Influence of the load history on the edge strength of glass with cut edge finishing

Abstract

The edge strength of glass is affected by the load history: i.e. the load duration and the loading type, e.g. constant loading, cyclic loading or linearly increasing loading. In standards, these influences are expressed by the factor k_mod, which reduces the strength depending on the load type, e.g. wind load, temperature load. In this study, five series of glass specimens with a cut edge finishing were subjected to in-plane four-point bending tests. First, the specimens were subjected to a linearly increasing loading. Then identical specimens were subjected to either a constant loading or a cyclic loading or both. These test results were compared to the theoretical prediction, based on the theory of fracture mechanics, as well as to the guidelines of the standards.