Glass: types and application
We all know glass buildings are the most attractive buildings in these modern times. Glass looks clean, bright and uniquely distinct from other buildings when spotted from a distance. Therefore, this presents an exciting moment to learn more about glass. What it is, different methods of its application, it’s frame work and more information about safety glass.
What is glass?
Glass is an amorphous material that lacks a long range periodic crystalline structure. Though glasses can be formed through many different methods, the most common method involves heating raw materials into a molten liquid and then rapidly cooling the liquid in such a way that the atoms remain in a randomly arranged atomic state
Glass that is used as a building material is known as architectural glass. It is most typically used as transparent glazing material in the building envelope, including windows in the external walls. Glass can also be used for internal partitions as an architectural feature. When used in buildings, glass is often of a safety type, which include reinforced, toughened and laminated glass.
Properties of glass
In recent decades, the application of this environment-friendly material has been developed in the field of construction because;
- It’s very high compressive strength, which is the capacity of a material to withstand loads tending to reduce size.
- It’s recyclable. Generally, glass is 100% recyclable. Through careful chemical mixing, glass can be made into the right shapes and sizes, suitable for construction
- It’s reduction of energy consumption. Glass always creates energy efficiency improvement and cost saving opportunities
- It’s resistance to corrosion
- Growth of the demand for the architecture of thinner and more transparent structures.
Types of glass and their uses in construction works
When it comes to selection of different types of glass, some of the glass options are; laminated glass and tempered glass. Lamination modifies the structural behavior of glass, both before and after breakage. During breakage, it is less dangerous.
Glass can be tempered either thermally or chemically. Since chemical tempering causes shallow but intense surface pre-compression, very thin glass panes can also be tempered through this method.
Other types of glass include;
Float glass- Modern windows are made from float glass. This type of glass is also called soda lime glass. It is clear and flat, so it causes glare. Based on it’s transparency, hardness and ease of cleaning, it is used in shop fronts for display, public places and in home windows as well.
Shatterproof glass- It is used for windows, skylights, floors etc
Chromatic glass- This glass provides a translucent effect which makes it suitable for use in ICU’s. This type of glass can control daylight and transparency effectively. These glasses are available in three forms; photochromatic (light sensitive lamination on glass), thermochromic (heat sensitive lamination on glass), and electrochromatic (light sensitive glass the transparency of which can be controlled by electricity switch)
