Loading & Boundary Conditions
Cross-Section
Legend
Applied load (concentrated)
Patch load area
Pin support (simply supported)
Glass pane
Config: Monolithic
Disclaimer
This tool is provided for preliminary engineering assessment and design verification of glass guard panels under concentrated loads. It is not a substitute for project-specific structural engineering analysis by a qualified Professional Engineer (P.Eng. / PE).
- Results are based on idealized boundary conditions and material properties. Actual field conditions may affect real-world performance.
- The engineer of record is responsible for verifying model assumptions for the specific project conditions and applicable building code.
- This tool does not constitute a stamped or sealed engineering calculation.
- Allowable stress values are based on a statistical probability of breakage (8/1000 per ASTM E1300). Glass strength is inherently variable.
- Kace Engineering Ltd. assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this tool.
Project Information
Panel Geometry
Loading
Design Standard
IGU Configuration
Lite 1 (Outboard)
Lite 2 (Inboard)
Note: This tool supports rectangular, 4-sided simply supported glass panels only. For triple-glazed IGUs, 3-sided support, 2-sided support, cantilevered guards, point-fixed glazing, or irregular panel shapes, please contact Kace Engineering for a project-specific analysis.
▶ Quick Reference — Glossary of Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 4SS | 4-Sided Simply Supported — glass held on all four edges, free to rotate at supports. |
| AN / HS / FT | Annealed (standard), Heat Strengthened (~2x AN), Fully Tempered (~4x AN) glass types. |
| D/C Ratio | Demand-to-Capacity. Applied value / allowable value. D/C ≤ 1.0 = pass. |
| IGU | Insulated Glass Unit — two panes separated by a sealed air space. |
| Lite | A single pane of glass within an IGU or laminate. |
| Inboard / Outboard | Inboard = interior (room) side. Outboard = exterior side. |
| w/t Ratio | Center deflection / thickness. Indicates membrane effect: <0.5 = linear, >2 = strong membrane. |
| Membrane Effect | Large-deflection stiffening — glass stretches in-plane like a drum head, reducing stress. |
| NL (Nonlinear) | Geometric nonlinearity — stiffness changes with deflection. |
| Navier Series | Exact analytical solution for rectangular simply-supported plates (double Fourier sine series). |
| Patch Load | Concentrated load spread over a small area (e.g. 100x100 mm). Simulates hand/body impact. |
| LSF | Load Share Factor — fraction of total load carried by each lite in an IGU. |
| LDF | Load Duration Factor — reduces allowable stress for longer load durations. Glass is weaker under sustained loads. |
| NBC 2020 | National Building Code of Canada 2020 — reference for guard barrier loads. |
| POB | Probability of Breakage — 8/1000 (0.8%) per ASTM E1300. |
| σ (sigma) | Stress — internal force per unit area (MPa). Higher = higher risk. |
| δ (delta) | Deflection — maximum center displacement (mm). |
| Γ (Gamma) | Shear transfer coefficient for laminates. 0 = plies act independently; 1 = full composite. |
| ASTM E1300 | American standard for glass load resistance. Provides allowable stresses and thickness tables. |
| Actual Thickness | Minimum thickness per ASTM E1300 Table 4 — less than nominal due to manufacturing tolerances. |
Solver Validation — SJ Mepla Pro Benchmarks
Compares the nonlinear Navier solver against SJ Mepla Pro NL FEA for monolithic and IGU panels under 1 kN center patch load (100×100 mm), 4-sided simply supported. Monolithic: 3/6/10 mm (w/t 0.25–5.9). IGU: 6/12/6 and 6/12/3 outer pane.
Validation material: E = 70,000 MPa, ν = 0.23 (SJ Mepla) | Tool default: E = 71,700 MPa, ν = 0.22 (ASTM E1300)