Load bearing performance of weathered laminated safety glass panes

Beside known influences on the shear behavior of laminated safety glass (LSG) as interlayer temperature, loading rate and load duration, further effects result from climatic load (e.g. long-term exposure of ultraviolet radiation, moisture and air temperature), especially for outdoor applications. Experimental investigations showed that moisture penetration of PVB-interlayer at the glass edge zones is a major negative factor on the durability of LSG. Hence, shear behavior and adhesion characteristics deteriorate. Concerning large-scale architectural LSG panes carrying wind, snow and dead load no significant endangering of their structural safety occurs due to a local deterioration of the interlayer only. In order to avoid visual damage of LSG in environments with access of high humidity (e.g. rain), it is recommended to protect edges thoroughly and effectively. Aging of the interlayer due to UV-radiation and air temperature is dependent on its intensity and duration, however resulting in a stiffer material behavior, but not affecting the structural safety