Structural assessment and lateral-torsional buckling design of glass beams restrained by continuous sealant joints

In this work, the lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) behavior of glass beams laterally restrained by continuous silicone joints is assessed. Based on earlier contributions of literature and extended parametric Finite-Element (FE) numerical investigations, closed-form solutions are suggested for the estimation of their Euler's critical buckling moment under various loading conditions. Finally, by means of more detailed incremental nonlinear analyses, their global LTB response is also investigated, to assess their sensitivity to initial geometrical imperfections as well as their prevalent LTB failure mechanism. In conclusion, a generalized buckling design curve able to account for the structural contribution provided by structural silicone joints is proposed for a rational and conservative LTB verification.