What are the uses of glass in construction?
- Traditional form and function
- Application advancement
- Transparent uses
- Outlook
- The different types of glass
All glass and aluminum suppliers in the Philippines will tell you that glass is being used in the building industry, whether it’s used to make conventional windows or structural members in new-age buildings. Glass is used in construction and for architectural purposes in engineering. With so many different properties and uses, you can definitely say that glass can be just as great as aluminum and steel. Here are some of the uses of glass as an ideal material for construction:
Traditional Form and Function
A glass is described as a transparent, sparkling, delicate, and illustrative material. It is one of the most useful and most interesting materials with more applications and installation techniques that are constantly in development. Glass is used in various methods during construction projects with an exact form and type.
The most familiar glass forms are fiberglass products that are being used for insulation and translucent panels, transparent blocks, and windows. Another is glass insulation, and it is typically installed as loose particles blown into cavities and ceilings used as specialized equipment.
Application Advancement
Glass in its solid, float manufactured state really shines in construction and it is constantly being used in more and more construction projects. However, it requires more advanced installation methods. Prefabricated structural fiberglass panels make use of interlocks and adhesives in achieving engineering performance like of steel and wood elements. There are a lot of installation methods that have improved as well, such as frameless glazing utilizes specialized adhesives to hold glass panels against structural supports in place without an exposed framework. This leads to a smooth and continuous effect on a lot of buildings exteriors, floors, and facades.
Transparent Uses
The main property of glass is transparency which allows the vision of the outside world through it. The transparency of glass can either be from both sides or from one side only. In the recent forms of recent construction techniques, glass has always been utilized in making beams and columns.
It does not only look dramatic but also has an attractive compression and strength to weight ratio. Glass achieves its strength when loaded in compression. Post-tensioning techniques are used to ensure the structural elements of glass bear compressive loads.
Outlook
The developments in the glass sector are not all limited to its classic properties, whether its energy savings and solar protection, but it can also improve and change its stability and surface. As the product versatility for glass increases, so does the need for architects, engineers, and building owners to consult with a glass protector.
Glass for Windows and Facades
The primary use for windows is to supply natural daylight, fresh air, and provide protection from rain, cold, and wind. These purposes which are characteristic for windows can be mostly achieved by means of special multifunctional designs.
Sophisticated window and facade systems combine different technical demands with the creative freedom of planning. The potential of glass is not only for increasing in transparency and quality of living, but it can also emphasize the vitality of reflecting surfaces and the presence of structures.
Types of Glass Used in Construction
Let’s discuss some of the different glasses that are broadly used for construction:
Soda Lime Glass
Soda Lime Glass or Float Glass is a mixture of sodium silicate and calcium silicate. It is smooth at low temperature and it can be blown or welded easily when infusion condition. It is colorless and it is mainly used for window panes and for the laboratory tubes and other apparatus.
Potash Lead Glass
A type of glass with a mixture of potassium silicate and lead silicate. Its properties possess bright luster and great refractive power. It is mostly used in the manufacturing of artificial gems, electric bulbs, and lenses.
Common Glass
A mixture of sodium, calcium, and iron silicate. It is brown, green, and yellow in color and mainly used for in manufacturing medicine bottles.
Shatterproof Glass
It is used for windows, skylights, floors etc. Some type of plastic polyvinyl butyral is added in the making process so it cannot form sharp-edged pieces when it breaks.
Double Glazed Units
This type of glass is made by providing an air gap between two glass panes in order to reduce heat loss and gain. Normal glass can cause an immense amount of heat gain and 30% of the loss of heat or air conditioning energy. Green, energy efficient glass can reduce this impact.
Special Glasses
Some properties of glasses can be suitably altered by changing basic ingredients and adding a few more ingredients. It is now emerged as a versatile material to meet any special requirement in engineering.
Key Takeaway
Most glass and aluminum suppliers in the Philippines will tell you that glass is a great material to use for construction purposes. With different types of glasses, transparent uses, and properties, glass is definitely a great material to use for buildings and other construction purposes.