Glazing Seismic Testing

Some previous research has been conducted to highlight the seismic performance of glazing systems. However, most only focus on the life-safety issues of glazing systems and rarely on the serviceability of glazing systems. The serviceability of glazing systems, such as water-tightness, is a vital aspect of glazing systems as a low serviceability capacity will increase the likelihood of further damage which will increase economic losses. The aim of this experiment is to provide insight towards the seismic performance of glazing systems considering both the serviceability and ultimate limit state by developing tools for the consideration of glazing systems in design and assessment.
In order to provide means for evaluating the seismic performance of glazing systems, firstly an applicable experimental testing procedure that allows for serviceability limit state tests on glazing units is developed. This experimental testing procedure is used to obtain data on the vulnerability of general New Zealand glazing systems’ performance, specifically commercial shopfront glazing system types. These glazing systems commonly use aluminium framing with gaskets connecting the frame to the glass.
There are three systems tested with 3 specimens each (4 for the last type), resulting in a total of 10 specimens tested.