All About Glass
All About Glass
All About Glass
8
14
116
168
1. FLOAT
168
176
3. Decorative GLASSes
264
334
V. TECHNICAL ANNEXES
REGULATIONS
346
VI. yourglass.com
374
www.yourglass.com
Product
and brand index
Description
Page
Brands
Description
Page
Antibacterial glasses
327
Planibel EnergyN
191
Bent glasses
Bent glasses
250
Blackpearl
Planibel EnergyNT
191
Glamatt
331
Planibel G
184
Heat-strengthened
glasses
Heat-treated glasses
237
Planibel G fasT
184
Imagin
268
Imagin wired
275
Planibel TopN+
188
Lacobel
Painted glasses
291
Planibel TopNT
188
Antibacterial
Lacobel
328
317
Stopray
213
Stopray T
213
Stopsol
203
Lacobel Safe
301
Lacomat
280
Matelac
296
Matelac Safe
301
Matelux
Acid-etched glasses
283
332
339
Mirold Morena
312
Stratobel
226
Antibacterial Mirox
Antibacterial mirrors
328
Mirox 3G
308
Stratobel Color
Rainbow
325
Mirox MNGE
305
322
315
Stratobel Color
standard
Antibacterial
Planibel
Antibacterial float
322
Planibel clear,
Clearvision,
Linea Azzurra
171
Planibel coloured
Body-tinted glasses
199
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Stratobel Security
Laminated safety glasses with PVB interlayers
Accident prevention in single panes and insulating glazing
228
Stratobel Security
Anti-bandit
232
Stratobel Security
Bullet-proof
234
Stratophone
218
index
index
Brands
PRODUCT INDEX
PRODUCT INDEX
Description
Page
Structura
255
Structura Decor
255
Structura Duo
259
Structura Support
Structura Vision
257
Structural glazing
261
Sunergy
209
Thermally
toughened glasses
240
Thermally
toughened HST
glasses
243
Triple glazing
194
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index
index
Brands
PRODUCT INDEX
I.
THE AGC
GROUP
www.yourglass.com
1 Introduction
2 Contacts
10
11
2 contacts
Contacts
>
>
produces and markets flat glass mainly for the building sector
with glass for faades and interior design
AGC Headquarters
Chausse de La Hulpe, 166 - 1170 Bruxelles
[email protected]
Phone +3226743111 - Fax +3226724462
>
>
>
Tel: +43 262 271 960 - Fax: +43 262 271 964
[email protected]
CONTACTS
INTRODUCTION
1 iNTRODUCTION
10
www.yourglass.com
11
CONTACTS
CONTACTS
FINLAND AGC Flat Glass Suomi
Tel: +40 264 440 558 - Fax: +40 264 440 558
[email protected]
12
www.yourglass.com
13
II.
ALL ABOUT
GLASS
www.yourglass.com
1 Glass products
16
30
.1 Composition
1
1.2 Properties
1.3 Glass products
2.1
.2
2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
Introduction
Radiation, light and colour
Thermal insulation
Solar control
Light control
Sound insulation
Safety
Fire protection
17
18
19
31
32
39
50
63
67
88
107
1.1
COMPOSITION
GLASS PRODUCTS
GLASS PRODUCTS
1 GLASS
PRODUCTS
>
>
>
fining agents, which are designed to agitate the melting mixture, thereby releasing gases and standardising quality
>
various metal oxides, which enhance the mechanical characteristics of the glass, its resistance to atmospheric agents and
give it any colouring it might have.
16
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>
>
>
>
glass with a high lead content (in the region of 70%), which
substantially reduces X-rays; this is used for glazed walls in
medical or industrial radiology areas
>
17
1.3
1.3.1 INTRODUCTION
2,500 kg/m
70,000 N/mm
29,166 N/mm
Poissons ratio ()
Mohs hardness
Melting temperature
Softening point
Linear expansion coefficient ()
GLASS PRODUCTS
0.2
6
1,500C
>
600C
9.10-6 m/(m.K)
Thermal conductivity ()
1 W/(m.K)
720 J/(kg.K)
and processed products, i.e. products obtained by processing base products. In this context a further distinction is
drawn between:
annealed glass *
45 N/mm
heat-strengthened glass *
70 N/mm
primary processing of large sizes (sheets) or, where necessary, standards sizes
120 N/mm
Compression resistance
1000 N/mm
5.8 W/(m.K)
1.5
0.90
0.87
0.89
18
Processed products
Primary processing
Coated glass
Mirror
Surface treatment (etching,
sandblasting, etc.)
Laminated glass
Secondary processing
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GLASS PRODUCTS
PROPERTIES
GLASS PRODUCTS
1.2
19
Tin bath
The production line for cast glass is similar to a float line, except
that the stage of floating on a tin bath is replaced by shaping
between two rollers. Afterwards, the glass is also placed in a
cooling zone.
AGC range: Imagin.
Raw
materials
20
GLASS PRODUCTS
Cutting
and checking
for faults
GLASS
Melting furnace
Cooling zone
UNLIMITED
Storageshipment
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GLASS PRODUCTS
21
>
>
>
>
>
>
22
Washing
machine
Buffer
zone
Coating
zone
Buffer
zone
Exit
Control
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GLASS PRODUCTS
Magnetron-coated glass
GLASS PRODUCTS
23
The process developed and patented by AGC involves diffusing silver ions into the upper layers of the glass: the ions
interact with bacteria and destroy them by disabling their metabolism and disrupting their division mechanism. The antibacterial effect of the glass is ongoing, particularly in moisture and
temperature conditions favouring the development of bacteria
and mould.
Sandblasted glass
GLASS PRODUCTS
GLASS PRODUCTS
Antibacterial glass
Set of at least two sheets of glass assembled with a fullsurface interlayer. The interlayer may be one or more plastic
films (PVB, EVA, etc.), resin, silicate or gel and designed to
bond the sheets of glass while further enhancing the performance of the end product.
The high performance level of the glass may pertain to:
Painted glass
>
>
>
>
> sound
insulation
decoration.
Matt glass
24
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Producing laminated glass with PVB interlayers entails the following stages:
>
>
the film or films is/are applied to the first glass and the
second glass is then applied onto the films
>
>
25
Laminating process
GLASS PRODUCTS
GLASS PRODUCTS
>
26
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650C
27
GLASS PRODUCTS
GLASS PRODUCTS
Chemically toughened glass is mainly used in specific applications such as aeronautics and lighting.
Air or gas
Curved glass
Spacer
Curved glass is obtained by bending the glass (at a high temperature) to fit the mould on which it is resting.
Opening
Butyl
Bending process
Dessiccating agent
Sealing
compound
INT.
EXT.
28
www.yourglass.com
#2
#3
#4
#1
29
2.1
INTRODUCTION
The first glass appeared a little over 2,000 years ago and was
used to seal off entrances to structures and to perform the main
function of glass letting in light while providing a minimum
level of protection against wind, cold and rain.
However, the use of glass in buildings did not become widespread until a few centuries ago and it was not until the 20th
century that glass performance began to evolve significantly.
In the late 1940s, the concept of double glazing to enhance
thermal insulation began to develop but its real growth in
Western Europe came about in the wake of the energy crisis
in the 1970s.
2 Properties
and functions
30
>
>
Thermal insulation
>
Solar control
>
Light control
>
Sound insulation
>
Safety
>
These areas are then linked to specific glasses and the AGC
product range.
Part of the information and sketches in this chapter come from
the NIT 214 published by the CSTC(1).
(1) CSTC: Centre Scientifique et Technique de la Construction (Belgium) Belgian Building
Research Institute.
www.yourglass.com
31
Solar
radiation
w
av
es
Heating
units
(radiators)
Ra
di
o
IR
Lo
ng
w
av
e
Sh
Vi
sib
le
UV
UV
or
tw
av
e
IR
The concepts of radiation, light and colour are key to understanding clearly the sections on thermal insulation, solar control
and light control.
RADIATION, LIGHT
AND COLOUR
2.2
Wavelengths (nm)*
Gamma rays
0 to 0.01
X-rays
0.01 to 10
0.01
10
380
280 780
2500
106
10 to 380
UV C
10 to 280
UV B
280 to 315
UV A
315 to 380
Wavelength (nm)
380 to 780
Solar radiation accounts for only a small proportion of the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Its composition is shown in the
table and figure below. The spectrum of visible light forms part
of the solar spectrum.
780 to 106
shortwave IR A
780 to 1,400
shortwave IR B
1,400 to 2,500
longwave IR C
2,500 to 106
Visible rays
Radio waves
106 to several km
Type of radiation
Wavelength (nm)
Proportion of energy
UV
280 to 380
approx. 5 %
Visible
380 to 780
approx. 50 %
780 to 2,500
approx. 45 %
IR
Solar spectrum
Intensity
(W/m2)
32
Energy
UV
Light
Short infrared
1.5
1
0.5
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280 380
780
2500
Wavelength
(nm)
33
The energy received from the sun is less than the solar constant since the atmosphere absorbs approximately 15% of solar
radiation and reflects a further 6% back into space. Total solar
radiation is therefore defined as being the sum of direct and
diffused radiation.
2.2.3 LIGHT
Light is the part of the solar spectrum from 380 nm to 780 nm
which is visible with the human eye.
The table and figure below show the composition of light.
Composition of light
reflected
Colour
Wavelengths (nm*)
Violet
380 to 462
Blue
462 to 500
Green
500 to 577
Yellow
577 to 600
Orange
600 to 625
Red
625 to 780
The sun is the basis for the solar spectrum. It gives off 66 million
W/m of energy, produced by nuclear chain reactions. Only a
fraction of this energy ends up anywhere near our atmosphere;
this fraction 1,353 W/m is called the solar constant.
Light
absorbed
diffused
34
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(nm) 380
400
500
600
700
800
2.2.4 HEAT
The heat we feel comes from two sources:
>
>
direct
35
Glass can be used to control most types of radiation; the sections below give a brief outline of the solutions available.
>
>
coloured glass with a predominantly yellow-orange tint partially absorbs violet and blue light
>
Various indices are used to quantify protection against UV radiation and the risk of discoloration:
36
>
UV transmission (TrUV)
>
the CIE damage factor: this index is set out in ISO 9050 and
pertains to the transmission of radiation for wavelengths in
the range 300 nm to 600 nm, i.e. those causing objects to
discolour
>
skin protection factor (SKF): this index is also set out in ISO
9050 and pertains to transmission of radiation for wavelengths in the range 300 nm to 400 nm, i.e. those causing
skin damage.
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Introduction
Light control
37
2.2.6 COLOUR
Objects we can see, whether they are transparent, translucent
or opaque, all have a specific colour.
The colour depends on several parameters such as:
>
>
>
>
THERMAL INSULATION
>
by convection in liquids and gases. The temperature variations prompt differences in density which cause the molecules to move about since the hot parts have a smaller mass
and rise while the opposite occurs for the cold parts; these
movements balance out temperatures, for example when
heating a saucepan of water
>
2.3
38
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Double glazing is designed to limit heat lost through conduction in the glass by inserting an insulating space of air or gas
between the two sheets of glass.
39
Convection
Radiation
Q = S U (i - e)
For a solid isotropic material, thermal resistance R is defined
as the relationship between its thickness e (m) and its thermal
conductivity (W/(m.K):
R=
The heat flow density q (W/m) per second passing through the
glazing from the warm atmosphere to the cold atmosphere can
be expressed by the equation:
q=
(i - e)
R
= U (i - e)
40
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Conduction
Thermal conductivity
41
90%
90%
argon krypton
air
Space x (mm)
air
3.3
3.0
2.8
2.5
2.0
3.0
2.8
2.6
2.0
1.6
12
2.9
2.7
2.6
1.7
15
2.7
2.6
2.6
1.5
20
2.8
2.6
2.6
1.4
90%
90%
argon krypton
4-x-4-x-4
Butyl
1.4
2.3
Dessiccating agent
1.1
2.0
1.3
1.1
1.9
Sealing
compound
1.2
1.1
1.8
1.2
1.2
1.7
Double glazing
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Opening
air
Spacer
4-x-4
Air or gas
42
INT.
EXT.
#1
#2
#3
#4
Noble gases
43
n=0.89
n=0.89
Longwave
IR >2,500 nm
Low-emissivity glazing
Ambient
heat
Longwave
IR >2,500 nm
Low-emissivity coating:
n=0.15 to 0.02
For example, emissivity of 0.2 means that 80% of the heat flow
absorbed by the glazing is reflected into the building.
The mathematical formula is:
INT.
EXT.
= AE = 1 TR RE = 1 RE
Low-E coating
>Emissivity
44
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INT.
INT.
EXT.
(because TR = 0)
EXT.
45
Triple glazing
Notes
>Solar control
46
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>Look of glazings
It is not advisable to fit conventional and high-performance
double glazing units side by side since there is a slight difference in colour (due to the presence of the metallic coating)
which may be visible under certain conditions.
Pyrolytic coatings
47
EXTERNAL
17.3C
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18.5C
12.8C
5.6C
20C
0C
Planibel
4 mm
Ug = 5.8
Traditional
IGU
4-12-4 mm
Ug = 2.9
IGU with
TopN+
4-15ar-4 mm
Ug = 1.1
2.3.6 CONDENSATION
Three types of condensation are likely to occur on glazings:
>
>
>
48
INTERNAL
Change in temperature of the internal side of the glazing depending on the Ug value
49
SOLAR CONTROL
Energy and light factors (or spectrophotometric factors) determine the transmission, absorption and light and energy reflection properties of glazings.
Energy factors
When the suns rays hit a glazing, the total incident solar radiation (between 300 nm and 2,500 nm) e is split up into:
>
>
>
and
e = qi + qe
The solar factor g (or SF) represents the total energy transmitted
through the glazing; it is therefore the sum of the radiation
transmitted directly and that which is absorbed and emitted
back to the inside:
2.4
g = e + qi
Light factors
Energy factors
Light factors
Direct energy
transmission
(DET or e)
50
Heat
transfer
e
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Energy
absorption
(EA or e)
Heat
transfer
i
Solar
factor
(SF or g)
Light
transmission
(LT or v)
Light reflection
(LR or v)
Light
absorption
Energy
reflection
(ER or e)
51
>
Solar factor g
Light transmission v
Clear glass 4 mm
0.86
0.90
0.76
0.81
Selectivity
Solar
energy
100
Clear glass
50
Expressions
EN 410
LR
LT
DET
EA
ER
Solar factor
SF
Selectivity
The heat entering a given room comes entirely from solar radiation, i.e. visible light, ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation.
52
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780
1000
2000
2500
Wavelength (nm)
Examples:
>
>
>
Former
expression
Index
53
EXT
EXT
INT
INT
EXT
EXT
>
1
1
2
2
3
3
EXT
1
1
4
2
INT
INT
INT
2
EXT
EXT
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
EXT
1
3
2
5
3
3
4
4
6
2
INT
INT
EXT
5
1
6
2
INT
4
INT
= Stopsol Classic green #1
+ Clear Planibel
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INT
INT
4
The sun can introduce too much heat into buildings with substantial glazed areas. Heat from the sun penetrates the room
via direct or indirect transmission after being absorbed by the
glazing. This solar radiation penetrating a building reaches
walls, floors and furniture, which partially absorb it and then
heat up. They then return this heat in the form of infrared heat
radiation with a wavelength in excess of 2,500 nm (longwave
infrared radiation). However, the glass is virtually opaque to this
high-wavelength radiation and the latter is therefore radiated
inside. This causes the temperature to rise gradually; this is how
the greenhouse effect works.
>
Introduction
> Heating rooms greenhouse effect
= Clear Planibel
+ Stopsol Classic green #2
= Clear Planibel
+ Stopsol Classic green against PVB
2. Absorption:
Objects become warm
4. Glass is opaque to
longwave IR
radiation
>
54
55
56
Optimum characteristics
in winter
provided there is sun
on the glazing
90
80
Impossible
70
Optimum characteristics
in summer
60
50
40
30
20
Irrelevant
(black glazing)
10
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Solar factor - SF
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The central white area of the graph is equivalent to those characteristics it is theoretically possible to achieve; some sections
of this area are more worthwhile from the point of view of solar
and light control:
Light transmission - LT
57
Two types of solar control glass are currently available: absorbent glass and coated glass.
These two functions can be combined in the same glazing.
This type of glass absorbs some of the energy from solar radiation before emitting it back inside and out.
Absorbent glass
58
Absorbent glass has been used less and less as a solar control
glass since techniques for applying coatings have made it possible to manufacture high-performance coated glass.
Absorbent glass warms up more quickly than conventional
glass. In some cases, a study should be conducted into the risk
of breakage by thermal stresses.
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> Notes
It is important to use the same type of glazing (thickness,
colour, coatings, etc.) side by side to ensure the uniform
appearance of a faade
Coated glass reflects light from the brightest area. When it
is dark outside and artificial light is used to light rooms, this
light will be reflected into the building and it will no longer
be possible to see out.
59
>
>
>
60
Pyrolytic coatings
Stopsol
Sunergy
Magnetron coatings
100
90
TopN+ in DGU
80
Energy N in DGU
70
Sunergy in DGU
60
Stopsol in DGU
50
Stopray in DGU
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Traditional DGU
40
30
20
10
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Solar factor - SF
Light transmission - LT
Spandrel panels
61
Glass with
magnetron
coatings
Stopsol
Sunergy
Stopray / EnergyN
Mechanical strength
good
good
poor
# 1 or 2
#2
# 1 or 2
#2
#2
Edge stripping
Processing options
no
no
yes
Laminating
Laminating
Laminating*
Toughening
Toughening
Enamelling
Enamelling
Bending
Bending
Toughening
Enamelling
Bending
EnergyNT
StoprayT
* The coating must not come into contact with the PVB.
Sunergy
Stopray /
EnergyN
High (# 1)
Poor (# 2)
Poor
Poor to high
Thermal insulation
Poor
Medium
High
Selectivity
Poor
Medium
High
Neutrality
Poor
Medium
High
Light reflection
62
Glass with
magnetron
coatings
NB: coloured and coated glasses can show slight colour variation.
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The two tables below show the various processing options and
the properties of AGCs solar-control coated glasses.
LIGHT CONTROL
>
>
2.5
63
Introduction
For each project, the architect must adapt the position and the
size of the openings depending on the direction the building
faces and its location and must choose the appropriate glazing.
Natural lighting
Position of openings
Since light travels in a straight line, the upper parts of openings are a rooms main light source. It is advisable to position
glazings so that their upper edge is at least halfway up the wall.
Roof openings are also a good idea.
64
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The amount of natural light available depends on weather conditions, the season, the time of day and any obstacles close to
the openings (trees and so on).
65
SOUND INSULATION
>
>
translucent and/or coloured glass: patterned glass, laminated glass with matt or coloured PVB, acid-etched or sandblasted glass or glass blocks
>
>
2.6
>
66
Low frequencies
<300 Hz
Medium frequencies
300 - 1,200 Hz
High frequencies
>1,200 Hz
a
0.003s
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0.003s
0.003s
Frequency ranges
67
The hearing threshold for the human ear is a pressure of 2.10-5 Pa;
it can withstand pressures of up to 20 Pa undamaged while the
pain threshold is approximately 200 Pa. The human ear is therefore so sensitive that the minimum audible change in pressure is
over 10 million times less than that of its pain threshold.
Blackout
Pain threshold
Acoustic pressure
In practice, acoustic pressure is not used to measure the intensity of a sound because:
the pressure range is too great: from 2.10-5 to 20 or indeed
100 Pa
> the relationship between the human ear and acoustic pressure is not linear but logarithmic.
The level of acoustic pressure Lp of a sound is therefore calculated using the formula:
p2
p
Lp = 10 log = 20 log (dB)
p20
p0
>
68
Effect
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Example
Sound pressure
p (Pa)
Acoustic pressure
Lp (dB)
200,000
200
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
20,000
2,000
200
Aircraft engine
Danger
Klaxon
20
Lawnmower
Metro train arriving
2
Large orchestra
Heavy traffic
0.2
Busy street
Loud voices
0.02
Quiet apartment
Normal voices
0.002
Quiet in the mountains
Whispers
0.0002
Silence in the desert
Hearing threshold
Total silence
0.00002
69
>
1 dB is virtually inaudible
>
3 dB is barely audible
>
5 dB is clearly audible
This means that it is incorrect to add together all acoustic pressure values expressed in dB.
>
Two sounds with the same acoustic pressure combine to produce a noise measuring 3 dB higher than that of each constituent part.
>
Lp = 10 log
p21
p22
+
p20
p23
+ ...
0.2 +0.2
Lp = 10 log
= 63 dB
2
(2.10-5)
70
This difference of 20 dB is roughly equivalent to the range covered by Glaverbels brands of acoustic glass.
Acoustic comfort
Level of acoustic
pressure (dB)
Bedrooms, libraries
20 to 30
20 to 40
Schools
25 to 40
30 to 40
Individual offices
30 to 45
Shared office
40 to 50
45 to 55
Sound spectrum
60 dB + 60 dB
= 63 dB
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Decibels in practice
71
40
30
20
160
250
400
Frequency (Hz)
Rw + C
Children playing
Disco music
Highway road traffic (> 80 km/h)
Medium- to high-speed rail traffic
Rw + Ctr
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50
0
100
60
10
72
73
70
40
RA = Rw + C
RA,tr = Rw + Ctr
Outside noise
The level and tone of background noise together with the level
of noise from unidentifiable sources are factors that must be
taken into account at the design stage in order to select the
appropriate sound insulation for a faade.
Not only can outside noise have a very different sound level
depending on its source but it can also vary in tone: fastmoving traffic, which is more high-pitched, has a different tone
to that of the low-pitched sound of a bus engine or slowermoving urban traffic; the sound of a plane or a train also has
a different tone. This consideration is all the more important
when designing a faade since it is far more difficult, in practice, to insulate against low-pitched sounds.
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Urban noise
60
25
80
200
500 1,250 3,150
Frequency (Hz)
Highway noise
50
Note: some countries do not use the symbol Rw (C; Ctr) but RA
and RA,tr instead, where:
80
74
5,000
Any glazing fitted in a frame provides sound insulation. However, some types of glazing such as laminated glass with resin
or acoustic PVB together with some specific types of double
glazings significantly improve acoustical performance.
The acoustical behaviour of different types of glazings is
described on the following page.
To illustrate this, the table below shows the spectra for two
types of sound sources (urban traffic and highway traffic).
Sound level
75
>
30
+ 6 dB
20
40
30
4 mm
20
Critical
frequency
10
0
100 160 250 400 630 1,000 1,600 2,500 4,000
Frequency (Hz)
Frequency (Hz)
The law of masses states that, in theory, if the mass of a partition is doubled then the sound insulation it provides increases
by 6 dB at a constant frequency.
www.yourglass.com
theory
Reality
60
60
50
50
40
30
20
+ 6 dB
10
50
40
>
60
50
>
60
10
In practice, this law is not always respected and there are three
frequency zones within a sound spectrum:
>
theory practice
40
30
10
8 mm
20
4 mm
Critical
frequency
0
100 160 250 400 630 1,000 1,600 2,500 4,000
Frequency (Hz)
Frequency (Hz)
>
77
3,200
2,560
2,133
1,600
10
1,280
12
1,067
15
853
19
674
Given their elasticity, acoustic PVB can separate the two glasses
making up the laminated glass and prevent it from acting as
a monolithic glass; the critical-frequency trough is less and is
shifted towards the high frequencies.
The table below shows the spectra for float glass and these
two types of laminated glass with the same total thickness.
Spectra of sound insulation for a single-pane glass and
laminated glass of the same thickness
60
>
>
78
Conclusions:
>
In light of the law of frequencies, all materials naturally provide better sound insulation against high frequencies than
against low ones. However, the noise against which buildings require sound insulation often contains low frequencies
Increasing the thickness of a single-pane glass which, in
theory, enhances said glasss sound insulation, has the disadvantage of shifting the critical-frequency trough towards
lower frequencies and thereby weakening the insulation
provided against low-pitched sounds; at low frequencies,
though, increasing the thickness of the glass can improve
performance to some extent
Single-pane glazings provide an insulation level (Rw) of
approximately 29 dB for a thickness of 4 mm up to 35 dB for
a thickness of 12 mm.
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40
30
20
0
100 160 250 400 630 1,000 1,600 2,500 4,000
10 mm FLOAT GLASS
55.2 LAMINATED GLASS
55.2 LAMINATED ACOUSTIC
GLASS
Frequency (Hz)
Conclusions:
>
For a laminated glass of equal mass, sound insulation generally increases in the zone in which it coincides with the critical
frequency. The sound-insulation trough is restricted by the
muffling of the vibrations by the interlayer. This effect is more
marked for acoustic PVB. In addition, in some cases the
resonance trough is shifted towards the high frequencies.
The overall effect can be seen mainly in Rw+C, less so for
Rw+Ctr
>
Laminated glasses have performance levels Rw of approximately 33 dB for 33.2 up to 39 dB for 88.2
>
50
10
Laminated glass
>
>
79
Double glazing
>
in relation to single-pane glazing, a lower level of insulation at low frequencies. This trend can be explained by the
fact that double glazing acts as a mass-spring-mass (m-r-m)
system. This mass-spring-mass system has a resonant frequency (entire system) located in the low-frequency zone of
approximately 200 to 300 Hz depending on the thicknesses
involved; sound insulation is significantly reduced in this
zone
>
To provide the building with efficient sound insulation, the resonant frequency of the mass-spring-mass system must be below
100 Hz. This condition is not met by double glazing made up
of two panes of glass of the same thickness and an air space of
12 or 15 mm, and the sound insulation of double glazing in the
low- and medium-frequency zone is limited.
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4-12-4
40
30
4 mm
20
10
This shows:
>
60
50
50
4-12-4
40
30
8 mm
20
10
0
100 160 250 400 630 1,000 1,600 2,500 4,000
Frequency (Hz)
Frequency (Hz)
60
Level of insulation (dB)
81
>
>
4-12-44.2 acoustic
4-12-44.2
50
40
4-12-4
30
20
10
0
100 160 250 400 630 1,000 1,600 2,500 4,000
Frequency (Hz)
50
8-12-5
40
30
4-12-4
20
10
0
100 160 250 400 630 1,000 1,600 2,500 4,000
>
>
>
>
Frequency (Hz)
Conclusions:
82
>
>
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60
83
Conclusion
Single-pane glazing:
increased thickness: slight improvement
u
sing laminated glass and acoustic laminated glass: significant improvement in performance levels.
>
Double glazing
always use dissymmetrical glazing
use a substantial air space
use thick glass in most instances
use a laminated glass (conventional PVB or safety) in place
of one of the two monolithic glasses
use a laminated glass with acoustic PVB for high levels of
sound disturbance.
>
84
>
The frame must be free from gaps and to this end dual joints
should be used to prevent air and water from entering the
frame. A good, airtight frame can improve performance by
up to 2 dB compared to the values detailed for the glazing.
By contrast, large gaps can reduce the stated insulation by
10 dB
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Triple glazings are of no particular value in terms of sound insulation because of the multiple resonance which occurs in the
cavities.
Triple glazings
85
>
>
>
AGC brands
Stratophone
Phonibel
Phonibel S (with Stratobel PVB laminated glass)
86
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51 dB
66.2 ST-20-44.2 ST
50
10-20-44.2 ST
45
43 dB
40
35
39 dB
37 dB
88.2
15 mm
12 mm
66.2
44.2
10 mm
33.2
8 mm
4 mm
3 mm
32 dB
30
88.2 ST
66.2 ST
55.2 ST
44.2 ST
33.2 ST
36 dB
Planibel
Float
glass
39 dB
8-15-55.2
8-12-66.2
10-15-6
6-12-44.2
8-12-44.2 ST
40 dB
8-12-5
6-15-4
35 dB
4-12-4
29 dB
25
8-15-66.2 ST
43 dB
>
29 dB
Stratobel
Stratophone
Laminated
glass with
PVB
Double
glazing with
laminated
PVB
Double
glazing with
laminated
acoustic PVB
Laminated
glass with
acoustic PVB
Standard
double
glazing
Monolithic glass
Double glazings
Rw
Planibel 12 mm
Glazing
12 mm
35 dB
Stratobel 44.2
9 mm
35 dB
Stratophone 33.2
7 mm
35 dB
>
Rw (dB)
>
87
SAFETY
General
Float glass
Heat-strengthened glass
>
>
2.7
Wired glass (flat or profiled) has metallic wire mesh built into it
during the manufacturing process designed to hold pieces of
glass together in the event of breakage. Nevertheless, if it suffers an impact, the pieces of glass and the wire mesh may come
apart thereby risking injury.
As such, this type of glazing may not be used as a safety product
designed to prevent injury or people falling through it.
Break pattern of wired glass
88
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89
90
Thickness (mm)
15
4 to 12
40
15 to 19
30
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>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Laminated glass
91
As such, in specific applications requiring a high level of compressive, a laminated glass made up of thermally toughened and
heat-strengthened glass is sometimes used; the former provides
mechanical strength while the latter gives adequate residual stability if the glass breaks until it is replaced.
Heat-strengthened laminated glass is sometimes used when a
higher level of bending resistance is required than that offered
by float glass or to prevent the risk of breakage due to thermal
shock.
A self-adhesive film may be applied to a glass to keep fragments in place in the event of breakage.
Examples:
>
>
92
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European (EN) testing has been in place and has been carried
out at national level for some years. These European standards
are due to replace national ones.
Laminated glass with PVB has its own system to denote composition. This takes the form of two (or more) figures indicating
the thickness of the different panes of glass in mm, followed
by a further figure separated from the rest by a dot giving the
number (rather than the thickness) of the PVB films between
each pane of glass. The PVB films are calculated with a thickness of 0.38 mm.
93
Fall height:
1: 1200 mm
2: 450 mm
3: 190 mm.
>
Types of fragmentation
>
>
>
Type of breakage:
>
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where:
Impact test
95
96
axe test
1100 mm
h
900 mm
130 mm
1100 mm
900 mm
Standard EN 356 Security glazing Testing and classification of resistance against manual attack sets out the testing
methods to be used to classify glasses in terms of their resistance to burglary. There are eight classes of increasing resistance; the first five classes denoted P1A to P5A are based on
the falling ball test; the next three classes denoted P6B to P8B
are based on an axe test.
Test
Ball
Axe
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Class
Number of blows
P1A
1,500 mm
3 in a triangle
P2A
3,000 mm
3 in a triangle
P3A
6,000 mm
3 in a triangle
P4A
9,000 mm
3 in a triangle
P5A
9,000 mm
3x3 in a triangle
P6B
30 to 50
P7B
51 to 70
P8B
> 70
Examples:
> A laminated glass is classed as 1B1 if it resists an
impact from a fall height of 1,200 mm without allowing
penetration
> A laminated glass is classed as 2B2 if it resists an
impact from a fall height of 450 mm without allowing
penetration
> A thermally toughened glass is classed as 1C1 if it
resists an impact from a fall height of 1,200 mm without
breaking
> A thermally toughened glass is classed as 1C2 if it
resists an impact from a fall height of 450 mm without
breaking and if it falls from a height of 1,200 mm and
fragments in accordance with toughened glass.
97
120
120
Glazing class
No requirement
P4A
P5A
P6B
P7B
P8B
120
98
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99
BR1
Type Calibre
of
weapon
Rifle
0.22 LR
BR2
Handgun
9 mm
luger
BR3
BR4
BR5
Type
Mass
(g)
Test conditions
Bullet Number Striking
Test
range velocity of distance
strikes
(m)
(m/s)
(mm)
120 10
120 10
Handgun
0.357
FJ(1)/CB/SC 10.2 0.1 5.00 0.5 430 10
magnum
120 10
Handgun
120 10
120 10
There are four classes of glass from ER1 to ER4 (The report also
states whether or not there are splinters (S) or (NS) behind
the glass.
Classes of explosion resistance according to standard EN 13541
5.56x45*
FJ(2)/FN/
SC
(2)
BR6
Rifle
7.62x51
FJ /PB/
SCP1
120 10
BR7
Rifle
7.62x51**
FJ(2)/PB/
HC1
120 10
SG1
Shotgun Cal 12/70 Solid lead(3) 31.0 0.5 10.00 0.5 420 20
ER1
SG2
Shotgun Cal 12/70 Solid lead(3) 31.0 0.5 10.00 0.5 420 20
120 10
ER2
ER3
ER4
Standard EN 13541 Security glazing Testing and classification of resistance against explosion pressure classifies explosion-resistant glasses (so-called shock-tube method).
100
Rifle
L/RN
5
4
3
2
1
cm
BR4
BR5
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BR6
BR7
SG
Kalash
Class
Positive Maximum
overpressure
Pr (kPa)
Positive Specific
impulse
i+ (kPa ms)
Duration of the
positive pressure
phase t+ (ms)
50 Pr < 100
20
20
20
20
Class
101
The standards detailed above specify minimum thicknesses. The actual thicknesses of the glass to be used
should be determined on a case-by-case basis in line
with impacts, the actual size of the glass and the way in
which it is fixed.
102
Although impact resistant, annealed float glass is never considered to be a safety glass.
To limit the risk of injury by shattered pieces of glass, only thermally toughened or laminated glass (with a minimum of 1 PVB
film) should be used; such glass can be used in the following
applications:
shop windows (if the bottom of the glass is close to ground
level)
internal partitions (if the bottom of the glass is close to ground
level) where there is no difference in the level on either side
doors and windows in public places
street furniture: bus shelters, telephone boxes, etc.
shower cubicles, shelves, furniture, etc.
in the case of roof glazings, laminated glass is vital to protect
people beneath the glazed opening against the risk of injury
by splinters which have become detached, in particular when
external objects have fallen on it. However, there is no guarantee that objects will not fall through it; it will only be effective if the stresses produced by the impact do not exceed the
performance levels afforded by the product used.
Moreover, where the edges of a glass are visible, they should
be ground (and in some cases, the glass should be thermally
toughened).
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Introduction
103
Protection
against
vandalism
Protection
against
burglary
Burglary resistance
104
Indicative value of the number of PVB coatings to be used depending on the level
of protection required (unless otherwise indicated, between two panes of glass)
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Level
of protection
Number
of PVB films
Sample
applications
Protection against
random vandalism
Protection against
basic burglary
Isolated houses
Shop windows presenting
a limited risk or containing
large objects
High-level protection
In the case of double glazing, to protect individuals the laminated glass should be positioned on the side on which the
impact is likely to occur.
Frame quality
105
FIRE PROTECTION
2.8.1 INTRODUCTION
Protection against fire is an increasingly important consideration when designing buildings and faades.
> Reaction
>
>
>
to fire measures the behaviour of a given material when exposed to fire and its contribution to fire growth.
For example, a distinction is drawn between non-combustible materials (which do not release any noticeable quantity of heat), combustible materials (which tend to emit heat
depending on the level of heat to which they are exposed)
and inflammable materials (materials liable to release gas,
the nature and quantity of which are likely to generate gaseous-phase combustion, i.e. to produce flames)
2.8
> The fire resistance of a unit is the time in minutes during which
106
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107
Floor coverings
108
Other products
Medium stress
level
Radiation stress arising from hot Stress through contact with the
gases released under the ceiling flame of a single burning item
(EN ISO 9239-1)
(EN 13823)
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These five test methods are linked to two others which pertain
to classification (EN 13501-1) and conditioning and choice of
stillage (EN ISO 13238).
109
Load-bearing elements:
>
>
>
>
Non-load-bearing elements:
Classification of glass
Flame resistant
EW
EI
REI t: t being the period during which all criteria (loadbearing capacity, integrity and insulation) are met
EI t: t being the period during which the integrity and insulation criteria are met
110
>
>
Fire-resistance tests
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>
111
800
Temperature (C)
900
700
600
>
>
>
500
400
300
200
100
0
112
20
40
60
80
100
Time (minutes)
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Testing Method
113
Laminated glass with an intumescent interlayer: this is a laminated or multi-laminated glass containing a solid interlayer
which expands in the event of a fire.
Introduction
AGC has a range of laminated glass with an intumescent interlayer (Pyrobelite and Pyrobel) offering various levels of fire
resistance. The table below gives a summary of these brands;
further details are given below.
>
The toughening process is specially designed for fire-resistant products to achieve high performance levels
AGC brands
Laminated glass with an intumescent interlayer
E
EW
EI
Pyrobel assembly
Reaction to fire: the interlayers expand
and provide a barrier against the fire
114
Pyrobel
Pyrobel and Pyrobelite are laminated glasses with an intumescent interlayer. In the event of fire, the interlayer or interlayers
expand when the partition reaches a temperature of approximately 120C and form a rigid screen which acts as a barrier to
flames, hot gases and heat radiation.
If a fire occurs, Pyrobelite transforms into a refractory and
opaque screen which is resistant to flames, gas and smoke from
the glazed partition and significantly reduces the amount of
heat radiated through said partition. It can reach performance
levels of EW 30 and EW 60.
In a fire, Pyrobel changes into a refractory opaque screen which
keeps out flames, gas and smoke from the glazed partition and
insulates it. It can reach performance levels ranging from EI 30
to EI 120.
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Pyrobel assembly
with intumescent transparent
interlayers
Pyrobelite
115