Surface Cracked Layer and Damage Resistance of Glass under Contact Loading

Strength and durability of glass structures depend directly on the state of the cracked surface layer and the degree of surface damage [1, 2]. Lack of control of surface micro-cracks and damage during the production of float glass and processing of glass element as well as under operation conditions leads to significant uncertainty in the estimates of the carrying capacity of glass structures [3]. A technical approach based on precision control of critical surface micro-cracks and damages was developed to guarantee a minimum level of strength of carrying glass structures such as beams and plates under bending and tension. The results of an experimental study of damage resistance of glass under contact loading were studied by looking at the effects on the surface cracked layer. The glass surface was damaged by a hard-alloy cutting roller using different cutting force. The dependence of bending strength values and depth of critical surface micro-cracks on the conditions of contact loading was found. Conditions of glass damage resistance changing due to the changes in the surface cracked layer were defined. The possibility of damage resistance and load bearing capacity of glass constructions increasing as a result of protective coatings was investigated.