FEM Analysis and Experimental Research into Carrier Brackets in Ventilated Facades

Ventilated facades are one of the most durable and attractive ways of finishing a building facade. The weight of cladding panels and substructure elements of ventilated facades is transferred into building structure via carrier brackets (mounting brackets). This article is focused on resistance to vertical load which is one of the basic technical requirements that need to be met by facades carrier brackets inside the European Union, defined in European Technical Approval Guidelines – ETAG 034. FEM models of carrier brackets were presented, and the results of a non-linear analysis were described. The results of the numerical analysis were verified by means of laboratory testing. The article examines the influence of adopting various material stress-strain diagrams in FEM models on calculation results, especially when pertaining to the viability of applying a diagram in accordance with the continuous strength method (CSM). Based on the laboratory tests and the analysis of the FEM models it was shown which part of the carrier bracket is its weakest link and is decisive for its load-bearing capacity. The relationship between serviceability limit state and ultimate limit state for stainless steel brackets with various overhangs was also presented.