Laser surface modification of structural glass for anti-slip applications

Abstract

The use of soda-lime silicate glass as a structural element has become frequent in modern buildings. The load-bearing applications of glass in floors, footbridges, terraces, or stairs require an optimal combination of non-slippery properties of the surface, element weight, and strength, and structural glazing can be compromised by the incorporation of laser surface patterned ornamental motifs. Laser surface modification has significant advantages for selective surface area modification; nevertheless, the mechanical performance of the processed glass remains unknown, which precludes reliable structural calculations and employment in construction. In this study, we investigated the surface modification of annealed and heat-strengthened glass via CO2 laser scanning for the production of rough anti-slip surfaces. The surface roughness and the reduction of the bearing load strength were quantified. Slip resistance-enhanced surfaces with roughness values (Rz) above 20 μm and characteristic bending strength preservation up to 74% were obtained. The results pave the way for the use of laser surface-modified plates in laminated glass elements with optimized strength calculation and weight reduction.