Innovative hybrid CFRP composite and Fe-SMA bonded systems for structural glass flexural strengthening

Contemporary architecture is increasingly embracing the use of structural glass for challenging applications. Glass industry has been adopting thermal toughening and lamination as advanced techniques to enhance tensile strength and avoid sudden failures. However, unexpected failure persists and hinders a more widespread application of glass, including as a structural material. Researchers have tested alternative glass composite systems, integrating reinforcements like steel, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), or iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA). This study explores an innovative concept that involves the simultaneous application of CFRP and Fe-SMA reinforcements via near-surface mounted (NSM) or externally bonded reinforced (EBR) techniques for glass strengthening. This system is shown to effectively prevent premature debonding, enhance post-cracking response, and ensure ductile failure modes, while being simple. Bending tests on large-scale laminated glass beams were performed to characterize the effectiveness of the system, while also the benefits of post-tensioning were investigated by inducing different prestressing levels in the glass strengthened elements. The paper first highlights the advantages of Fe-SMA reinforcements in glass composite systems through experimental evidence, followed by exploration of the proposed innovative hybrid CFRP composite and Fe-SMA bonded systems.