Double Glass Units simply supported on two sides: Analytical-numerical modeling and experimental testing

Insulating Glass Units (IGUs), made of multiple sealed glass panes with gas-filled cavities, are key to thermal and acoustic building insulation. As modern designs demand high transparency and complexity, validating advanced structural models is crucial. This paper investigates the mechanical response of Double GUs (DGUs) simply supported on two opposite sides under concentrated and linear loads, with different geometries. The study combines advanced analytical and experimental approaches to capture the unique behavior of DGUs, governed by the interaction between the glass panes and the gas compressibility effects, and the coupling provided by the peripheral spacers. Numerical analyses by Finite Element Method (FEM) are developed, incorporating the effects of gas pressure variations, according to the Betti's Analytical Method (BAM) (soon included in the new Eurocode on structural glass). Experimental testing validates the analytical-numerical predictions. The findings confirm the accuracy of the models in predicting deflections and highlight key parameters affecting DGU performance. Specifically, the BAM model, conceived for IGUs supported on all four edges, is shown to predict pressure variations accurately for DGUs with two-side supports. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the structural behavior of DGUs, offering valuable insights for design and safety assessments.