I suggested rational analysis because we have a standard that has taken the statistical data and created an equation to determine a reference pressure allowed on the glass. We then apply a variety of factors for such things as duration, tempered, laminated etc. With that I can then do an FEA and check that I am below the von Mises values ... that's also why I suggested care with the boundary conditions because that's where the imperfections will become significant.
Thor A. Tandy P.Eng, C.Eng, Struct.Eng, MIStructE
Victoria, BC
Canada
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Wilson [mailto:wilsonengineers@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:03 AM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Re: Point supported glass designBut as Bob alluded to, glass may not lend itself simply to a rational analysis as other issues may be design factors. Especially when considering laminated glass with a point load around a stress concentration. But maybe I am making a bigger deal out of it than it is.Jim
From: Thor Tandy <vicpeng@telus.net>
To: seaint@seaint.org
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:30:11 PM
Subject: RE: Point supported glass design
Yes you should do "rational" analyses and take care with your model and support boundary conditions.
Thor A. Tandy P.Eng, C.Eng, Struct.Eng, MIStructE
Victoria, BC
Canada-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Wilson [mailto:wilsonengineers@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 2:29 PM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Point supported glass designAre there any simplified methods for designing point-supported glass? I'm looking for applications such as glass handrails, stair treads, etc. I've searched and found some generic glass articles online, but nothing technical. Is this the kind of thing that requires a detailed analysis by an industry insider?It seems like there could be some standardized analyses available for a single 1/2" or 3/4" pin through a piece of 3/4" glass.Thanks,Jim Wilson