Specimen Length Effects on Mechanical Properties of a Silicone Elastomeric Sealant

Results of tests on joints made with a high-modulus silicone sealant are presented and discussed. Joint specimen lengths are 50 mm (2 in.), typical of small laboratory specimens, and 100, 200, and 400 mm (4, 8, and 16 in.). The width and depth are typical of structural glazing joints. Tension and shear are considered. The data include strength, stiffness, and ultimate displacement. The interaction between specimen length and the effects of flaws on mechanical properties is also investigated. An analysis of the data indicates that the typical small laboratory specimen provides an accurate measure of the mechanical properties of fulllength joints.