Structural Glass Design Using Abaqus FEA for Point-Supported Systems

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Structural Glass Design Using Abaqus FEA for Point-Supported Systems

Case study showing how Stutzki Engineering uses Abaqus FEA to model stress, load paths, and failure scenarios in point-supported structural glass canopies.

Published

June 4, 2026

Read time

3 min read

Source

Stutzki Engineering applied Abaqus Finite Element Analysis to design a 132-foot laminated glass canopy for the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The analysis addressed point-supported glass (PSG) connections, laminated ply behavior, steel bracket ductility, and redundancy to prevent progressive collapse. Physical testing at Milwaukee School of Engineering validated FEA stress predictions around bolt holes and contact interfaces. The project demonstrates systematic use of realistic simulation to meet structural requirements where no U.S. codes exist for PSG.

Key takeaways

Abaqus FEA models stress peaks at point-supported glass connections with refined meshing around chamfered holes.

Laminated glass and structural redundancy are modeled to prevent zipper-effect collapse if one lite fails.

Contact definitions between glass, nylon washers, and steel points are required for accurate stress results.

Physical strain-gauge testing validates FEA predictions and creates reusable modeling templates.

Installation uses FEA-derived load values to tune Belleville springs for correct force transfer.

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