Glass is a hard substance which may be transparent or translucent and brittle in nature.
It is manufactured by fusion process. In this process sand is fused with lime, soda and
some other admixtures and then cooled rapidly. Glass is used in construction purpose
and architectural purpose in engineering.
Engineering Properties of Glass
Transparency
Strength
Workability
Transmittance
U value
Recycle property
Transparency of Glass
Transparency is the main property of glass which allows the vision of outside world
through it. The transparency of glass can be from both sides or from one side only. In
one side transparency, glass behaves like mirror from the other side.
Strength of Glass
Strength of glass depends on modulus of rupture value of glass. In general glass is a
brittle material but by adding admixtures and laminates we can make it as more strong.
Workability of Glass
A glass can be molded into any shape or it can be blown during melting. So, workability
of glass is superior property of glass.
Transmittance
The visible fraction of light that passing through glass is the property of visible
transmittance.
U value of Glass
U value represents the amount of heat transferred through glass. If a glass is said to be
insulated unit then it should have lower u value.
Recycle Property of Glass
Any glass can be 100% recyclable. It can also be used as raw material in construction
industry.
Types of Glass and their Uses in Construction Works
The types of glass used in construction are:
Float glass
Shatterproof glass
Laminated glass
Extra clean glass
Chromatic glass
Tinted glass
Toughened glass
Glass blocks
Glass wool
Insulated glazed units
Float Glass
Float glass is made of sodium silicate and calcium silicate so, it is also called as soda lime
glass. It is clear and flat so, it causes glare. These glasses are available from 2mm to
20mm thickness ranges. They have a weight range of 6 to 36 kg/m2. These are used as
shop fronts, public places etc.
Shatterproof Glass
Shatterproof glass is used for windows, skylights, floors etc. Some type of plastic
polyvinyl butyral is added in its making process. So, it cannot form sharp edged pieces
when it breaks.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is the combination of layers of normal glass. So, it has more weight
than normal glass. It has more thickness and is UV proof and soundproof. These are
used for aquariums, bridges etc.
Extra Clean Glass
Extra clean glass has two special properties, photocatalytic and hydrophilic. Because of
these properties, it acts as stain proof and gives beautiful appearance. Maintenance is
also easy.
Chromatic Glass
Chromatic glass is used in ICUs, meeting rooms etc. it can control the transparent
efficiency of glass and protects the interior from daylight. The chromatic glass may be
photochromic which has light sensitive lamination, thermos-chromatic which has heat
sensitive lamination and electrochromic which has electric lamination over it.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is nothing but colored glass. A color producing ingredients is mixed to the normal glass mix to
produce colored glass which does not affect other properties of glass. Different color producing ingredients are
tabulated below
Coloring ion Color
Iron oxide Green
Sulphur Blue
Manganese dioxide Black
Cobalt Blue
Chromium Dark green
Titanium Yellowish brown
Uranium yellow
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass is strong glass which has low visibility. It is available in all thicknesses
and when it is broken it forms small granular chunks which are dangerous. This is also
called as tempered glass. This type of glass is used for fire resistant doors, mobile screen
protectors etc.
Glass Blocks
Glass block or glass bricks are manufactured from two different halves and they are
pressed and annealed together while melting process of glass. These are used as
architectural purpose in the construction of walls, skylights etc. They provide aesthetic
appearance when light is passed through it.
Glass Wool
Glass wool is made of fibers of glass and acts as good insulating filler. It is fire resistant
glass.
Insulated Glazed Units
Insulated glazed glass units contains a glass is separated into two or three layers by air
or vacuum. They cannot allow heat through it because of air between the layers and acts
as good insulators. These are also called as double glazed units.
