What is a Double Glazing Unit (DGU)?
A Double Glazing Unit (DGU), also known as an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), consists of two glass panes separated by a sealed air or gas-filled cavity. When subjected to wind load, both panes work together to resist the pressure, with each lite sharing a portion of the load based on their relative stiffness. This load sharing mechanism is critical for understanding how DGUs perform under pressure.
The load share factors (LS1 and LS2) determine how much of the total wind pressure is resisted by each glass pane. These factors depend on the relative thickness and stiffness of each lite, making it essential to analyze both panes together for accurate structural assessment.