Design of Glass-Polycarbonate Composite Panels

Glass-polycarbonate composite panels are mainly used for security glazing applications. Glass possesses a high material stiffness whereas polycarbonate provides high impact strength in combination with low weight. The composite panels combine high resistance against attack with slender cross-sections and reduced dead load in comparison to common laminated safety glass. In consequence, the structural design of glass-polycarbonate composite panels depends mainly on static loads. This requires a profound knowledge of the material properties and the interaction of multiple layers in composite structures. In addition to the structural behaviour of the glazing, the post-breakage performance is also assessed. The results provide the basis for a suitable design concept of glass-polycarbonate composite panels.