / (4 tpl2)). With f* and the replacement of k4 by 0,8
the coefficients B and C can be simplified as follows:

B = (k3/0,8)2 - (f*/0,8)2 - (f*/k2)2

C = ((k3 × f*) / (0,8 k2))2 = (k3/0,8 × f*/k2)2

By inserting the other common terms k3/0,8 and 1/k2 and separating f*, would result:

B = (5,9375 (a/b - 1)2 + 5)2 - f*2 × [1,5625 + ((a/b) / (24 × b))2]

C = f*2 × (5,9375 (a/b - 1)2 + 5)2 × ((a/b) / (24 × b))2

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This expression is still too long, would therefore be error-prone and can be simplified with the
new abbreviations c1 and c2:

B = c12 - f*2 × [1,5625 + c22]

C = f*2 × c12 × c22
where: f* = (fgl,d / E) × (a × b / (4 tpl2))
c1 = k3/0,8 = 5,9375 (a/b - 1)2 + 5
c2 = 1/k2 = (a/b) / (24 × b) = 1 / (24 b × l) with l = b/a
with: b = 0,0447 + 0,0803 × (1 - eexp) and exp = -1,17 (a/b - 1)1,073

Note: These components comply with EN 13031-1 Annex A but are simplified to make them
easier to program with Excel and to prevent further printing errors. The simplification was
verified by comparative calculations. However, before programming a possibly inconsistent
calculation method, the comparison, conclusion and proposal for a mayor correction in chapter
3 to 6 of this Background Report should be read. Here the simplification is used for the further
transformation of the format to calculate the maximum bending stress and deformation for the
purpose of comparison with other glass standards.

2.3 Transformation to calculate the maximum bending stress smax

In this structured way, the format can be transformed more easily. The load pgl,Rd is replaced by
the action load pgl,Ed and the design value of the glass strength fgl,d is replaced by the maximum
bending stress smax. The verification format then takes the form: smax £ fgl,d, as in modern
European glass standards or the drafts CNR-DT 201, FprEN 16612 and prCEN/TS 19100.

The deformation criterion 40 E (4 tpl2 / (a b))2 is subject of Part 3 of this background report.
For glass plates for which it does not become decisive, after conversion with pgl,Rd = pgl,Ed and
after introduction of the dimensionless load p* = pgl,Ed / E (a × b / (4 tpl2))2 results:

pgl,Ed = E × (4 tpl2 / (a × b))2 × [ ½ × ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B) ]1/2

pgl,Ed / E × (a × b / (4 tpl2))2 = [ ½ × ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B) ]1/2
p* = [ ½ × ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B) ]1/2

Note: It can be seen that this equation represents the solution formula of a quadratic equation
of the form 0 = x2 + p × x + q with x = p*2 and the factors p = B and q = -C. This part of the
equation in EN 13031-1, Annex A is therefore correct.

x1/2 = -p/2 +/- [ (p/2)2 - q ]1/2

p*2 = -B/2 +/- [ (B/2)2 + C ]1/2

The right side of the equation contains only the influences of the plate dimensions (factors b,
c1 and c2) and the dimensionless strength f*. After conversion of fgl,d = smax, the factor f*
contains the bending stress to be calculated: f* = (smax / E) × (a × b / (4 tpl2)). First, however, f*
has to be separated.

p* = [ ½ × ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B) ]1/2

2 p*2 = (B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B
2 p*2 + B = (B2 + 4 C)1/2
(2 p*2 + B)2 = B2 + 4 C
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 4 p*4 + 4 p*2 × B + B2 = B2 + 4 C
p*4 + p*2 × B = C
p*4 + p*2(c12 - f*2 × [1,5625 + c22]) = f*2 × c12 × c22
p* + p*2 × c12 = f*2 × c12 × c22 + p*2 f*2 × [1,5625 + c22])
4

p*4 + p*2 × c12 = f*2 × (c12 × c22 + p*2 × [1,5625 + c22])

p*2 + c12 = f*2 × (c12 × c22 / p*2 + 1,5625 + c22)
f* = ((p*2 + c12) / (1,5625 + c22 + c12 × c22 / p*2))1/2
f* = p*/c2 × ((1 + c12/p*2) / (1 + 1,5625/c22 + c12/p*2))1/2

Then the dimensionless strength f* is replaced by smax / E (a × b / (4 tpl2)) to determine the

bending stress. The aspect ratio b/a is replaced by l and the factor 1/c2 by 24 b / (a/b) = 24 b ×
l. In addition, in the first factor before the square root, the dimensionless load p* can be
replaced by pgl,Ed / E (a × b / (4 tpl2))2 . However, in the square root expression, the dimensionless
load p* should remain, because it is an important influence factor for the comparison with
FprEN 16612:2019. These transformations allow the calculation of the bending stress:

smax = p* × E × 4 tpl2 / (c2 × (a × b)) × ((1 + c12/p*2) / (1 + 1,5625/c22 + c12/p*2))1/2

smax = pgl,Ed × (b2 / tpl2) × 6 b × ((1 + (c1/p*)2) / (1 + (30 b × l)2 + (c1/p*)2))1/2

This formula can be compared directly with the equations according to FprEN 16612:2019 by
introducing a coefficient k1 for the influence of plate dimensions and dimensionless load p*.
The coefficient k1 simplifies the calculation of the bending stress for glass plates in accordance
with EN 13031-1 Annex A as shown in Table 1.

Norm EN 13031-1:2019 for another verification format

Verification smax £ fgl,d with fgl,d – Design value of the bending strength
Bending stress smax = k1 × (b/tpl)2 × pgl,Ed
Dimensionless load p* = (a × b / 4 tpl2)2 × pgl,Ed / E
k1 = 6 b × [(1 + (c1/p*)2) / (1 + (30 b × l)2 + (c1/p*)2)]1/2
c1 = 5,9375 (1/l - 1)2 + 5 = 1,25 × k3
Coefficients
with: k3 = 4,75 (1/l - 1)2 + 4
with: b = 0,0447 + 0,0803 × (1 - eexp) and exp = -1,17 (1/l - 1)1,073
Where: tpl is the design value of the plate thickness;
a, b is the span of the plate with a - larger and b - smaller span;
l = b/a is the ratio of the smaller (b) to the larger (a) span or aspect ratio.
Table 1 – Calculation formulae and coefficients according to EN 13031-1:2019

k1 values for aspect ratios 0,1 £ l £ 1 and for dimensionless loads 0 £ p* £ 300 are shown in
Figure 1. In greenhouse construction, the deformation criterion only allows dimensionless
loads up to p* = 40, but the larger values are useful for the comparison with FprEN 16612:2019.

Note: The curve for p* = 0 cannot be calculated directly from the equation in Table 1 because
of division by zero. However, it can be estimated that for p* = 0 the numerator and the
denominator of the expressions in the square root both tend towards infinity. Thus, the square
root expression tends towards 1. The value k1 can then be calculated quite easily with:

For p* = 0: k1 = 6 × b

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Figure 1 – Coefficient k1 for the bending stress according to EN 13031-1:2019, Annex A

For the value l = 0 not shown here, the curves meet at k1 = 0,75 = 3/4 = 6/8. The k1 value can
also be calculated using the general formula according to Table 1. Divisions by zero are not
possible, but the expressions in the square root in the numerator and denominator are the same.
Also, the exponent in the factor b becomes "minus infinite", but the e-function of it becomes
"zero". For l = 0 and 1 - eexp = 1, the value b (l = 0) = 0,0447 + 0,0803 × 1 = 0,125 = 1/8 is
determined for the factor b.

For l = 0 applies: k1 = 6 b × [(1 + (c1/p*)2) / (1 + (30 b × l)2 + (c1/p*)2)]1/2

k1 = 6 × 1/8 × [(1 + (c1/p*)2) / (1 + (30 b × 0)2 + (c1/p*)2)]1/2
k1 = 6 × 1/8 × [(1 + (c1/p*)2) / (1 + (c1/p*)2)]1/2
k1 = 6 × 1/8 × 1 = ¾ = 0,75

This corresponds to an infinitely long plate with load transfer to 2 sides only. With an evenly
distributed load q = pg,Ed and the shorter span b = l, for an equivalent beam with the height h =
tpl and the unit width a = 1 can be written:

Bending moment: M = q × l2 / 8 = pg,Ed × b2 / 8

Resistance: W = b × h2 / 6 = 1 × tpl2 / 6
Bending stress: max smax = M / W = pg,Ed × 6 b2 / (8 tpl2) = 0,75 (b/tpl)2 × pg,Ed

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At this point, the bending stress of the glass plate thus passes seamlessly into the bending stress
of a simply supported beam under evenly distributed load, a proof of the correctness of the
calculation formulae for very small span ratios, e.g. l = 0,1.

For a square plate with l = 1, 1/l - 1 = 0, the factors become b = 0,0447 and c1 = 5. This
simplifies the coefficient k1 to:

k1 = 0.2682 [(1 + (5/p*)2) /(2,7983 + (5/p*)22)]1/2

For the dimensionless load p* = 0, it can be assumed that the square root expression becomes
the value 1, which for l = 1 results in the coefficient k1 = 0,2682. This is the same value given
in FprEN 16612:2019 Annex B in Table B.1 for p* = 0. Even for small dimensionless loads p*
the calculation formula seems to be in line with prEN 16612. This applies to both low loads
and small plate dimensions (a × b). The plate thickness does not change with tnom = 4 mm.

The plate calculations according to EN 13031-1 Annex A and prEN 16612 Annex B are
obviously based on the same basics, the classical theory of thin plates with large deformations,
see also Neugebauer (2015) or CNR-DT 201: 2013.

3 Plate calculation in the European norms

In the comparison in Table 2 it can be seen that there are two versions of plate calculations: the
old – left hand side and the new – right hand side. However, they would lead to the same results.
The aspect ratio l was shifted from the factor z2 within the coefficient k1 into the formula of
the bending stress. Although the coefficient k1 can remain with the same formula in both
versions, the values of k1 differ, see also value tables in prEN 13474:2013 Annex B, Table B.1
or in CNR-DT 201:2013, Table 6.9 (smaller k1) versus E DIN EN 16612:2017 or FprEN
16612:2019 Annex B, Table B.1 (larger k1).

prEN 13474:2013 E DIN EN 16612:2017

Norm
CEN-DT 201:2013 FprEN 16612:2019
Verification smax £ fg,d with fg,d – design value of the bending strength
Bending stress smax = k1 × (a × b) / h2 × pg,Ed smax = k1 × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed
Dimensionless load p* = (a × b / 4 h2)2 × pg,Ed / E
k1 = 1/(4 × [1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2)]1/2)
z2 = 24 l × b z2 = 24 × b
Coefficients z3 = 4,5 (1/l - 1)2 + 4,5 z3 = 1/l × (4,5 (1/l - 1)2 + 4,5)
z4 = 0,585 - 0,05 (1/l - 1) z4 = 1/l × (0,585 - 0,05 (1/l - 1))
mit: b = 0,0447 + 0,0803 × (1 - e ) und exp = -1,17 (1/l - 1)1,073
exp

Where: h is the plate thickness;

a, b is the span of the plate with a - smaller and b - larger span;
l = a/b is the ratio of the smaller (a) to the larger (b) span or aspect ratio.
Table 2 – Calculation formulae and coefficients according to European standards
Attention: Symbols for the span a and b are exchanged in comparison to EN 13031-1.

For the new version according to FprEN 16612:2019 the k1 values for aspect ratios 0,1 £ l £ 1
and for dimensionless loads 0 £ p* £ 300 are shown in Figure 2.
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 Figure 2 – Coefficient k1 according to FprEN 16612:2019 Annex B, equation (B.1) and
(B.4), Table B.1

According to prEN 16612, the curves for l = 0 meet at k1 = 0,75 = 3/4 = 6/8. This corresponds
to an infinitely long plate with loads transferred between two sides, for which the calculation
formulae for the bending stress have to be the same as for the bending stress of a beam under
evenly distributed loads, as already shown in section 2.3 for EN 13031-1.

Maximum values for the coefficient k1 appear for the dimensionless load p* = 0 (green curve
in Figure 2). According to FprEN 16612, this case with p* = 0 corresponds to the linear elastic
calculation for small deflections without taking into account the membrane effect. With the
formulae according to Table 1, for the linear elastic case p* = 0 results:

Coefficient: k1 = 1/(4 [1/z22]1/2) = z2 / 4 = 24 × b / 4 = 6 × b

Bending stress: smax,linear = k1 × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed = 6 b × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed

A square plate with l = 1 and (1/l - 1) = 0 has the factors b = 0,0447, z2 = 1,0728, z3 = 4,5
and z4 = 0,585. This results in p* = 0:

Coefficient: k1 = 6 × b = 0,2682
Bending stress: min smax,linear = 6 b × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed = 0,2682 × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed

These values can also be taken directly from FprEN 16612, Table B.1.

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4 Comparison plate calculation according to EN 13031-1:2019 with the plate
calculation according to FprEN 16612:2019

For the comparison with EN 13031-1 Annex A the more recent version FprEN 16612:2019 on
the right side of Table 2 is used. This format has already been used for the derivation of the
bending stress smax for EN 13031-1 Annex A in section 2.3. Since the calculation of bending
stresses (EN 13031: smax = k1 × (b/tpl)2 × pgl,Ed versus EN 16612: smax = k1 × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed) does
not differ, the coefficients k1 can be compared directly with each other. There are two ways to
do this, the comparison of the values in tables for k1, as they are given in the standards, and the
graphical comparison as also given in CNR-DT 201:2013 (however, for the old version).

First of all, it should be noted that both formulae for k1 have the shape of a square root [ ... ]1/2.
The characteristic influence of the aspect ratio l is described by the same factor b = 0,0447 +
0,0803 (1 - eexp) with the same exponent exp = -1.17 (1/l - 1)1,073. The distribution of this factor
b for all aspect ratios of 0 < l £ 1 is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Factor b depending on the aspect ratio l

In Figure 3 it can be seen that up to an aspect ratio of l = 0,2 (ratio of smaller to larger span of
1:5) the plate carries only in one direction. With b = 0,125 = 1/8, the calculation formula of the
bending stress of a beam of the height h = tpl and the unit width b = 1 is, as already shown in
section 2.3:

max smax = pg,Ed × 6 b2 / (8 tpl2)= 0,75 (b/tpl)2 × pg,Ed

Transferred into the format according to EN 13031-1:2019 Annex A the resistance specified in
A.2 (5) for rectangular glass panes supported on two sides or three sides would be: pgl,Rd = fgl,d
× tpl2 / (6 × b × b2) with b = 1/8. The factor 0,75 is also the upper limit for the factor k1 in the
stress calculation of plates supported on four sides.

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In contrast, the Italian Design Guide CNR-DT 201:2013 recommends the calculation method
of panels supported on all four sides also for plates with three-sided support, see 6.6.1.2. Only
for plates supported on two sides the beam calculation described here is proposed. Whether a
beam or plate calculation would be correct, will more likely depend on the aspect ratio with
respect to the position of the free edge. Therefore, the beam calculation according to EN 13031-
1 is in any case conservative.

Note: CNR-DT 201 also explains other plate shapes (trapezoidal, round), supports and types of
load.

Different in EN 13031-1 and EN 16612 are the other factors k3 and k4 versus z3 and z4, although
they cover similar influences. In Figure 4 the underlying ratio is shown, therefore k3 is not
directly compared with z3, but with z3 × l.

Figure 4 - Factors k3 and z3 according to EN 13031-1:2019 and FprEN 16612:2019

Also, for the factor k3, the differences between the two standards according to Figure 4 are not
large.

However, the factor k4 according to EN 13031-1 is constant with the value k4 = 0,8, the
corresponding factor z4 × l = 0,585 - 0,05 (1/ l - 1) according to EN 16612 on the other hand
differs for 0,2 £ l £ 1 between 0,385 and 0,585, not shown here. This is the crucial difference
in plate calculation between EN 13031-1 and EN 16612. Why this simplification was
introduced is not clear because no background information is available anymore. Of course,
this can also quite simply be an unintended (printing) mistake that no one has seriously
questioned. The transformation of the equation for smax and wmax into the resistance format with
pgl,Rd is possible, but complicated, because a reduced quadratic equation for p*2 must be solved.
The effect of the simplification with k4 = 0,8 is shown in Figure 5.

9
 Figure 5 - Comparison of coefficients k1 according to EN 13031-1:2019 and FprEN 16612:2019
for 2 greenhouse roof spans of 3,2 m and 4 m
for the load combination G+S with min si = 0,25 kN/m2 (pgl,Ed = 0,3938 kN/m2)

From the specific k1 curves for the two examples of real roof spans (3,2 m wide roof and 4 m
wide roof Type Venlo with a = 22°) in Figure 5 it can be seen that the values k1 for the smaller
3,2 m roof span correspond quite well up to aspect ratios of l = 0,75 with the k1 according to
prEN 16612 (D < +5%). The corresponding dimensionless load is small with p* = 6. But even
for larger p* the deviation remains small.

For the 4 m roof span a deviation up to D =5% exists up to l = 0,5. The dimensionless load is
p* = 8,5. Then EN 13031-1 becomes increasingly conservative.

The maximum deviation for the 3,2 m roof span is D = +12%, for the 4 m roof span it is already
D = +25%. EN 13031-1 therefore seems to be more conservative for square glass plates with
the larger reserves from membrane theory than for non-square plates. Obviously, the deviation
also depends on the dimensionless load p*.

Since for the specific example the longer span of the glass plate is determined by the roof width,
the shorter span of the glass panel b can be changed for the variation of the aspect ratio l. Thus,
in Figure 5, both the panel size (a × b) and the dimensionless load p* are variable, although the
design load remained the same (pgl,Ed = 0,39 kN/m2 for min si = 0,25 kN/m2; CC; Ct <<1).

In order to analyze the influence of the dimensionless load p*, the p*-load-dependent k1 curves
in Figure 1 (EN 13031-1) and Figure 2 (FprEN 16612) are to be compared. It can already be
seen that the deviations increase with the dimensionless load p*. The drooping down is much
larger in Figure 2. This phenomenon is shown in Figure 6 by directly comparing a selection
of k1 curves for dimensionless loads p* for 0, 5, 10, 40 and 300. The red lines with p* = 40
apply to the deformation criterion.

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 Figure 6 - Direct comparison of k1 for different dimensionless loads p*

Figure 6 shows that the greatest deviations occur with large p*. Smaller p* have the maximum
deviation for large l (near square plates), larger p* for smaller l. For p* = 0 there is no
deviation (green curves). At l = 0 the curves meet; there is also no deviation.

Since the k1values are directly comparable, the percentage deviations from EN 13031-1:2019
compared to FprEN 16612:2019 (100%) can be directly shown in Table 3.

The values in the grey shaded fields do not occur according to EN 13031-1:2019, because the
deformation criterion would apply with max p* = 40. For the maximum value p* = 40, the
largest deviations are 130,7% at l = 0,6. This represents a loss of 23,5% compared to the plate
calculation according to FprEN 16612. In the resistance format, the load capacity would be up
to 23,5% lower.

Table 3 and Figure 6 also show that the greatest deviations do not occur for the square plate
(l = 1), but for smaller aspect ratios l. Where exactly depends on the dimensionless load p*,
which in 4 mm greenhouse glazing represents both the load and the size of the panel (a × b). The
errors also tend to be significantly larger for larger dimensionless loads p*.

For small panels and low loads with p* < 10, the deviations are small. This was the case in the
example of the 3,2 m roof span, see Figure 5.

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 Dimensionless load p* = pgl,Ed / E × (a × b / (4 tpl2))2
l = a/b 4 5 10 20 30 40 50 100 300
1 100% 102% 113% 121% 123% 124% 124% 125% 125%
0,9 100% 103% 114% 122% 125% 126% 126% 127% 127%
0,8 100% 103% 114% 124% 127% 128% 128% 129% 129%
0,7 100% 102% 114% 125% 128% 129% 130% 131% 131%
0,6 100% 101% 111% 124% 129% 131% 132% 133% 134%
0,5 100% 101% 107% 120% 127% 131% 132% 135% 136%
0,4 100% 100% 102% 111% 120% 126% 129% 136% 139%
0,3 100% 100% 100% 102% 106% 111% 116% 131% 141%
0,2 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 101% 101% 108% 133%
0,1 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 101%
Table 3 – k1-values according to EN 13031-1:2019 in comparison to FprEN 16612:2019

5 Conclusions
As worked out in this Part 2 of the background report, the calculation of glass plates according
to EN 13031-1:2019 Annex A, A.2 is also consistently conservative. But this is not the only
contribution.

In comparison to the calculation according to FprEN 16612:2019, the design strength of the
glass according to EN 13031-1:2019 is much lower too, as shown in Part 1 of the Background
Reports. Depending on the type of glass (prestressed glass or annealed float glass), the load
combination (G+S or G+W) and the plate dimensions l and (a × b) contribute to this:

1. Simplified glass strength with gM = 1,8 and kmod < 1 for all types of glass: up to -60%
2. Design value of plate thickness tpl = 3,8 mm (Dt =0,02 mm): up to -10%
3. Plate calculation in resistance format with k4 = 0,8: up to -24%

After confrontation with these results, the Dutch members of CEN 284 have argued that these
methods of calculation and the deformation criterion for type Venlo greenhouses have proved
their worth in recent decades. The glass panels should not get any larger. The effect of larger
glass strengths would be compensated anyway by the deformation criterion. Therefore, all
verifications, however conservative, should be used for these and similar lightweight
construction types. This calculation would be used in CASTA.

However, the scientific background of this method could not be provided, so that comparative
calculations and parameter studies were necessary (see Background Reports Glass Part 1 to
Part 3). It turned out that these statements do not apply to all conditions.

1. The simplified glass strength calculation is justifiable for non-prestressed annealed float
glasses. Only the load duration combination (LDC: kmod,c) without consideration of healing
effects has a less favorable influence than in other National codes. For prestressed glasses
however, the calculation becomes extremely conservative (-60% see Part 1 of the
Background Report).

2. The consideration of the glass thickness tolerance is relatively new, is only introduced
recently by the new NEN 2608:2014 in the Netherlands, but not (yet) in other European
standards. This has not been the case for decades, as claimed. Since the square of the plate

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 thickness is taken into the calculation, the tolerance also contributes to the lower capacity
according to EN 13031-1 (-10%). This applies equally to all types of glass.

3. The method according to EN 13031-1 is not less conservative for all loads and plate
dimensions. For many parameters it is well in line with prEN 16612. For small panels and
low load levels with p* < 8 the deviations do not exceed -10%. For p* = 40, the deviations
are greatest (-24%). Above p* = 40, the deformation criterion becomes decisive.

4. However, the deformation criterion is not always relevant in practice. It has a limiting effect
on larger panels from prestressed glass (4 m roof spans) and with greater strengths (wind
load combination). For non-prestressed glasses and smaller strengths (snow load
combination with min si = 0,25 kN/m2) it does not matter (see Part 3 of the Background
Report).

It is the opinion of the author, that calculation models for influences or resistances, such as glass
strength and bending stresses, should not be intentionally wrong or more conservative than
necessary in order to maintain the actual state of the art. This attitude does not contribute to the
development of know-how in glass technology. Glass standardization is a relatively young
discipline.

Glass strength and bending stress will increase enormously in the course of the future European
glass standardization compared to the current level of EN 13031-1:2019.
If no larger glass panels are desired, the deformation requirements should be revised, starting
with the support of the glass panels.

For this reason, the local glass standard DIN 18008-1 is still used in Germany for solid,
traditional greenhouse buildings. There is no specific method for calculating bending stresses
and deformations, because various finite element programs are available on the market, which
can take into account a wide variety of glass types, loads and support conditions. For thin glass
plates with large deformations, simply supported on all four sides under evenly distributed load,
there are calculation tables in manuals.

This may apply in other countries too. There are considerably better plate calculation methods,
which are just as easy to program with Excel, see references to this background report. The user
should only know what is calculated and not mix different generations of standards with each
other. These Background Reports are intended to help out with that.

6 Proposal for a mayor correction

If the constant value k4 = 0,8, which leads to the inconsistencies in the plate calculation as
shown, was not intentional, the following correction must be made. Also, the formulae should
be changed from the old format according to prEN 13474:2013 to the current format according
to FprEN 16612:2019. However, it would be even more useful to simply refer to the sources
mentioned in terms of plate calculation (E DIN EN 16612:2017 or FprEN 16612:2019).

Derivation of the correction:

The basis is the plate calculation according to FprEN 16612:2019 given in Table 2, right hand
side. The formula for the maximum stress in the plate center smax is transformed to separate the
dimensionless load p*, then dissolved to get pg,Ed.

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For the calculation of the ultimate resistance according to EN 13031-1 applies: pgl,Ed = pgl,Rd
and smax = fg,d. The deformation criterion is reached with p* = 40.
smax = k1 × (a/h)2 × pg,Ed
with: p* = (a × b / 4 h2)2 × pg,Ed/E
pg,Ed = p* × E × (4 h2 / (a × b))2
smax = k1 × (a/h)2 × p* × E × (4 h2 / (a × b))2
smax = k1 × p* × E × 4 × 4 h2 / b2 with: k1 = 1/(4 × [1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2)]1/2)
smax = 1/(4 × [1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2)]1/2) × p* × E × 4 × 4 h2 / b2

fg,d = smax = 1/(4 × [1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2)]1/2) × p* × E × 4 × 4 h2 / b2

fg,d / E × b2 / 4 h2 = p* / [1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2)]1/2

With the abbreviation f* = fg,d / E ×b2 / 4 h2, by solving the square root and multiplication of
the sums, the expression can be further dissolved to isolate p*.

f* × [1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2)]1/2 = p*

1/z22 + p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2) = (p* / f*)2
p*2/(z32 + (z4 × p*)2) = (p* / f*)2 – 1/z22
p*2 = ((p*/f*)2 – 1/z22) × (z32 + (z4 × p*)2)
p*2 = ((p*/f*)2 – 1/z22) × (z32 + (z4 × p*)2)
0 = -p*2 + (p*/f*)2 × z32 + (p*/f*)2 × (z4 × p*)2 – 1/z22 × z32 – 1/z22 × (z4 × p*)2
0 = p*4 × (z4/f*)2 – p*2 + p*2 × (z3/f*)2 – p*2 × (z4/z2)2 – (z3/z2)2
0 = p*4 + p*2 × [(z3/z4)2 – f*2 × (1/z22 + 1/z32)] – f*2 × (z3/(z2 × z4))2

This is a quadratic equation of the form 0 = x2 + p × x + q for x = p*2 with the solution:

x1/2 = -p/2 +/- [ (p/2)2 - q ]1/2

With the coefficients p = B and q = -C, the solution for p*2 is:

p*2 = -B/2 + [ (B/2)2 + C ]1/2

The square root of p*2 gives the known double square root expression of the dimensionless load
p*, which is limited by the value p* = 40 (deformation limit):

p* = [1/2 ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B)]1/2 £ 40

From this, the design resistance pgl,Rd can be determined with pgl,Rd = p* ×E ×(4 h2 / (a ×b))2.

Attention: The current format according to FprEN 16612:2019 must be observed, which also
applies to the coefficients B and C and the current factors according to FprEN 16612:2019.
Accordingly, “a” is the smaller and “b” is the larger plate span. According to EN 13031-1:2019,
it is the other way around. The relevant plate thickness is tpl = h. The symbols according to
FprEN 16612 are therefore marked in red where it was relevant in this derivation. The
correction proposal contains the symbols according to EN 13031-1:2019.

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Proposed correction:

Norm Correction for EN 13031-1:2019

pgl,Ed £ pgl,Rd
ULS - Verification with: pgl,Rd – Design value of the resistance of the glass panel against
the design load components perpendicular to the surface pgl,Ed.
Ultimate resistance pgl,Rd = E × (4 tpl2 / (a × b))2 × [½ × ((B2 + 4 C)1/2 - B)]1/2
Deformation criterium pgl,Rd £ 40 E (4 tpl2 / (a × b))2
Dimensionless load p* = (a × b / 4 tpl2)2 × pgl,Ed / E £ 40
B = (z3/z4)2 - f*2 × (1/z22 + 1/z32)
Coefficients C = f*2 × (z3/(z2 × z4))2
f* = fg,d / E × (a2 / 4 tpl2)
z2 = 24 × b
Factors z3 = 1/l × (4,5 × (1/l - 1)2 + 4,5)
according
FprEN 16612 z4 = 1/l × (0,585 - 0,05 (1/l - 1))
with: b = 0,0447 + 0,0803 × (1 - eexp) und exp = -1,17 (1/l - 1)1,073
Where: tpl is the design value of the plate thickness;
a, b are the spans of the plate with b - smaller and a - larger span;
l = b/a is the ratio of the smaller (b) to the larger (a) span (aspect ratio).
Table 4 – Corrected calculation formulae and coefficients for the plate calculation
according to EN 13031-1:2019

This plate calculation is fully consistent with the established calculation according to FprEN
16612:2019, to which the draft version of the CEN technical report refers.

References, standards, literature:

Background Report Glass – Part 1: Design value bending strength – Glass for greenhouses
according to EN 13031-1:2019, Annex A – Comparison of calculation methods according to
EN 13031-1:2019 versus prCEN/TS 19100-1:2020, FprEN 16612:2019, CNR-DT 201:2013,
NEN 2608:2014 and DIN 18008-1:2020 for the design value of the bending strength of
greenhouse glass panels with 4 mm monolithic glass (MG), continuously supported. Free
Access on https: www.greenhousecodes.com
Background Report Glass – Part 3: Deformation limit – Glass for greenhouses according to EN
13031-1, Annex A – Comparison of deformation limits according to other European regulations
and standards. Free Access on https: www.greenhousecodes.com
EN 13031-1:2019: Greenhouses – Design and Construction – Part 1: Commercial production
greenhouses.
EN 13031-1:2001: Greenhouses –Design and Construction – Part 1: Commercial production
greenhouses.
DIN V 11535-1:1998: Gewächshäuser Teil 1: Ausführung und Berechnung.
prCEN/TS 19100-1:2020: Structural glass – Design and construction rules – Part 1: Basis of
design and materials.

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prCEN/TS 19100-2:2020: Structural glass – Design and construction rules – Part 2:
Perpendicular loaded glass plates.
FprEN 16612:2019: Glass in building – Determination of the lateral load resistance of glass
panes by calculation
E DIN EN 16612:2017: Bestimmung des Belastungswiderstandes von Glasscheiben durch
Berechnung und Prüfung, Deutsche Fassung von prEN 16612:2017
prEN 13474-3:2009: Glass in building – Determination of the strength of glass panes – Part 3:
General method of calculation and determination of strength of glass by testing.
CNR-DT 201: Istruzioni per la Progettazione, l’Esecuzione ed il Controllo di Costruzioni con
Elementi Strutturali di Vetro (English translation 2013, Rom, 356 pages: Guide for the Design,
Construction and Control of Buildings with Structural Glass Elements).
NEN 2608:2014: Vlakglas voor gebouwen – Eisen en bepalingsmethode, In English: Glass in
buildings – Requirements and determination method.
DIN 18008-1:2020: Glas im Bauwesen – Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil 1:
Begriffe und allgemeine Grundlagen
DIN 18008-2:2020: Glas im Bauwesen – Bemessungs- und Konstruktionsregeln – Teil 2:
Linienförmig gelagerte Verglasungen
JCR Guidance for European Structural Design of Glass Components (2014) – Support to the
implementation, harmonization and further development of the Eurocodes, EU 2014
Hess, Rudolf (1986); Glasdickenbemessung – Berechnung von Einfach- und
Isolierverglasungen unter Anwendung der Membranwirkung bei Rechteckplatten großer
Durchbiegungen. In: Institut für Hochbautechnik, ETH Zürich, Schrift Nr. 13, xxx Seiten.
Neugebauer, J. (2015): Lineare vs. Nichtlineare Berechnung von Isoliergläsern, Glasbau 2015,
1. Auflage, pp. 303-311.

Author: Time: 2020-10-07

Dr.-Ing. I. Pertermann, Ingenieurbüro Puthli, Holunderweg 13, D-48465 Schüttorf, E-Mail:
pertermann@puthli.de

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