Journal of Applied Science and Engineering

Published by Tamkang University Press

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Nature-Responsive Structural Design and Finite Element Assessment of Laminated Glass Handrails under Wind Loads in High-Rise Buildings

 2026

 Volume 33

Muhammad Tayyab Naqash

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah, Prince Naif Ibn Abdulaziz, Al Jamiah,
Medina 42351, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Received: October 28, 2025
Accepted: March 19, 2026
Publication Date: June 29, 2026

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Use HIT-HY 200-R + HIS-RN M10 Anchor bolts (each at 300 mm spacing on both sides).

 Copyright The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are cited.

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This study presents a sustainability-driven structural design and analysis of a laminated tempered glass handrail system exposed to wind loads in a 30-storey high-rise environment. Unlike conventional line-load-based approaches, the proposed nature-responsive design uses wind pressure as the governing load, aligning structural behavior directly with environmental actions. The system employs recyclable materials such as tempered glass and stainless steel, and utilizes modular mechanical anchorage supported by long-life structural silicone bonding. Finite element analysis using SAP2000 predicted a maximum glass stress of 37.8 MPa and a peak deflection of 14.7 mm, both within allowable limits (72.3 MPa; span/60). The anchorage, welding, and sealant designs were validated against relevant Eurocode and ASTM standards to ensure safety and durability under cyclic wind actions. Sustainability assessment indicates reduced maintenance needs, extended service life, and material recyclability compared to conventional opaque or metallic balustrades. This nature-aligned structural system demonstrates how transparency, mechanical efficiency, and environmental adaptability can be harmonized for resilient high-rise architecture in wind-prone regions.

Keywords: Structural Glass, Laminated glass handrail, Wind load design, Balcony safety, High-rise buildings, SAP2000 analysis, Anchor bolt design, Fillet weld design, Tempered Glass

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