Rotational stiffness and strength of a two-sided reinforced laminated glass beam-column joint prototype : experimental investigation

New trends in architecture sometimes require high level of structural transparency which leads to possible design solutions of entire structural systems in e.g. structural glass. Glass is a fragile material that experiences only elastic deformations under common loading conditions during its service life. However, occurrence of an unforeseen event may lead to breakage of glass and hence redistribution capacity at both component and system level may be necessary to prevent collapse. Previous research illustrated load bearing mechanisms that can be developed in reinforced glass multi-span systems and horizontally restrained beams prior to collapse. Moment resisting connections are of crucial importance for a structural system subjected to a combination of vertical and horizontal loads. The main post-fracture assumption is that a well-designed connection enables the full plastic capacity of one of the adjoining members to be reached. Strength and stiffness prediction of such joints should rely on experimental data acquired by means of a customized testing setup and adequate measurement techniques. In this paper, special attention is given to the testing procedure and acquisition of data necessary for the assessment of rotational stiffness and strength of reinforced glass beam-column joints. Main features of the testing setup, specimens manufacture process and measuring equipment are presented