Simulated Wind Tests for Glasbausteine / Blokup Glass Modular Wall Conducted by Queensland University of Technology

Test Program Objectives

The testing enabled the following:

• Provide a basis for structural comment on the adequacy of the Blokup Glass system
• Allow the determination of equivalent wind rating for the 2.31m high x 2.13m wide wall panel
• Establish flexural properties of the test wall
• Calculations for theoretical wind ratings for a range of panel sizes

The tests were restricted to non-loadbearing simulated lateral static wind tests.

Test System

The system tested:

• WECK g1ass bricks (190 x 190 x 80mm) - 12 high & 31 wide
• 1.5mm 6060 T5 Aluminium separator strips
• Silicone (cured for 28 days)
• 2310mm high x 2130mm wide framed panel

A full system descriptor, Is contained in the CET 3892 Test Report of 13th May 1994

Test Results

Inspections prior, during and after tests Including a review o1 the test results indicated:

• The panel's structural response to the simulated static wind loads was linear and predictable over an acceptable load range. The ultimate "failure" was a pressure of 5.2kPa.
• The panel's final permanent unloaded deformation after "failure" was less than 10mm.
• The panel's deformation pattern was symmetrical but primarily represented a two way spanning action with the dominant stiffness attributed la the horizontal aluminium separator strips
• No evidence of glass brick "pop out" movement with respect to the separator strips was noted
• Some minor evidence of excessive bearing pressure at the frame/separator strips was noted
• The horizontal stiffness of the panels increased by approximately 50% when the glass bricks are fully glued (bed, perpends & end/top/bottom)

Test Limitations

1.  
2. Spans
   • The panels test panel utilised was 2310mm high by 2130mm wide. With continuous Aluminium separator strips laid horizontally the deflected behaviour indicated the dominant load path was horizontal spanning. A relatively small (but unquantifiable) load distribution occurred through vertical spanning. The separator strips were discontinuous vertically.
   • Without a range of various size panels it can be reasonab1y assumed the results for small wall heights (to say 1200mm) are conservative.
3. Workmanship
   • Although some preliminary tests Indicated an appropriate glue curing 'time (at least 21 days) is required, no tests were conducted on walls with any unglued segments.
   • Accurate block placement and gluing, particularly In the central panel areas and at all frame contact zones was observed to essential for full structural effectiveness.
   • An accurate frame width spacing (for the number of blocks) with low tolerances is also considered essential.
   • ' Horizontal strips must extend well into the frame extrusions.
   • Frame extrusions must be fixed to the window surrounds as per Blokup Specification
4. Materials
   • The separator strips are nominated as 6060 T5 Aluminium. This material has a minimum quoted tensile yield strength of 110 MPa (although a typical figure of 290 MPa is stated).
   • Corresponding aluminium ductility figures also suggest 50% variations in deflection are possible.
   • Oiler test program has been based on the lower (more conservative) bounds.

   Product Application

   The following tabulation has been derived on the basis of the test results and their interpretation for use in buildings under:

   1. AS 4055 Wind loads for housing;
   2. Standard Building By-laws to the Old Building Act; and
   3. AS 1170.2 Wind loading code Wind Classification refers to 1 and 2 above,
      1. AS 4055 uses N1 to N6 & C1 to C4 wind classifications
      2. Qld Standard Building By-laws use W33N to W70N & W41C to W70C - these are exactly equivalent to AS 4055 except N1 (W28N) Is not considered to apply in Queensland.

         Corner applications are required if any of the panel's area is located within 600mm of the corner of the wall, otherwise the General application applies. The results only apply to planar (not curved) walls.

         Pressure coefficients for use in AS 1170.2 are shown In Tables B1 8, 82 of AS 4055.

         Permissible Design Gust Wind Speeds (expressed in metres per second) are given as the number between W and N (non-cyclonic) or C (cyclonic) in the Standard Building By-law Classification.

         Panel Size Limitations

         On the basis of the theoretical behaviour o11he planar test panel with confirmations from the observed data, the following tabulation has been derived.

         Appropriate deflection and stress limitations have also been included in the establishment of this table. Wind Classification Vs Span for Span for planner Blokup Glass Bricks

         Opening Width		Opening Height		Wind Classification
         Max Width (mm)	Max Block (numbers	Max Height (mm)	Max Blocks (numbers)	General	Corners
         3281	17	6000	31	to W33N (N2)	-
         2865	15	-	-	-	to W33N (N2)
         2702	14	-	-	W41N (N3)	-
         2509	13	-	-	-	W41N (N3)
         2509	13	-	-	W41C (c1)	-
         2123	11	-	-	-	W41C (C1)
         2509	13	-	-	W50N (N4)	-
         2123	11	-	-	-	W50N (N4)
         2123	11	-	-	W50C (C2)	-
         1930	10	-	-	-	W50C (C2)
         2123	11	-	-	W60N (N5)	-
         1737	9	-	-	-	W60C (N5)
         1737	9	-	-	W60C (NC3)	-
         1158	6	-	-	-	W60C (C3)
         1544	8	-	-	W70N (N6)	-
         1158	5	-	-	-	W70N (N6)
         1158	6	-	-	W70C (C4)	-
         965	5	-	-	-	W70C (C4)

         In defining the structural adequacy of various types of building products for wind rating purposes, the objectives of the test program have been satisfied.

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