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Impact resistance. Glass blocks are inherently stronger than conventional glass because of the thickness of the faces and the mortar that binds the blocks together. As a result, glass blocks are more difficult to break and, therefore, provide resistance and are a deterrent to forced entry and vandalism.

Solid 3-inch glass block units provide the greatest resistance to breakage and are ballistics-tested and qualified to UL levels 1, 2 and 6. Even greater resistance to forced entry can be achieved by using metal grid systems that accommodate the solid units.

In the case of mortared systems, single blocks can be replaced at minimal expense compared to conventional glass, which requires replacement of the full pane or panel.

Earthquake resistance. Glass block panels inherently have two attributes that make them safe in earthquakes. One is their rigidity relative to a tall building’s rigidity. When used in tall buildings, the glass block panels experience earthquake motions that cycle back and forth very slowly relative to the vibrational frequency of the glass block. Thus, the glass block’s ride during an earthquake is a smooth ride. The building acts like the soft shock absorbers in cars that soften passengers’ ride from the irregular imperfections in the road.

The second attribute of the glass block

is the rigidity of the glass block panel relative to the rigidity or short buildings or residences. The critical vibrational frequency is greater than the more severe vibrational frequency of the earthquake ground shaking. Therefore, the g-forces from the earthquake are not amplified or turned into the ground motion as other architectural items such as chandeliers or bookshelves.

 

Click for Additional Required Reading To receive AIA/CES credit, you are required to read this additional text. For a faxed copy of the material, contact Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block Technical Service at (800) 871-9918. The quiz questions include information from this material.