Building Materials and construction-V

AR 8621, UNIT I –Glass, 15 periods

Glass as a building material. Brief history of its use through examples. Manufacture, properties and uses of glass. Types of glass
- float glass, cast glass, glass blocks, foamed glass, decorative glass, solar control, toughened glass, wired glass, laminated
glass, fire-resistant glass, glass blocks, structural glass. Glass and energy efficiency in buildings. Application of glass in building
industry. Introduction to curtain wall glazing. Current innovations.

Understanding of product literature/ shop drawings. Site visits with documentation in the form of sketches/ photos.

Introduction: Industrial production initiated by The Crystal Palace of 1851, built by Joseph Paxton to house
the Great Exhibition.

Brief history of glass:

 MANUFACTURE OF GLASS

1500 C 1600 C 1100 C 600 C 200 C

Stage 1- Melting & Refining:Fine grained ingredients closely controlled for quality, are mixed to make a batch, which
flows into the furnace, which is heated up to 1500 degree Celsius. This temperature is the melting point of glass.

The raw materials that float glass is made up of are:

SiO2 – Silica Sand
Na2O – Sodium Oxide from Soda Ash
CaO – Calcium oxide from Limestone / Dolomite
MgO – Dolomite
Al2O3 – Feldspar
The above raw materials primarily mixed in batch helps to make clear glass. If certain metal oxides are mixed to this
batch they impart colors to the glass giving it a body tint.
Stage 2 - Float Bath:
Glass from the furnace gently flows over the refractory spout on to the mirror-like surface of molten tin, starting at
1100 deg Celsius and leaving the float bath as solid ribbon at 600 deg Celsius.
Stage 3 - Coating (for making reflective glasses):
Coatings that make profound changes in optical properties can be applied by advanced high temperature technology
to the cooling ribbon of glass. Online Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) is the most significant advance in the float
process since it was invented. CVD can be used to lay down a variety of coatings, a few microns thick, for reflect
visible and infra-red radiance for instance. Multiple coatings can be deposited in the few seconds available as the
glass flows beneath the coater (e.g. Sunergy)
Stage 4 - Annealing:
Despite the tranquillity with which the glass is formed, considerable stresses are developed in the ribbon as the glass
cools. The glass is made to move through the annealing lehr where such internal stresses are removed, as the glass
is cooled gradually, to make the glass more prone to cutting.
Stage 5 - Inspection:
To ensure the highest quality, glass manufacturers carry out inspection at every stage. Occasionally a bubble that is
not removed during refining, a sand grain that refuses to melt or a tremor in the tin puts ripples in the glass ribbon.
Automated online inspection does two things. It reveals process faults upstream that can be corrected. And it enables
computers downstream to steer round the flaws. Inspection technology now allows 100 million inspections per
second to be made across the ribbon, locating flaws the unaided eye would be unable to see.
Stage 6 - Cutting to Order:
The entire process of glass making is finally complete when diamond steels trim off selvedge – stressed edges- and
cut ribbon to size dictated by the computer. Glass is finally sold only in square meters.

ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF GLASS

Transparency: This property allows visual connection with the outside world. Its transparency can be permanently
altered by adding admixtures to the initial batch mix. By the advent of technology clear glass panels used in buildings
can be made opaque. (Electro chromatic glazing)

U value: The U-value is the measure of how much heat is transferred through the window. The lower the U-value the
better the insulation properties of the glass– the better it is at keeping the heat or cold out.

Strength: Glass is a brittle material but with the advent of science and technology, certain laminates and admixtures
can increase its modulus of rupture( ability to resist deformation under load). 

Greenhouse effect:  The greenhouse effect refers to circumstances where the short wavelengths of visible light from
the sun pass through glass and are absorbed, but the longer infrared re-radiation from the heated objects are unable
to pass through the glass. This trapping leads to more heating and a higher resultant temperature.

Workability: It is capable of being worked in many ways. It can be blown, drawn or pressed. It is possible to obtain
glass with diversified properties- clear, colorless, diffused and stained. Glass can also be welded by fusion.

Recyclable: Glass is 100% recyclable, cullets (Scraps of broken or waste glass gathered for re-melting) are used as
raw materials in glass manufacture, as aggregates in concrete construction etc.

Solar heat gain coefficient: It is the fraction of incident solar radiation that actually enters a building through the
entire window assembly as heat gain.

Visible transmittance: Visible transmittance is the fraction of visible light that comes through the glass. 

Energy efficiency and acoustic control: Energy-efficient glazing is the term used to describe the double glazing or
triple glazing use in modern windows in homes. Unlike the original single glazing or old double glazing, energy-
efficient glazing incorporates coated (low-emissivity) glass to prevent heat escaping through the windows. The air
barrier also enhances acoustic control.

TYPES OF GLASS
Float Glass: Float glass is also called soda lime glass or clear glass. This is produced by annealing the molten glass
and is clear and flat. It is available in standard thickness ranging from 2mm to 20mm. and has weight range in
6-36kg/m2. It is transparent and flat causing glare.

It is used in making canopies, shop fronts, glass blocks, railing partitions, etc.

Tinted Glass: Certain additions to the glass batch mix can add color to the clear glass without compromising its
strength. Iron oxide is added to give glass a green tint; sulphur in different concentrations can make the glass yellow,
red or black. Copper sulphate can turn it blue. Etc.

Toughened Glass: This type of glass is tempered, may have distortions and low visibility but it breaks into small
dice-like pieces at modulus of rupture of 3600 psi. They are available in same weight and thickness range as float
glass.

It is used in making fire resistant doors etc.

Laminated Glass: This type of glass is made by sandwiching glass panels within a protective layer. It is heavier than
normal glass and may cause optical distortions as well. It is tough and protects from UV radiation (99%) and insulates
sound by 50%.

It used in glass facades, aquariums, bridges, staircases, floor slabs, etc.

Shatterproof glass: By adding a polyvinyl butyral layer, shatter proof glass is made. This type of glass does not from
sharp edged pieces even when broken.

It used in skylight, window, flooring, etc

Extra clean glass: This type of glass is hydrophilic i.e. The water moves over them without leaving any marks and
photocatylitic i.e. they are covered with Nanoparticles that attack and break dirt making it easier to clean and
maintain.

Double Glazed Units/ Insulated Glazed Units: These are made by providing air gap between two glass panes in
order to reduce the heat loss and gain. Normal glass can cause immense amount of heat gain and upto 30%of loss of
heat of air conditioning energy. Green, energy efficient glass can reduce this impact.

Chromatic glass: This type of glass can control daylight and transparency effectively. This glass is available in three
forms- photochromatic (light sensitive lamination on glass), thermochromatic (heat sensitive lamination on glass) and
electrochromatic (light sensitive glass the transparency of which can be controlled by electricity switch.)

It can be used in meeting rooms and ICUs.

Glass wool: Glass wool is a thermal insulation that consists of intertwined and flexible glass fibers, which causes it to
"package" air, and consequently make good insulating materials.

It is used as filler or insulators in buildings, also for soundproofing.

Glass blocks: Hollow glass wall blocks are manufactured as two separate halves and, while the glass is still molten,
the two pieces are pressed together and annealed. The resulting glass blocks will have a partial vacuum at the hollow
center. Glass bricks provide visual obscuration while admitting light.

Foamed Glass: is a porous glass foam material. Its advantages as a building material include its light weight, high
strength, and thermal and acoustic insulating properties.

Solar control Glass: The glass is manufactured by tinting and/or applying a metallic coating. Solutions for solar
control reflect and filter the sun’s rays, allowing natural daylight into the room, but without uncomfortable visual glare.
 GLASS & ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS
Various performance ratings – like

U-factor

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Measure a product’s effectiveness in insulating and blocking heat from the sun, among other things. 

U-FACTOR
Simply put, U-factor measures how well a window keeps heat inside your home. It’s a measure of total heat flow
through a window or door from room air to outside air. Lower numbers indicate greater insulating capabilities. It’s a
particularly important measure for climates with colder winters.

SOLAR-HEAT GAIN
If U-factor denotes how much heat leaves your home, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much
radiant heat enters your home. All you really need to remember is: The lower the number, the less heat a window lets
in.

VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE
The amount of visible light transferred through a window. Low E coatings can reject solar heat gain without significant
reduction to visible light passing through the glass.
Can you help me to better understand the numbers? What’s a good U-factor number? What’s a good SHGC?
Different homeowners seek out different levels of efficiency, but a “good” U-factor is <.30. A “good” Solar Heat Gain
rating, meanwhile, on a scale from 0 to 1, is relative to climates in different regions. Low SHGC numbers are best for
southern climates where there’s intense sun exposure, whereas higher SHGC values make the most sense for
regions with cold winters.

Can you explain Low E coatings?

The ability of a material to radiate energy (heat) is called its emissivity. Extremely thin coatings of special low
emissivity (Low E) metallic material are applied to glass panes used in windows and doors to boost their energy
efficiency. Low E coatings, usually applied to the inside layers of insulating glass, manage the amount of light and
heat either conducted through a window or reflected away from it.
Are triple pane windows the best? The more panes the better, right?
Not always. Triple-pane windows work best when enhanced energy performance is a key objective. Tripane offers a
range of low-E configurations for greater Solar Heat Gain control, including panes filled with argon or krypton-argon
gas for added efficiency. But no matter how many panes there are, if the window is poorly constructed, poorly
installed or allow air leakage, it will not be efficient.

INSULATING GLASS (IG)

Two or more glass panes separated by energy efficient inert gas or air to reduce thermal transfer.
LOW E
Low E stands for low emissivity. Microscopically thin, transparent metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a glass
surface suppress radiative heat flow and reflect interior infrared energy (heat) back to the inside, reducing heat loss
through the glass. Various Low E coating options can manipulate heat gain to match different climate needs.
GAS FILLS
Argon or krypton mixes slow the movement of warm and cool air in IG airspaces and improve thermal performance.

TRIPANE GLAZING
Energy efficiency is achieved through the use of various window technologies. Low E coatings, frame materials,
glazing types, spacers, gas fill, and weatherstripping all contribute to efficient windows. Energy ratings for windows
and doors are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
 APPLICATION OF GLASS IN BUILDING INDUSTRY

&

CURRENT INNOVATIONS
Glass is now being used in the building industry as Insulation material, structural component, external glazing
material, cladding material;

It is used to make delicate looking fenestrations on facades as well as conventional windows.

With the advent of green technology in construction, glass is constantly undergoing transformation. Solar power
glass, switchable glass projection screens are a few of the newer uses. This is one material to look out for!

GRP/FRP panels: GRP is manufactured by combining hundreds of glass strands together using a pigmented
thermosetting UV resin. Glass-reinforced plastics are also used to produce house building components such as
roofing laminate, canopies etc. The material is light and easy to handle.

It is used in the construction of composite housing and insulation to reduce heat loss. Architectural lightweight
Cladding Panels, Weather resistant Cantilever Stadium Ceilings and Vaults, Logos, Emblems, Manhole Liners,
Modular Buildings, Kiosks, Car Park Shades, Facias, Water Tanks, Sewage Holding Tanks, Fountains, Translucent
Domes, Corrugated Roofing, etc.

GRG : is made from natural gypsum powder and glassfiber and biosurfactant additive and water, it's an quality
improved gypsum based on Alpha gypsum powder, higher strength and hardness better performance than alpha
gypsum.

used for interior decorations such as GRG ceiling panels, GRG artistics, GRG Roman pillars, GRG walls, GRG
domes, etc all are gypsum products inside building.

What is the difference between GRC and GFRC?

GFRC is glass fiber reinforced concrete with a minimum thickness of 1/2". True GFRC incorporates cast-in-place
steel skeletons with re-bar outriggers which in turn are welded to the building structure. GFRC components can be
supplied pre-colored.

GRC is glassfiber reinforced cement that is typically 5/16" thick and mechanically attached via screws. GRC is lighter
in weight which makes it possible to install larger components without major lifting equipment. GRC is primed and
painted on site.

GRC can be broken and cracking when the temperature change a lot.
 SOURCES
https://www.marvin.com/energy-efficiency

https://www.stanekwindows.com/energy-efficient-glass-options.aspx

http://www.understandconstruction.com/glass.html 

https://theconstructor.org/building/types-of-glass-properties-uses-construction/14755/ 

https://www.basystems.co.uk/blog/2016/10/glass-types/

http://precongrc.com/grc.php

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263516000133

Story:Role of steve jobs in Structural Glass, Gorilla glass, Patents etc.. 5TH AVENUE APPLE STORE – NEW
YORK, NY
 ACTIVITY/DELIVERABLES
● During design case study students to note the application of glass for the particular project,
checklist has been given to follow.
The output of this exercise is expected through sketches.
Photos where it inaccessible or not legible for further discussion and understanding.
● Collection of product literature and shop drawings.
● Vocabulary and understanding of various components used in the building industry involving glass.
● Individual design of any of the following through sketches –
Windows, Doors, Ventilators, Stairs, Building Fascia, Shop front, Partitions, Sky lights, Floors/Roofs etc..
● To have literature study, net case study before start of above design.
● Walk around the campus/polytechnic identify the glass used based on the design checklist.
● Inviting Guest Lecture from St.Gobain on further knowledge sharing.
 QUESTION PAPER

PART-A
1. Is a glass a naturally occurring building material?
2. What is the main raw material for manufacturing glass.
3. Can glass be bent. What process will be done.
4. I want 2 glasses tinted blue and green, what should I add.
5. What is meant by float glass.
6. What is Annealing.
7. What Is meant by toughened glass.
8. What is the advantage of toughened glass.
9. Give any 4 types of glass used in building construction.
10. What is the max. and min. thickness of glass in commercial production.
11. In structural glazing, what glass I used.
12. List any 4 Innovations using glass as building material
13. Is Glass a green building material? Justify in 4 points.
14. What are the 5 properties of glass making it a appropriate building material.
15. Can you drill a hole at site in glass. Justify.
16. What is laminated glass.
17. How does solar control glass work?
18. Can glass be used as an insulation material? How?
19. When did glass begin to be used in a massive scale?
20. What are the three technologies available for fire protection glass?
21. What is Low-E glass?
22. What is thermo chromic glass, when can it be used.
23. What is meant by beveled glass.

PART-B
1. Explain with sketch the manufacturing process of glass.

2. List down the different types of glass and its application in building construction

3. Draw the sketch, complete with fixing details, fittings of a window with the following details,

3 shutters – 2 operable, 1 fixed with 8mm thick glass, wooden frame