Glazed Glass Problem

Question

Hello Everyone, 
 I was doing a study on how the glass panels behave in terms of deflection in modern building structures where the glazed glass panels are provided as order to give a well defined architectural view. 
 I tried by giving the appropriate glass properties and tested with both plate and surface elements but I found some deflection variation between them being provided with same material properties. 
 I have attached my model please have a look at it and let me know the actual reason of their result variation and also let me know if it is the correct way for actual consideration for practical case. 
 Thanks in advance. glass test.std

Kush · Answer

Hi, 
 
The difference in results is expected because the mesh density is different for plate and surface. As you know with finer mesh you will get more precise results. Apart from that, surface are meshed internally then analyzed but the results are presented for that surface, not for the individual elements that it is made up of. 
 
For more information on this please go through question number #16 from the following link: 
 communities.bentley.com/.../2045

Modestas · Answer

The results are different because the mesh size of the plates and surfaces are different. I think you should be using a plate element in such situation as surfaces should be used for the shear wall design in STAAD.Pro only.

Modestas · Answer

Everything, except the use of surfaces, look well in your model.