Simplified Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB) Analysis of Glass Fins with Continuous Lateral Restraints at the Tensioned Edge

Within multiple design challenges, the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) analysis and stability check of structural glass members is a well-known issue for design. Typical examples can be found not only in glass slabs with slender bracing members but also in facades and walls, where glass fins are used to brace the vertical panels against input pressures. Design loads such as wind suction give place to possible LTB of fins with LR at the tensioned edge and thus require dedicated tools. In the present investigation, the LTB analysis of structural glass fins that are intended to act as bracers for facade panels and restrained via continuous, flexible joints acting as lateral restraints (LRs) is addressed. Geometrically simplified but refined numerical models developed in Abaqus are used to perform a wide parametric study and validate the proposed analytical formulations. Special care is spent for the prediction of the elastic critical buckling moment with LRs, given that it represents the first fundamental parameter for buckling design. However, the LR stiffness and resistance on the one side and the geometrical/mechanical features of the LR glass members on the other side are mutually affected in the final LTB prediction. In the case of laminated glass (LG) members composed of two or more glass panels, moreover, further design challenges arise from the bonding level of the constituent layers. A simplified but rational analytical procedure is thus presented in this paper to support the development of a conservative and standardized LTB stability check for glass fins with LR at the tensioned edge.