Exploratory Finite-Element investigation and assessment of standardized design buckling criteria for two-side linear adhesively supported glass panels under in-plane shear loads

In this paper, the buckling response of glass panels linearly supported along the top and bottom edges, under the action of in-plane shear loads, is investigated by means of analytical and Finite-Element (FE) methods. The typical buckling behaviour is first assessed in the hypothesis of fully neglecting the possible deformability contribution of adhesive linear supports, while successively the effects of linear, flexible sealant joints on the overall structural response of the same panels are also properly taken into account and highlighted. Based on extended parametric FE linear buckling and nonlinear incremental simulations, the influence of initial geometrical imperfections with various shapes and amplitudes, adhesive stiffnesses and glass types is investigated, both for monolithic and laminated glass panels. In the latter case, the accuracy of an equivalent thickness approach derived from early contributions is also demonstrated. Analytical approximating curves are proposed for the fitting of numerically derived buckling coefficients, so that they could represent a practical tool in the calculation of the expected Euler’s critical load. A normalized buckling curve for ideally simply supported glass panels under in-plane shear loads is finally recalled from past research projects and proposed as a rational design method for the examined loading and boundary condition.