Abstract

The analysis of load-bearing capacity and the determination of blast protection levels for glass facades represent a crucial design and research challenge. In current practice, these issues are primarily addressed through time-consuming and expensive experimental investigations on full-scale samples. To streamline this process, numerical simulations offer a powerful tool for supporting the design process. This contribution presents a Finite Element (FE) numerical approach, implemented in Abaqus, to investigate the mechanical performance of glass facades under blast scenarios. The study focuses on a facade composed of an aluminum frame and a Triple Glass Unit (TGU), a widely adopted glass component in modern buildings characterized by multiple laminated glass (LG) layers separated by gas-filled cavities. To accurately represent the bending behavior of the TGU, the gas-structure interaction is modeled using a fluid-cavity interaction. In addition, glass breakage and interlayer tearing are accounted for by implementing constitutive models for brittle cracking and ductile damage, respectively. Finally, potential contact between facade components is managed through a surface-to-surface contact interaction, while the blast load is applied as a pressure-time history function based on the Friedlander equation.

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Speaker

Nicola Cella is a PhD student at the University of Trieste, Department of Engineering and Architecture (Italy), where he conducts research under the supervision of Prof. Chiara Bedon. 
After earning his M.Sc. in 2023, Nicola focused on the structural use of glass, an interest that originated from his Master’s Thesis developed during an internship in the glass façade industry.
Nicola's doctoral research focuses on the performance of structural glass under extreme loading conditions, including seismic events, fire, blast and impacts. A significant portion of his work is also dedicated to the post-breakage behavior of glass elements. His research activities combine experimental testing with advanced, high-level Finite Element (FE) numerical modeling.
Nicola has authored several papers in international peer-reviewed journals — including Glass Structures & Engineering, Engineering Structures and Engineering Failure Analysis — and has presented his research findings at major international conferences in the field of structural engineering, such as Challenging Glass and EVACES.
Nicola is also actively involved in several funded research projects and collaborations with external stakeholders, including engineering firms, industrial partners and international research institutions, aiming to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical application.
 

@NC 
PhD Candidate, University of Trieste