BRITISH STANDARD BS 5516:1991

Code of practice for

Design and installation

of sloping and vertical
patent glazing
BS 5516:1991

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Policy Committee
(ECB/-) to Technical Committee ECB/25, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Flat Glass Manufacturers Association

Glass and Glazing Federation
Institution of Structural Engineers
Patent Glazing Contractors Association
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse
Materials) for Buildings
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes
into effect on
30 April 1991

BSI 04-1999
First published, as CP145.101.
April 1951
Second edition, as CP145-1,
January 1969 Amendments issued since publication
Third edition, as BS 5516,
December 1977 Amd. No. Date Comments
Fourth edition April 1991

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference ECB/25
Draft for comment 89/11294 DC

ISBN 0 580 19167 2

 BS 5516:1991

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iii
Section 1. General
0 Introduction 1
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Provision of information 3
Section 2. Components, materials and finishes
4 General 4
5 Supporting members, flashings, ancillary components and finishes 4
6 Infillings 7
7 Sealing and glazing materials 8
Section 3. Design
8 General 9
9 Selection of materials 9
10 Structural 9
11 Openings 34
12 Fire 35
13 Weather resistance 35
14 Heat conservation 36
15 Condensation 37
16 Solar heat gain 37
17 Thermal safety 40
18 Transmission of light 40
19 Sound reduction 41
20 Durability 41
21 Human safety 42
22 Security 44
23 Access for maintenance and cleaning 44
Section 4. Work on site
24 Storage of materials 45
25 Installation 45
Section 5. Maintenance
26 Access for maintenance and cleaning 49
27 Inspection 49
28 Cleaning 49
29 Other maintenance 51
Appendix A Symbols 52
Appendix B Wind load 53
Appendix C Snow load 53
Appendix D Dead load (self-weight) 54
Appendix E Maintenance load 54
Appendix F Determination of working pressures for patent glazing 54
Appendix G Determination of working pressures for supporting
members 55
Appendix H Determination of required geometric properties of section
for supporting members 56
Appendix J Plastics glazing sheet materials 57

BSI 04-1999 i
BS 5516:1991

Page
Appendix K Thermal stress in glass 61
Figure 1 Aluminium patent glazing bars 5
Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling 18
Figure 2(a) Two-edge supported annealed glass (float, cast, polished
wired and wired cast) 18
Figure 2(b) Two-edge supported toughened (tempered) float glass 19
Figure 2(c) Two-edge supported laminated float glass 20
Figure 2(d) Two-edge supported double glazing units (symmetrical)
(float and toughened (tempered) float) 21
Figure 2(e) Two-edge supported double glazing units (asymmetrical)
(float, cast, toughened (tempered) float, laminated float, polished wired
and wired cast) 22
Figure 2(f) Four-edge supported annealed glass (float, cast, polished
wired and wired cast) 23
Figure 2(g) Four-edge supported toughened (tempered) float glass 24
Figure 2(h) Four-edge supported laminated float glass 25
Figure 2(i) Four-edge supported double glazing units (symmetrical)
(annealed float glass) 26
Figure 2(j) Four-edge supported double glazing units (symmetrical)
(laminated float and toughened (tempered) float) 27
Figure 2(k) Four-edge supported double glazing units (asymmetrical)
(toughened (tempered) float and laminated float) 28
Figure 2(l) Four-edge supported double glazing units (asymmetrical)
(float, laminated float, polished wired and wired cast) 29
Figure 2(m) Four-edge supported double glazing units (asymmetrical)
(cast, polished wired and wired cast) 30
Figure 3 Recommended minimum thicknesses of solid plastics
glazing sheet material for infilling 31
Figure 3(a) Two-edge supported panes and four-edge supported
panes with aspect ratios of pane greater than 3.5 : 1 31
Figure 3(b) Four-edge supported panes with aspect ratios of pane
from 2.5 : 1 to 3.5 : 1 32
Figure 3(c) Four-edge supported panes with aspect ratios of pane
from 1.5 : 1 to 2.5 : 1 33
Figure 3(d) Four-edge supported panes with aspect ratios of pane
from 1.0 : 1 to 1.5 : 1 34
Figure 4 Additional framing at entrances 36
Figure 5 Typical rack for the storage of glass 46
Figure 6 Dimensional and positional tolerances of patent glazing 47
Figure 7 Use of ladders and crawling boards for temporary access 50
Figure 8 Edge clearance and edge cover for plastics glazing sheet
materials 59
Figure 9 Cutting hollow section plastics glazing sheet materials 60
Table 1 Fire performance of glass 35
Table 2 Thermal transmittance (U-values) of glass (single glass and
sealed double glazing units) 38
Table 3 Thermal transmittance (U-values) of plastics glazing sheet
materials (single and double sheet and hollow section) 38
Publications referred to 62

ii BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Policy Committee. It
is a revision of BS 5516:1977, which is withdrawn.
This edition gives recommendations for the use of plastics glazing sheet materials
as infilling and contains more detailed advice about the structural design of
patent glazing. Subjects not previously dealt with and now included are human
safety, security, thermal safety and finishes of materials.
Assessed capability. Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the
desirability of assessment and registration of a suppliers quality systems against
the appropriate Part of BS 5750 by a third party certification body.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 62, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

BSI 04-1999 iii

iv blank
 BS 5516:1991

Section 1. General

0 Introduction This standard does not include the design of the

supporting structure to which the patent glazing is
Patent glazing is the term applied to a self-draining
attached.
and ventilated system of dry glazing which does not
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
rely necessarily for its watertightness upon external are listed on page 62.
glazing seals. It consists essentially of a series of
longitudinal supporting members, i.e. patent 2 Definitions
glazing bars, and an infilling of glass or other
suitable infill material. Patent glazing bars are For the purposes of this British Standard the
attached to and supported by structural members, following definitions apply, together with the
either directly or indirectly, but are not usually symbols in Appendix A.
connected together in the form of a frame. 2.1
Patent glazing systems are described by the number aspect ratio of pane
of edges by which the infilling is supported by the ratio of the longer to the shorter side of a
supporting members. rectangular pane
a) Two-edge systems are those in which the 2.2
infilling is fully supported by patent glazing bars butt joint
on two opposite longitudinal edges only.
joint between edges of adjacent panes of infilling,
Horizontal flashings or other weatherings are
normally provided at the top and bottom edges usually horizontal and weathered by a came or
and between panes. sealant
b) Four-edge systems are those in which the 2.3
infilling is fully supported by patent glazing bars came
on two opposite longitudinal edges and non-loadbearing member used to weather a
additionally on the other two edges by transverse horizontal butt joint in a two-edge system of patent
supporting members. glazing
2.4
1 Scope cap
This standard gives recommendations for the strip, which may retain infilling, fitted over a patent
design, manufacture, installation and maintenance glazing bar to impede direct water penetration
of sloping and vertical patent glazing systems (See Figure 1)
attached to and supported by structural members of
adequate strength, stiffness and stability. All the 2.5
recommendations apply to flat, including faceted, fastener
patent glazing. The recommendations also apply to mechanical device for securing patent glazing to the
curved patent glazing except for the structural supporting structure, or for connecting or fastening
design of curved patent glazing. one part to another
The patent glazing systems included in this 2.6
standard comprise supporting members of fixing
aluminium or steel for two-edge and four-edge item or assembly of items which forms the
systems for single and double glazing, and other attachment of patent glazing to the supporting
components. A range of transparent and opaque structure
infillings of glass, plastics glazing sheet and other
materials is included; specific information on 2.7
plastics glazing sheet materials is given fixing bracket
in Appendix J. fitting attached to a patent glazing bar and secured
This standard covers the use of patent glazing in to a structural member by fasteners
permanent buildings and structures, other than NOTE Cleat, plate, shoe and slipper are deprecated terms for
greenhouses. Clauses which are relevant also apply fixing bracket.
to the use of patent glazing inside buildings. 2.8
The procedure for structural design given in this flashing
standard is based on permissible stress design. strip of impervious material, usually metal, dressed
Limit state design may be used but is not included or fitted in order to exclude water from the junction
in this standard. between patent glazing and adjacent material or
between joints in patent glazing

BSI 04-1999 1
BS 5516:1991

2.9 2.20
four-edge system span of supporting member
patent glazing with infilling fully supported on four parallel distance between the centres of two
edges adjacent points of attachment of a supporting
2.10 member to a structural member, or to another
glazing stop supporting member, measured in the plane of the
glazing
fitting attached to the lower end of a patent glazing
bar to prevent the infilling from sliding 2.21
storm clip
2.11
head fitting attached to a patent glazing bar to restrain
the infilling against negative wind pressure
top member in patent glazing, usually horizontal
2.22
2.12 supporting member
infilling
member that supports and retains the edge of
sheet material that occupies the space between infilling
supporting members
2.23
2.13 transom
pane
intermediate transverse supporting member in a
infilling cut to size and shape four-edge system of patent glazing, spanning
2.14 between patent glazing bars and incorporating a
patent glazing bar water channel
longitudinal supporting member in patent glazing 2.24
that spans between structural members and two-edge system
incorporates water channels patent glazing with infilling fully supported on two
2.15 opposite longitudinal edges
setting blocks 2.25
pieces of resilient material used at the bottom edge vertical patent glazing
of infilling patent glazing at an angle of 75 or more to the
2.16 horizontal
sill 2.26
bottom member in patent glazing, usually water channel
horizontal groove within the section profile of a supporting
2.17 member to collect and drain water to the outside of
sloping patent glazing the building, either directly or indirectly
patent glazing at an angle of less than 75 to the (See Figure 1)
horizontal 2.27
2.18 weathering
spacing strip of material to control the passage of water
perpendicular distance between the centres of two and/or air through a joint in patent glazing, or
adjacent parallel supporting members, measured in between patent glazing and adjacent material
the plane of the glazing 2.28
2.19 wing
span of infilling metal strip fitted to the side of a patent glazing bar
perpendicular distance between two adjacent to retain infilling and impede direct water
parallel supporting members, measured in the penetration (See Figure 1)
plane of the glazing

2 BSI 04-1999

3 Provision of information
3.1 General
To ensure that the intentions of the building
designer and the requirements of the patent glazing
contractor are clearly understood, consultation is
recommended at both the initial design and tender
stages.
Information normally required by the patent
glazing contractor is given in 3.2 to 3.4 and is
usually best provided in the form of drawings,
specifications, bills of quantities or other related
documents.
3.2 Design and performance
Information which should be provided by the
building designer includes the following:
a) location, degree of exposure and the altitude of
the site where the building is situated;
b) intended use and occupancy of the building
together with any specific performance criteria in
respect of the following:
1) fire (see clause 12);
2) weather resistance (see clause 13);
3) heat conservation (see clause 14);
4) condensation (see clause 15);
5) solar heat gain (see clause 16);
6) thermal safety (see clause 17);
7) transmission of light (see clause 18);
8) sound reduction (see clause 19);
9) durability (see clause 20);
10) human safety (see clause 21);
11) security (see clause 22);
c) details of any environmental factors or
atmospheric conditions which may have an
adverse effect on the patent glazing, especially
any corrosive conditions;
d) position of the patent glazing on the building,
the external dimensions of the building and
details of any features which may affect the
distribution of wind or snow;
e) design loads for the particular situation of the
patent glazing;
f) details of supporting structure including the
size, spacing, nature and dimensional and
positional tolerances of structural members,
surrounding construction and adjacent
materials;
g) dimensions of the patent glazing including
angle of glazing to the horizontal and preferred
spacings of patent glazing bars and any other
supporting members;
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
h) type(s) of patent glazing bar, type(s) of
infilling, type(s) of flashing and any decorative or
protective finish(es) required;
i) details of any ventilation or other openings
required and their method of operation;
j) details of any access equipment to be provided
for cleaning/maintenance;
k) any other relevant information.
3.3 Site attendances and facilities
Responsibility for the following matters should be
made clear to the patent glazing contractor at
tender stage:
a) provision of suitable scaffolding, working
platforms, lifting gear or mobile towers as and
when required to suit the progress of the patent
glazing works;
b) receiving and unloading materials at the site
and distribution of materials to and from storage
area;
c) safe storage of materials on the site in a covered
store;
d) hoisting and/or carrying materials to the
correct floor level or work area;
e) provision where required of datum levels at not
more than 15 m intervals and grid lines on each
floor;
f) provision of fixing holes, inserts or similar
devices in the supporting structure when
required and for any other preparatory work;
g) provision of electric power (110 V 15 A) within
a distance not exceeding 15 m from each work
face;
h) removal of any temporary protective masking,
coating, wrapping, labels, stickers and the like;
i) cleaning down, casing and protection of the
patent glazing after installation;
j) provision of safety, health and welfare facilities.
3.4 Time schedule
To assist in the preparation of a preliminary
programme the following information should also be
provided at the time of tendering:
a) period(s) allowed for the completion of the
patent glazing works including the approximate
date when the patent glazing contractor will be
required to commence on site;
b) availability of all necessary details and
information to enable working drawings to be
prepared for submission for approval by the
building designer;
c) period required by the building designer to
approve working drawings after submission.
3
BS 5516:1991
Section 2. Components, materials and finishes
4 General
All components of a patent glazing system should be
manufactured from materials or protected by
finishes which are compatible, durable and capable
of resistance to corrosion and degradation in the
environmental and service conditions in which they
are expected to be used. Specially corrosive
conditions require particular attention and the
patent glazing contractor should be provided with
the necessary information at the initial design stage
(see clauses 3 and 9).
Materials and finishes should satisfy the essential
requirements of hygiene, health and safety in use.
The selection of suitable materials and finishes
should take into account performance criteria,
visual considerations and the economic factors
involved.
5 Supporting members, flashings,
ancillary components and finishes
5.1 Patent glazing bars (longitudinal
supporting members)
5.1.1 Types of patent glazing bars
Patent glazing bars should be one of the following
types.
a) Aluminium bars
1) traditional bars in which the stalk or web
projects to the outside and the infilling is
retained either by wings of aluminium, lead or
plastics, or by caps of aluminium or plastics
[see Figure 1(a)];
2) inverted bars in which the stalk or web does
not project to the outside and the infilling is
retained by caps of aluminium or plastics
[see Figure 1(b)].
b) Lead-sheathed steel bars. These bars have a
steel core encased in an extruded lead sheath
with integral lead wings. Sheaths are sealed at
their ends by lead burning or soldering.
c) Plastics-sheathed steel bars. These bars
have a steel core encased in an extruded plastics
sheath which is sealed at the ends. The infilling
is retained in position by an extruded plastics
cap.
d) Composite steel bars. These bars consist of a
steel flat, tee or other section to which is fitted an
aluminium or a plastics carrier section. The
infilling is retained in position by caps or wings of
aluminium or plastics.
5.1.2 Materials for patent glazing bars, caps,
wings and sheaths
Materials for patent glazing bars, caps, wings and
sheaths should be as follows.
4 BSI 04-1999
a) Aluminium bars. These should bc extruded
from alloy complying with designation 6063,
temper T6 of BS 1474. Other alloys and tempers
may be suitable and the patent glazing contractor
should be consulted as to their use.
b) Steel bars or cores. These should be
manufactured from hot rolled steel sections that,
when tested in accordance with BS EN 10 002-1,
have a minimum ultimate tensile strength
of 355 N/mm2. Rust and millscale should be
removed before fabrication (cutting to length,
drilling, notching, etc.). After fabrication, prior to
lead or plastics sheathing, steel cores should be
protected by the application of a suitable rust
inhibiting material or inert coating.
c) Aluminium caps and wings. These should be
extruded from alloy complying with
designation 6063, temper T6, of BS 1474, or
formed from sheet or strip aluminium complying
with designation 1200 or from alloys
designated 3103, 5005 or 5251 of BS 1470 in a
temper suitable for the particular type of
application and degree of forming to be adopted.
Other alloys may be suitable and the patent
glazing contractor should be consulted as to their
use.
d) Lead wings and sheaths. These should be
extruded from lead showing a medium grain size.
Lead sheaths should be not less than 0.8 mm
thick.
e) Plastics caps, wings and sheaths. These
should be extruded from unplasticized polyvinyl
chloride. Plastics sheaths should be not less
than 0.75 mm thick.
f) Other materials. The suitability of other
materials should be checked with the patent
glazing contractor.
5.2 Transverse supporting members (head,
sills and transoms)
Transverse supporting members should be made
from one of the following materials.
a) Aluminium
1) Extruded sections: alloy complying with
designation 6063, temper T6, of BS 1474.
Other alloys and tempers may be suitable and
the patent glazing contractor should be
consulted as to their use.
2) Formed sections: sheet or strip aluminium
complying with designation 1200 or alloys
designated 3103, 5005 or 5251 of BS 1470 in a
temper suitable for the particular type of
application and degree of forming to be
adopted.

NOTE Designs vary considerably; the drawings are stylized representations only and do not show fastners.
Figure 1 Aluminium patent glazing bars
b) Steel
1) Hot-rolled sections: steel that, when tested
in accordance with BS EN 10 002-1, has a
minimum ultimate tensile strength
of 355 N/mm2.
2) Formed sections: steel sheet complying with
BS 1449-1 or galvanized steel sheet complying
with BS 2989.
5.3 Flashings
Flashing materials should comply with one of the
following specifications.
a) Lead: milled lead sheet complying with
BS 1178 with a minimum thickness of 1.8 mm
(code No. 4).
b) Aluminium
1) Site formed flashings: sheet or strip
aluminium complying with
designation 1050A, temper 0, of BS 1470 and
not less than 0.8 mm thick.
2) Preformed flashings: sheet or strip
aluminium complying with designation 1200
or alloys designated 3103, 5005 or 5251 of
BS 1470 in a temper suitable for the particular
type of application and degree of forming to be
adopted and not less than 0.9 mm thick.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
c) Steel: steel sheet complying with BS 1449-1 or
galvanized steel sheet complying with BS 2989
and not less than 0.7 mm thick.
Other flashing materials are available but their
suitability should be checked with the patent
glazing contractor.
5.4 Ancillary components
5.4.1 Weatherings
Weatherings such as cames, weather bars, closures
and fillers, if made from one of the materials
described in 5.1.2 and 5.3, should comply with the
relevant specification. Other materials should be
compatible with other components of the patent
glazing. Where wood is used, it should be of a
durable type and, if necessary, treated with
preservative of a type compatible with the other
components of the patent glazing and adjacent
materials.
5.4.2 Fittings
Fixing brackets, glazing stops, storm clips,
etc. should be of materials, shapes and thicknesses
adequate to withstand the loads imposed upon them
and any likely movements.
NOTE A large variety of fittings may be used and it is not
practicable to give detailed recommendations.
5
BS 5516:1991
5.4.3 Fasteners
Bolts, screws, studs, nuts, rivets and other
mechanical fasteners should have adequate
strength for the particular condition in which they
are to be used and should be made from one of the
following materials.
a) Brass: alloy complying with designation
CZ 121 Pb3 or CZ 121 Pb4 of BS 2874 or other
suitable alloy of a composition not likely to show
stress corrosion tendencies should be used.
NOTE Brass fasteners should not be used with aluminium.
b) Aluminium: bolt or screw stock alloy
complying with designation 5056A, temper H4, of
BS 1473 or other suitable alloy of a composition
not likely to show stress corrosion tendencies
should be used.
c) Steel: mild steel should be protected either by
electroplating with zinc or cadmium complying
with BS 3382 and chromate passivated and
sealed in accordance with BS 6338, or by
sherardizing to class 1 in accordance with
BS 4921. Other protective treatments may be
suitable and the patent glazing contractor should
be consulted as to their use.
d) Stainless steel: austenitic steel complying
with grade A2 or A4 of BS 6105 should be used.
NOTE The compositions of grades A2 and A4 in BS 6105
correspond approximately to 304S31 and 316S31 in
BS 1449-2 respectively.
Where patent glazing is to be subjected to vibration,
fasteners of a type which resist slackening should be
used.
5.5 Finishes
NOTE The selection of suitable finishes for aluminium and
steel will depend on the degree of protection and/or decorative
effect required.
5.5.1 Finishes for aluminium
Aluminium components are available in the
following types of finish.
a) Mill. This description applies to untreated
aluminium surfaces. The rate at which the
original bright, metallic appearance will become
dull as the surface oxidizes and develops a
roughened texture depends upon environmental
conditions. Mill finish may not be suitable where
appearance is important or where close fitting,
moving parts are involved.
b) Anodized. Suitably prepared aluminium is
treated electrochemically during which process
the surface of the metal is converted to a hard,
translucent film of aluminium oxide forming a
protective coating. A range of colours is available.
6 BSI 04-1999
The appearance of the anodic film depends upon
material composition, form, temper or condition
and surface texture and care should be taken in
the selection of materials for components which
are required to be closely matched. Special
consideration should be given where anodized
extrusions and anodized sheet or strip are used
in conjunction.
For external applications anodic oxide coatings
on aluminium should comply with BS 3987. For
internal applications a thinner coating in
accordance with the method described in
BS 1615 may be used.
c) Organic coated. Pre-treated aluminium is
coated with synthetic resin, commonly polyester
or acrylic based, applied in powder or liquid form
and stoved on to produce a protective film. A wide
range of colours which can be closely matched on
different substrates is available.
Organic coatings on aluminium should comply
with BS 6496 for powder coatings and BS 4842
for liquid coatings.
5.5.2 Finishes for steel
Components made from steel (except stainless
steel), which are not otherwise protected against
corrosion, should be protected by one of the
following types of finish.
a) Hot-dip galvanized. Cleaned steel is
immersed in molten zinc which becomes
chemically bonded to the base metal to produce a
protective coating. The coating, which may have
a bright, metallic appearance, is usually
overpainted after installation to provide a
coloured finish for decoration and added
protection.
Hot-dip galvanized coatings on steel should
comply with BS 729.
b) Zinc sprayed. Grit blasted steel surfaces are
sprayed with particles of semi-molten zinc which
become mechanically bonded to the abraded
surface of the base metal to produce a protective
coating. The coating has a roughened, dull, matt
grey appearance which is usually primed and
subsequently overpainted after installation to
provide a coloured finish for decoration and
added protection.
Zinc sprayed coatings on steel should comply
with BS 2569-1.
c) Organic coated. Suitably prepared steel is
coated with synthetic resin, commonly polyester
based, applied in powder or liquid form and
stoved on to produce a protective film. A range of
colours which can be closely matched on different
substrates is available.

Organic powder coatings on hot-dip galvanized
steel should comply with BS 6497.
6 Infillings
6.1 Maximum size
Maximum size limits are determined more often by
design considerations than by availability.
Important design factors influencing size limits are
loadings (e.g. wind, snow), safety, fire and security
considerations. Ease of handling and means of
access to vertical or sloping patent glazing are
further considerations which relate to both the
weight and dimensions of the infilling.
Within two-edge systems, larger sizes may be
achieved by incorporating horizontal butt joints
with cames or suitably designed sealant joints.
The patent glazing contractor should be consulted
about the suitability of the size of panes, shapes
other than rectangles, or panes of unusual
dimensions.
6.2 Glass
Glass for glazing is classified in BS 952-1. The
designer should check the availability and viability
of the glass chosen with the manufacturer and/or
the patent glazing contractor. The following types of
glass are normally used in patent glazing.
a) Annealed
1) Transparent glass: clear float, body tinted
float, surface coated float and polished wired
glass.
2) Translucent glass: clear cast (patterned)
glass, body tinted cast (patterned) glass and
cast wired glass.
b) Processed
1) Toughened (tempered) glass: any annealed
glass, with the exception of wired glass, that
has been subjected to a heating and rapid
cooling process that imparts a greater strength
to the material. The process makes the glass
more resistant to mechanical and thermal
stress.
2) Opaque glass: produced by firing in a
ceramic frit during the toughening process.
3) Laminated glass: two or more panes of
annealed or toughened glass usually
laminated together by means of polymeric
interlayers. The normal interlayer is poly
(vinyl butyral), although a number of
cast-in-place resin systems are now available.
There are also available specialized laminated
glasses incorporating intumescent interlayers
for fire performance.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
4) Insulating glass units (double glazing units):
factory made, hermetically sealed double
glazing units which may incorporate any
annealed, toughened or laminated glasses in
any viable combination. The panes of glass are
separated by a hermetically sealed space of
dehydrated air or a special gas mixture.
Surface coatings not suitable for single glazing
may be incorporated in double glazing units
with the coating on a cavity surface.
6.3 Plastics glazing sheet materials
Plastics glazing sheet materials are of various basic
polymer types. The types marketed vary because of
differences in their chemical composition or
form, i.e. solid or hollow section. Whilst different
types are normally available under their
proprietary brand names, the basic types most
commonly used in patent glazing are generically:
a) polycarbonate (PC);
b) polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly referred to
as rigid PVC; unplasticized PVC or uPVC;
c) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), commonly
referred to as acrylic.
These are available in both solid sheet and hollow
section form.
In addition to clear transparent, some of the above
types are available as transparent colours, as opal
whites and with patterned surfaces.
For further information on plastics glazing sheeting
materials, see Appendix J.
6.4 Other materials
A wide range of materials, with or without
insulating backings, may be used as infillings.
These include:
a) aluminium sheet;
b) coated metal sheet;
c) profiled plastics sheet material;
d) glass fibre reinforced plastics sheet (GRP);
e) composite panels.
For the full technical information required for these
and other types of infill material, reference should
be made to the manufacturer.
7
BS 5516:1991
7 Sealing and glazing materials
7.1 General
There is a wide range of materials available for the
seating of infilling and the weather sealing of joints
in patent glazing and between patent glazing and
adjacent materials. These materials should be of a
resilient nature, capable of accommodating any
likely movements, and be compatible with the
substrates to which they are applied or with which
they are in contact. Care should be taken in the
selection of sealing and glazing materials to ensure
that they are sufficiently resistant to climatic
effects, especially ultraviolet light and atmospheric
pollution in the conditions in which they are to be
used (see also Appendix J).
NOTE 1 With some infillings, notably laminated and solar
control glasses and double glazing units, correctly positioned
setting blocks of adequate size, with or without glazing materials,
should be used to prevent direct contact between the bottom edge
of the glass and any metal component, continuous or otherwise.
NOTE 2 Suitable materials for use as setting blocks in patent
glazing include plasticized polyvinyl chloride (with a softness no.
of 35 to 45 ; see BS 2571) and extruded unplasticized polyvinyl
chloride. However, plasticized polyvinyl chloride setting blocks
are not recommended for use with plastics glazing sheet
materials.
8 BSI 04-1999
7.2 Types
7.2.1 Preformed
Preformed types are usually of substantially dry,
non-viscous materials, commonly in reel or strip
form, and include mastic tapes, greased cords,
synthetic rubbers and plastics sections and gaskets,
either solid or cellular. Such materials, which do not
normally undergo a physical or chemical change,
may require to be used under compression.
Preformed rubber gaskets should comply with the
appropriate Part of BS 4255.
7.2.2 Formed-in-place
Formed-in-place types are usually of viscous
materials for application by hand, knife or gun and
include bulk mastics, glazing compounds and
sealants. Such materials may undergo a physical or
chemical change after initial placing and may also
have adhesive properties.
One-part gun-grade polysulphide-based sealants
should comply with BS 5215.
Two-part polysulphide-based sealants should
comply with BS 4254.
Silicone-based sealants should comply with
BS 5889.

Section 3. Design
8 General
Consideration should be given at the initial design
stage, in consultation with the patent glazing
contractor, to the dimensional and positional
accuracy of the supporting structure and adjacent
materials. It is especially important that the
supporting structure for four-edge systems is built
to a high degree of dimensional and positional
accuracy over the whole area to which the patent
glazing is to be attached.
Where thermal or other movement joints are
required in a building it may be necessary to
incorporate corresponding junctions in the patent
glazing. The patent glazing contractor should be
consulted at the design stage as to the specific
movements involved, in order that these can be
accommodated within the patent glazing system.
9 Selection of materials
9.1 General
When selecting materials and finishes for use in
patent glazing, their compatibility with other
components of the building should be considered.
The compatibility of components within patent
glazing systems should also be considered
(see clause 4). Materials should be selected in
consultation with the patent glazing contractor.
9.2 Performance criteria
The performance criteria which may influence the
materials selected include the following:
a) structural (clause 10);
b) openings (clause 11);
c) fire (clause 12);
d) weather resistance (clause 13);
e) heat conservation (clause 14);
f) condensation (clause 15);
g) solar heat gain (clause 16);
h) thermal safety (clause 17);
i) transmission of light (clause 18);
j) sound reduction (clause 19);
k) durability (clause 20);
l) human safety (clause 21);
m) security (clause 22);
n) access for maintenance and cleaning
(clause 23).
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
9.3 Visual considerations
The degrees of variation in the colour, texture,
pattern and evenness of internal and external
visible surfaces will depend upon the materials used
and the surface finishes. The acceptable degree of
variation in appearance should be established in
consultation with the patent glazing contractor.
10 Structural
10.1 Structural support
Patent glazing should be attached to, and supported
by, structural members of adequate strength,
stiffness and stability. Deflection of a structural
member should be limited to 1/360 of its span unless
otherwise recommended in an appropriate British
Standard code of practice, e.g. BS 5950-1 , CP 118 .
The patent glazing contractor should be consulted
with regard to those features of members affecting
the accommodation of the patent glazing.
10.2 Structural function
The patent glazing system should be capable of
sustaining and transmitting to the structure at its
points of support the most adverse combination of
loads likely to be encountered in service without
damage or permanent deterioration of its
performance. There should be no significant,
irreversible deformation or excessive deflection of
any of its parts resulting from the design loads.
Patent glazing bars are the longitudinal supporting
members in a system of patent glazing. The primary
structural requirements of a patent glazing bar are
to resist the loads acting on the surface of the
glazing in addition to its own weight and that of the
infilling and to provide continuous support and
retention to the longitudinal edges of the infilling
against positive and negative pressure. Patent
glazing bars may also be required to resist other
specified loads such as those incidental to
maintenance.
Transoms are intermediate, transverse secondary
supporting members in four-edge systems of patent
glazing. The principal structural requirements of a
transom are to act in conjunction with the patent
glazing bars in resisting the loads acting on the
surface of the glazing in addition to its own weight
and that of the infilling and to provide continuous
support and retention to the transverse edges of the
infilling against positive and negative pressure.
Transoms have also to resist the dead load acting
downwards in the plane of the glazing.
The infilling should be capable of sustaining the
loads acting on the surface of the glazing in addition
to its own weight and of transferring them to the
supporting members.
9
BS 5516:1991
Fixings should be capable of withstanding the
maximum support and restraint loads to which they
may be subjected and of resisting any likely
movements.
10.3 Loading
Patent glazing is not designed to withstand loads
imposed by the structure to which it is attached. The
loads that normally have to be resisted by patent
glazing are combinations of those due to the
following.
a) Wind exerted on the surface of the patent
glazing, which may act either inwards (positive
pressure) or outwards (negative pressure or
suction) or both: negative and positive pressures
are not necessarily equal in magnitude.
b) Snow acting inwards on the surface of the
patent glazing.
c) Self-weight, usually acting inwards: the weight
should also be considered as a load acting
downwards in the plane of the glazing.
d) Maintenance, if required, which should be
taken as acting inwards on sloping patent glazing
but which may act either inwards or outwards on
vertical patent glazing.
10.4 Assessment of design loads
10.4.1 Wind load
The design wind loads, both positive and negative,
for the particular situation of the patent glazing
should be determined at the initial design stage
(see 3.2).
Wind loads for external walls and roofs of normal,
rectangular, clad buildings and for canopy roofs may
be determined by the method described in
CP 3:Chapter V-2 . A summary of this procedure is
given in Appendix B.
For buildings of unusual geometric shape or site
location not covered by CP 3:Chapter V-2 and
problems involving consideration of the excess
pressure near ground level that may, in some
circumstances, be generated by downdraught from
tall buildings or high speed air currents such as may
occur in narrow paths between buildings, the
building designer should seek advice from the
Building Research Establishment or the National
Physical Laboratory.
10.4.2 Snow load
The design snow loads on roofs for the particular
situation of the patent glazing should be determined
at the initial design stage (see 3.2).
Snow loads on roofs may be determined by the
method described in BS 6399-3. A summary of this
procedure is given in Appendix C.
10
Exceptional local effects such as shelter from the
wind or local configurations which funnel the snow
may give rise to increased loading. If the building
designer thinks that there may be unusual local
conditions that may need to be taken into account
then the nearest meteorological office or informed
local sources should be consulted.
Where there is a risk of damage by impact from
large masses of snow sliding off an adjoining roof at
higher level, snowguards should be fitted and the
building designer may refer to BS 6367 for detailed
advice.
10.4.3 Dead load (self-weight)
Dead loads for supporting members and for the
infilling should be calculated from the actual known
mass of the materials.
When considering the dead load for supporting
members, the weight taken should be that of the
supporting member, together with that of the infill
material. When considering the dead load for the
infilling alone, the weight taken should be that of
the infill material only. (See Appendix D.)
Self-weight should also be considered as a dead load
acting downwards in the plane of the glazing.
10.4.4 Maintenance load
Safe and efficient means of access for the
maintenance including cleaning of patent glazing,
both inside and outside, should be considered by the
building designer (see clause 26). It is essential that
account should be taken of any loading on the patent
glazing that might arise incidental to maintenance
and the patent glazing contractor should be
provided with the necessary information at the
initial design stage (see 3.2).
Access systems which are independent of the patent
glazing should be preferred especially for the
maintenance of patent glazing at high level where,
for example, long ladders may be difficult to handle
safely.
Where direct access by temporary ladder or
crawling boards is intended the patent glazing bars
should, if required, be capable of supporting the
loads imposed by their use and a method of
assessing such loads is discussed in Appendix E.
Maintenance loads should never be carried directly
by the infilling.
For patent glazing at low level and certain forms of
patent glazing at roof level, maintenance may be
carried out from the ground or adjacent areas of
solid, weight-bearing roof without the need to
impose any maintenance load on the patent glazing
itself.
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Those responsible for the maintenance of patent
glazing should be made aware of any load limits on
which a particular design is based so that they may
ensure that such limitations are not exceeded
(see clause 26).
10.4.5 Other loads
Where loads other than those mentioned in 10.4.1
to 10.4.4 are anticipated, for example any
permanent imposed loads or suspended loads, due
allowance should be made and the patent glazing
contractor should be provided with the necessary
information at the initial design stage (see 3.2).
Permanent imposed loads should never be carried
directly by the infilling.
10.5 Determination of working pressures
10.5.1 General
In determining working pressures for patent
glazing, account should be taken of the most adverse
combination of design loads that is likely to occur in
service in the particular situation of the patent
glazing and an analysis of this procedure is given
in Appendix F.
10.5.2 Supporting members
Working pressures for supporting members may be
determined by the method described in Appendix G.
The values so obtained should be used in the
formulae given in Appendix H for determining the
required geometric properties of section for
supporting members.
10.5.3 Infilling
10.5.3.1 Glass
Glass is appreciably weaker when subjected to a
sustained load such as snow and dead loads than to
a load of short duration and, in determining working
pressures for glass, it is essential that account
should be taken of the effect of the duration of the
various loads under consideration. The flexural
strength of glass on which thickness computations
such as are given in 10.8.1 are based is that for a
uniform, momentary (3 s gust wind) load and the
relative strength for a sustained load is
approximately ) of that for a short-term load.
When considering snow load and dead load in
conjunction with wind load these sustained loads
should be multiplied by a factor of 2.6 so that their
effect on the strength of the glass may be considered
in terms of a 3 s gust wind load. This factor is not
applied to the dead load where it merely reacts
against a negative wind pressure since the weight
counters the wind suction only when the suction
occurs.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
Applying this adjustment for sustained loads to the
combinations of design loads considered
in Appendix F, the following expressions are
obtained.
a) For sloping patent glazing:
+ pw + 2.6(ps + pdi) and if a negative value for
pw is derived, i.e. wind suction conditions:
pw + pdi
b) For vertical patent glazing:
+ pw + 2.6pdi and if a negative value for pw is
derived, i.e. wind suction conditions:
pw + pdi
In the expressions given in a) and b), to take account
of windless conditions when no positive value for pw
is derived, zero should be substituted for + pw.
Each load case should be considered and whichever
of the resultant values is numerically the greater
should be taken as the operative working pressure
for glass, pg, for the particular situation of the
patent glazing. The values thus obtained arc for use
with the graphical data given in 10.8.1 for
determining the recommended minimum thickness
for glass.
The expressions given in a) and b) apply to glass in
single glazing and to hermetically sealed double
glazing units. With systems of double glazing
comprising two separate and mechanically
independent layers of glass, assuming some degree
of air permeation between the panes, each pane
should be designed to resist the full wind load, both
positive and negative, in addition to its own weight.
With such systems of double glazing, only the outer
pane of glass needs to be capable of carrying the
snow load.
11
BS 5516:1991
10.5.3.2 Plastics glazing sheet materials
Under long-term, sustained loads, such as snow and
dead loads, plastics glazing sheet materials can
undergo a slight permanent deformation known as
creep. This can manifest itself as a visible sagging of
the infilling. In determining working pressures for
plastics glazing sheet materials, it is essential that
account should be taken of the effect of the duration
of the various loads under consideration. The
performance of plastics glazing sheet materials on
which data given in 10.8.2 are based is that for a
uniform, momentary (3 s gust wind) load. When
considering snow load and dead load in conjunction
with wind load, these sustained loads should be
multiplied by a factor so that their effect on the
performance of plastics glazing sheet materials may
be considered in terms of a 3 s gust wind load. Based
on experience and experimental knowledge, a factor
of 2 is recommended. This factor is not applied to
the dead load where it merely reacts against a
negative wind pressure since the weight counters
the wind suction only when the suction occurs.
Applying this adjustment for sustained loads to the
combination of design loads considered in
Appendix F, the following expressions are obtained.
a) For sloping patent glazing:
+ pw + 2(ps + pdi) and if a negative value for
pw is derived, i.e. wind suction conditions:
pw + pdi
b) For vertical patent glazing:
+ pw + 2pdi and if a negative value for pw is
derived, i.e. wind suction conditions:
pw + pdi
In the expressions given in a) and b), to take account
of windless conditions when no positive value for pw
is derived, zero should be substituted for + pw.
Each load case should be considered and whichever
of the resultant values is numerically the greater
should be taken as the operative working pressure
for plastics glazing sheet materials, pp, for the
particular situation of the patent glazing. The
values thus obtained are for use with the data given
in 10.8.2 for determining the recommended
minimum thickness for solid sheet or the form of
hollow section sheet, of the plastics glazing sheet
materials.
12
The expressions given in a) and b) apply to solid
plastics glazing sheet materials in single glazing
and to hollow section plastics glazing sheet
materials. With systems of double glazing
comprising two separate and mechanically
independent layers of plastics glazing sheet
materials, assuming some degree of air permeation
between the panes, each pane should be designed to
resist the full wind load, both positive and negative,
in addition to its own weight. With such systems of
double glazing, the outer pane should be capable of
carrying the snow load but the inner pane need not.
10.5.3.3 Other infill materials
For the determination of appropriate working
pressures for other infill materials the
manufacturer should be consulted.
10.5.4 Fixings
The combination of loads which induce critical
stress in fixings may not be the same as those for
supporting members and infilling and should be
determined separately.
10.6 Strength and stiffness
10.6.1 Supporting members
10.6.1.1 General
Supporting members should be strong enough to
withstand the working pressure without permanent
bending or yielding of their material. They should
also be stiff enough to restrict elastic deflection to an
amount likely to be visually acceptable and prevent
damage to, or displacement of, the infilling and
other adjacent materials and components, or cause
impairment to the functional performance of the
patent glazing system.
10.6.1.2 Strength
Supporting members which are principally
uniformly loaded and simply supported, if designed
to resist bending stresses, will usually be
satisfactory in respect of other mechanical stresses.
In determining working pressures for supporting
members on the basis of the maximum 3 s gust wind
load, as described in Appendix G, permissible
stresses may be increased by one-third. The
following design bending stresses should be used in
calculations involving the strength of supporting
members, such as are given in Appendix H.
a) For extruded sections in aluminium alloy
designation 6063 temper T6 of BS 1474, having
minimum 0.2 % proof stress of 160 N/mm2
fm = 97 N/mm2 1.33 = 129 N/mm2
b) For hot rolled sections in mild steel having
minimum yield stress of 240 N/mm2
fm = 165 N/mm2 1.33 = 219 N/mm2
BSI 04-1999

For other material specifications appropriate
working stresses should be determined.
When supporting members are used as structural
members, they should be designed fully in
accordance with CP 118 and BS 5950-1 and suitable
stresses adopted. The design of the infilling should
be in accordance with this standard, however.
NOTE In the context of this code, supporting members should
not be considered as structural members. In determining design
bending stresses for supporting members as used in a system of
patent glazing, lateral instability of section is not a criterion due
to the restraint provided by the infilling.
10.6.1.3 Stiffness
For supporting members carrying glass and other
similar infill material, the maximum allowable
deflection normal to the plane of the glazing is
usually determined by considerations of appearance
as well as the flexibility of the infilling. To restrict
stresses in the infill material, the following
deflection limits (in mm) should not be exceeded.
a) For two-edge systems:
1) for single glazing and for double glazing
other than hermetically sealed double glazing
units
2 involving the stiffness of supporting members such
S - 103
y m2 = ----------
180
or 50 whichever is the less;
2) for hermetically sealed double glazing units
2
S 3
y m2 = ----------- 10
540
or 20 whichever is the less.
b) For four-edge systems:
1) for single glazing and double glazing when
the span is less than or equal to 3 m, other
than hermetically sealed double glazing units
S - 103
y m4 = ----------
125
2) for single glazing and double glazing when
the span is greater than 3 m, other than
hermetically sealed double glazing units
S - 103 + 12
y m4 = ----------
250
or 40 whichever is the less;
3) for hermetically sealed double glazing units
S - 103
y m4 = ----------
175
or 40 whichever is the less.
The values given in a) and b) should be used in the
formulae given in Appendix H.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
When designing to these maximum values, account
should be taken of the magnitude of deflection under
sustained loading and of the possible effect on
adjacent materials and finishes. If lower deflection
limits are required, these should be specified by the
building designer and the patent glazing contractor
should be provided with the necessary information
at the initial design stage (see 3.2).
For other infilling materials, especially those with
inflexible coverings, the amount of deflection may
need to be reduced and the manufacturer should be
consulted.
Maximum recoverable deflection in the plane of the
glazing of a transverse supporting member when
carrying its full design load should not be such as to
reduce design edge clearance between that member
and the edge of the infilling or any other part
immediately below it by more than 25 % and
generally should not exceed 1/400 of the span of the
member or 3 mm whichever is the less. Certain
types of ventilators or fittings may make it
necessary to reduce the amount of this deflection.
Recommended values for Youngs modulus of
elasticity in bending, for use in calculations
as are given in Appendix H, are as follows.
a) For aluminium alloys,
Em = 65 500 N/mm2
b) For mild steel,
Em = 210 000 N/mm2
10.6.2 Infilling
10.6.2.1 Glass
The strength of glass to withstand uniform loading
is based on the safe tensile stress it can carry and
depends on the type, size and thickness of the glass,
the manner and the number of edges by which the
glass is fully supported and, in the case of glass fully
supported along all four edges, the aspect ratio of
pane. Deflection in the glass should also be limited
to an amount likely to be visually acceptable and not
impair its performance or weather resistance at
flashings and other weatherings. Greater flexural
strength does not indicate greater stiffness.
When glass is fully supported along two opposite
longitudinal edges only, transverse bending of the
glass creates stress at the mid-span and this is
controlled by limiting the unsupported span of the
glass. However, the adoption of the strength of the
glass as the criterion may result in excessive
transverse deflection and this should be taken into
account when determining the spacing of
longitudinal supporting members.
13
BS 5516:1991
When glass is fully supported along all four edges,
up to an aspect ratio of pane of 3 : 1, the stress in the
centre of the glass is controlled by limiting the area
of the pane.
For an aspect ratio of pane greater than 3 : 1 the
glass is considered to be effectively fully supported
along two opposite long edges only.
10.6.2.2 Plastics glazing sheet materials
The strength of plastics glazing sheet materials to
withstand uniform loading is based on adequate
resistance to flexing and depends on the size and
thickness of the plastics glazing sheet material and,
in the case of hollow section sheets, the geometry of
their structure. It also depends on the manner and
number of edges by which the plastics glazing sheet
material is fully supported, the edge cover provided
by the supporting members and, in the case of
plastics glazing sheet materials fully supported
along all four edges, the aspect ratio of pane.
Failure of a pane of plastics glazing sheet material
under mechanical load is more likely to be by
displacement than by breakage. Deflection of the
plastics glazing sheet material should be limited to
an amount likely to be visually acceptable and not
impair its performance or weather resistance at
flashings or other weatherings. (See Appendix J.)
Deflection of the plastics glazing sheet material
results in reduction of edge cover. When the plastics
glazing material is supported along two opposite
longitudinal edges only, adequate edge cover is
maintained by limiting the unsupported span of the
pane. In the case of plastics glazing sheet materials
fully supported along all four edges, having an
aspect ratio of pane of not more than 3.5 : 1,
adequate edge cover is maintained by limiting the
area of the pane. Panes fully supported along all
four edges having an aspect ratio of pane greater
than 3.5 : 1 are considered to be supported along
two opposite long edges only. In the case of a hollow
section plastics glazing sheet material fully
supported along all four edges, account should be
taken of the different stiffness properties parallel to
and perpendicular to the geometric profile which
characterizes the sheet and reference should
therefore be made to the manufacturer for design
information.
10.6.2.3 Other infill materials
Strength and stiffness characteristics of other infill
materials should be obtained from the
manufacturer.
14
10.6.3 Fixings
The structural design of mechanical fixings will
depend on the materials from which they are made,
the way in which the loads are applied, the stresses
involved (which may be a combination of stresses)
and the method of attachment. If necessary, a
detailed analysis should be made to ascertain the
actual requirements in a particular case.
Fasteners which secure patent glazing to the
supporting structure should be capable of
sustaining and transmitting all design loads
imposed upon them. The material to which they are
attached should be capable of resisting all the forces
exerted by the fasteners.
10.7 Determination of required geometric
properties of section for supporting members
The strength of a supporting member in terms of its
resistance to bending is a function of its modulus of
section, while stiffness is a function of its second
moment of area. Formulae for determining the
required properties of section in a direction of
bending normal to the plane of the glazing for
straight supporting members in two-edge and
four-edge systems of patent glazing are given
in Appendix H.
The required properties of section for transverse
supporting members in four-edge systems of patent
glazing should also take into account the dead load
acting downwards in the plane of the glazing;
usually this will be transmitted by setting blocks as
two equal and symmetrically placed point loads.
These loads may not be directed through an axis of
symmetry of the section and the required geometric
properties about the neutral axis in a direction of
bending parallel to the plane of the glazing should
be determined from appropriate engineering
formulae.
The critical bending stress in a supporting member
is likely to be compressive and, as patent glazing
may be subject to both positive and negative
bending in the direction normal to the plane of the
glazing, the compression face of the section may be
either on the outside or on the inside. For simplicity
of calculations therefore, in considering a
supporting member which is not symmetrical about
the axis of bending, the lesser of the two values for
the actual modulus of section about the neutral axis
should be taken so that extreme fibre stress is not
exceeded.
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10.8 Determination of recommended
minimum thickness for infilling
10.8.1 Glass
Working pressures for glass determined on the basis
of a 3 s gust wind load, taking account of sustained
loading effects as described in 10.5.3.1, are used to
calculate the minimum thickness or maximum size
of pane by a graphic technique. The procedure given
below is for rectangular panes of annealed and
processed flat glass, as described in BS 952-1, used
in a system of patent glazing in which the
supporting members provide a minimum edge cover
of 7 mm and which do not deflect under maximum
design load by more than the appropriate limits
given in 10.6.1.3. The procedure applies to glass in
single glazing, to each pane of glass in double
glazing comprising two separate and mechanically
independent layers of glass and to hermetically
sealed double glazing units.
The graphs may be used to determine the
recommended minimum thickness of glass type for
a given unsupported span or area of glass, according
to the number of edges by which the glass is fully
supported.
Figure 2(a) to Figure 2(e) are for glass which is fully
supported on two opposite, longitudinal edges only
and for glass which is fully supported on all four
edges having an aspect ratio of pane greater
than 3 : 1.
Figure 2(f) to Figure 2(m) are for glass which is fully
supported on all four edges having an aspect ratio of
pane not greater than 3 : 1. These graphs show a
shaded band for each glass thickness. The lower
edge of the shaded band should be used when the
pane of glass is square, i.e. the aspect ratio of pane
is 1 : 1; the upper edge of the shaded band
represents the additional strength of a pane of glass
whose shape is such that the length of the longer
side is three times that of the shorter side, i.e. the
aspect ratio of pane is 3 : 1; interpolation in direct
proportion can be made for intermediate values of
the aspect ratio of pane. As noted in 10.6.2.1, if the
aspect ratio of pane is greater than 3 : 1 the glass is
considered to be fully supported on two opposite
long edges only, the length of the shorter side being
treated as the unsupported span of glass for use
in Figure 2(a) to Figure 2(e). For glass to be
considered as fully supported on all four edges, up to
an aspect ratio of pane of 3 : 1, the deflection of each
supporting member should not exceed the
appropriate limits given in 10.6.1.3. For other
support conditions and for non-rectangular panes,
the glass manufacturer should be consulted.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
In the graphs, the minimum tolerances on glass
thicknesses given in BS 952-1 have been used
together with design stresses based on experience,
experimental knowledge and statistical methods of
analysis. Compliance of a glass design with working
pressure does not imply suitability of use; other
recommendations of this standard and other design
requirements may also need to be followed. Glass
having to withstand only low working pressure,
notably in vertical patent glazing in sheltered
situations or patent glazing used internally, may
need to be increased in thickness or reduced in size
in order to avoid excessive deflection under hand
pressure, e.g. during cleaning operations. For
design purposes, therefore, it is recommended that
a minimum working pressure for glass of 800 N/m2
should be allowed.
Figure 2(b), Figure 2(d), Figure 2(g) and Figure 2(j)
for toughened (tempered) glass are based on the
design stress for fully toughened (tempered) glass.
This may lead to a glass design which, although
mechanically safe, has large and possibly visually
disturbing deflections under maximum load and
detailed design consideration will be needed.
The laminated glasses referred to in
Figure 2(c), Figure 2(e), Figure 2(h), Figure 2(j)
and Figure 2(k) are symmetrical three-ply
laminated glass incorporating an interlayer of
polyvinyl butyral. Thicknesses shown are nominal
and based on the total glass thicknesses only.
Figure 2(d), Figure 2(e) and Figure 2(i) to
Figure 2(m) are for hermetically sealed double
glazing units in which the supported edges are
flush. If any of the supported edges of the unit are
not flush then such units should be treated as
though they are single glass of the type and
thickness of the larger pane.
For other glass types and thicknesses, for other
constructions of laminated glass and for other glass
combinations in hermetically sealed double glazing
units, reference should be made to the glass
manufacturer for recommendations.
10.8.2 Plastics glazing sheet materials
10.8.2.1 General
Working pressures for plastics glazing sheet
materials, determined on the basis of a 3 s gust
wind load, taking account of sustained loading
effects as described in 10.5.3.2, are used to calculate
the minimum thickness or maximum size of pane by
a graphic technique in the case of solid plastics
glazing sheet materials. In the case of hollow section
plastics glazing sheet materials, these working
pressures are used to determine the required form
of hollow section sheet by reference to the plastics
glazing sheet material manufacturer.
15
BS 5516:1991
The procedures given below are for rectangular
panes of plastics glazing sheet materials as
described in 6.3 used in a system of patent glazing
in which the supporting members do not deflect
under maximum design load by more than the
appropriate limits given in 10.6.1.3.
These procedures apply to single glazing or each
pane in double glazing made up of two separate and
mechanically independent layers.
Compliance of a plastics glazing sheet material
design with working pressures does not imply
suitability of use. Other recommendations of this
standard as well as other design requirements, such
as vandal resistance, may also need to be satisfied.
10.8.2.2 Solid sheets
(a) is for solid plastics glazing sheet material which
is fully supported along two opposite, longitudinal
edges only and for solid plastics glazing sheet
material which is fully supported on all four edges
having an aspect ratio of pane greater than 3.5 : 1.
(b), (c) and (d) are for solid plastics glazing sheet
material which is fully supported on all four edges
having aspect ratios of pane in the
ranges 2.5 : 1 to 3.5 : 1, 1.5 : 1
to 2.5 : 1 and 1.0 : 1 to 1.5 : 1 respectively.
As noted in 10.6.2.2, if the aspect ratio of pane is
greater than 3.5 : 1, the solid plastics glazing sheet
material is considered to be fully supported on two
opposite long edges only, the length of the shorter
side being treated as the unsupported span for use
in (a). For solid plastics glazing sheet material to be
considered as fully supported on all four edges, up to
an aspect ratio of pane of 3.5 : 1, the deflection of
each supporting member should not exceed the
appropriate limits given in 10.6.1.3. For other
support conditions and for
non-rectangular panes the manufacturer of the
plastics glazing sheet material should be consulted.
In the graphs in , the minimum requirements for
edge cover of plastics glazing sheet material have
been used. (See Appendix J.) If these requirements
cannot be fully satisfied, other methods of glazing
may be employed and the manufacturer should be
consulted.
16
10.8.2.3 Hollow section sheets
The stiffness of a hollow section plastics glazing
sheet material is determined by the material from
which it is made, the overall thickness and geometry
of the sheet. In addition, in a system of patent
glazing in which the infilling is fully supported on
all four edges, the deflection characteristics of a
particular hollow section plastics glazing sheet
material vary according to which direction the webs
run in relation to the long edges of the pane. It is not
practical, therefore, to produce a set of graphs
relating working pressures to hollow section sheets
because of the variety of profiles and thicknesses in
existence, and the possibility of more to come. In the
case of hollow section plastics glazing sheet
materials fully supported on all four edges, advice
should therefore be obtained from the
manufacturer.
In a two-edge system of patent glazing, transverse
bending of the infilling is a function of the working
pressure pp, the unsupported span D and the form
of hollow section sheet. For rectangular panes of
hollow section plastics glazing sheet materials
which are fully supported on two opposite,
longitudinal edges only, the calculated value
(pp D2)/8 Nm should not exceed the permissible
bending moment for the particular hollow section
sheet. The above expression assumes that the pane
is simply supported along its edges and does not
take account of any clamping effect which may be
produced by the supporting members at the edges of
the pane. This clamping effect, which varies
according to the form of hollow section, increases the
resistance of the pane to flexing and becomes more
significant as the unsupported span decreases.
Whilst it is not practical to give precise details for all
possible cases, where the unsupported span is
approximately 0.7 m or less advice may be obtained
from the manufacturer.
For external patent glazing, rectangular panes of
hollow section plastics glazing sheet materials are
normally installed with the webs parallel to the
longitudinal supporting members, i.e. in the
direction of the slope or the flow of water for sloping
patent glazing and vertically for vertical patent
glazing. Therefore for hollow section plastics glazing
sheet materials which are fully supported on two
opposite, longitudinal edges only, the manufacturer
should provide a value for the permissible bending
moment for the particular hollow section sheet,
supported parallel to the webs. In the case of hollow
section plastics glazing sheet material with a
non-symmetrical profile, i.e. with different
permissible bending moments according to the
direction in which the load is applied, only the lower
value should be used.
BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

In all cases, the minimum requirements for edge

cover should be satisfied (see Appendix J).
Information supplied by the manufacturer should
also satisfy these requirements. If these
requirements cannot be fully satisfied, other
methods of glazing may be employed and the
manufacturer should be consulted.
10.8.3 Other infill materials
For other infill materials the minimum
thickness/maximum size should be in accordance
with the manufacturers recommendations.

BSI 04-1999 17
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling

18 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 19
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

20 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 21
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

22 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 23
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

24 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 25
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

26 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 27
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

28 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 29
BS 5516:1991

Figure 2 Recommended minimum thicknesses of glass for infilling (concluded)

30 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 3 Recommended minimum thicknesses of solid plastics glazing sheet

material for infilling

BSI 04-1999 31
BS 5516:1991

Figure 3 Recommended minimum thicknesses of solid plastics glazing sheet

material for infilling (continued)

32 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Figure 3 Recommended minimum thicknesses of solid plastics glazing sheet

material for infilling (continued)

BSI 04-1999 33
BS 5516:1991
Figure 3 Recommended minimum thicknesses of solid plastics glazing sheet
material for infilling (concluded)
11 Openings
11.1 General
The performance of ventilators, windows and doors,
including their fittings, should be appropriate for
their particular requirement and usage and the
patent glazing contractor should be consulted at the
design stage (see 3.2).
All forms of ventilators, windows and doors,
including their fittings, should be capable of
resisting the same design loads as the surrounding
patent glazing. Any additional loads due to their
own weight or operation should be taken into
consideration.
11.2 Ventilation
Ventilation, permanently open and/or adjustable,
may be provided by one or more of the following
systems.
34
a) Top-hung opening lights: of patent glazing
construction, one or two panes wide and usually a
maximum of 1 200 mm deep; more often used in
sloping patent glazing but may also be fitted into
vertical patent glazing.
b) Continuous top-hung opening lights: of
patent glazing construction, three or more panes
wide and often fitted with a storm panel at each
end; generally suitable for vertical patent glazing
only.
c) Inserted windows and louvres: most types
of framed opening windows, e.g. top and
side-hung, pivoted, sliding, etc., may be inserted
into patent glazing. Louvres with fixed or
adjustable blades may also be fitted.
d) Natural and mechanical ventilating units:
various forms of proprietary ventilating units, for
air movement or smoke exhaust, may be fitted
into sloping or vertical patent glazing, according
to their design.
BSI 04-1999

Power fans for inlet or extraction, made of metals,
plastics or other materials, may be incorporated into
patent glazing, either vertical or sloping, according
to the design of the component. In sloping patent
glazing, however, such fans should never be
mounted directly in a pane of glass.
When considering the installation of heavy duty
power fans or other ventilators with high dead
loads, it may be necessary to support these
independently on suitable trimmer frames which
are fixed directly to the main structural members.
In such cases, the patent glazing contractor should
be consulted at the initial design stage (see 3.2).
11.3 Entrances
Doors of various types, including hinged, pivoted or
sliding, with their frames, may be incorporated
within an area of patent glazing either as integral
doors or as separate door composites. Where patent
glazing incorporates an entrance, including one not
extending to the full height of the patent glazing, it
may be necessary to provide an additional
supporting frame for the patent glazing around the
entrance. This should be fixed to the main structure
to ensure that vibration or other loads are not
transmitted to the patent glazing.
(See .)
12 Fire
12.1 General
Patent glazing, when used in roofs and walls of
buildings, may need to incorporate infill materials
which have specific external and/or internal fire
performance properties.
The performance requirements are dictated by
various parameters including purpose group,
location, situation, size and special design
requirements.
12.2 Fire resistance
Where elements of structure require a level of fire
resistance when tested in accordance with
BS 476-20 and BS 476-22, only certain types of
patent glazing systems will be suitable; these may
be either tested or agreed as deemed to satisfy by
local fire authorities or local authority building
inspectors.
12.3 Other fire performance properties
12.3.1 Glass infilling
Most types of glass classified in BS 952 have the fire
performance properties given in Table 1. For
specific information refer to PD 6512-3.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
Table 1 Fire performance of glass
Characteristic Test Rating
method
External fire BS 476-3 AA
exposure
Non-combustibility BS 476-4 Non-combustible
Fire propagation BS 476-6 I # 12
index i1 # 6
Surface spread of BS 476-7 Class 1
flame
12.3.2 Plastics glazing sheet material infilling
The fire performance characteristics of
thermoplastics glazing sheet material are
dependent upon the type and grade of polymer, the
form of the sheet product, its colour and its
thickness. Therefore the fire performance
characteristics of a specific plastics glazing sheet
material should be obtained from its manufacturer.
12.3.3 Other materials and components
Manufacturers should be consulted for information
on the appropriate fire performance properties of
their materials.
13 Weather resistance
13.1 General
The degree of exposure and the particular situation
of the patent glazing should be taken into account
when considering weather resistance and the type of
system to be employed.
Consideration should also be given to the intended
use and occupancy of the building, together with any
specific performance criteria. The patent glazing
contractor should be provided with the necessary
information at the initial design stage (see 3.2).
13.2 Air permeability
Resistance of patent glazing to air permeation will
depend upon several factors including the type of
system employed.
In view of the large variety of designs available it is
not practical to give quantified information.
Generally four-edge systems provide a higher level
of resistance than two-edge systems. If a specific
level of performance is required in respect of air
permeability, this should be specified by the
building designer and agreed with the patent
glazing contractor at initial design stage (see 3.2).
35
BS 5516:1991
Figure 4 Additional framing at entrances
13.3 Water penetration
Patent glazing should be so designed and
constructed as to not allow the penetration of water,
due to rain or snow, into any part of the interior of
the building which would be adversely affected by
such water.
Discharges from downpipes or other concentrations
of rainwater should not be allowed to flow over
sloping patent glazing. Separate drainage gutters
should be provided.
13.4 Means of achieving weather resistance
The principal factors affecting the weather
resistance of patent glazing systems are as follows.
a) Slope. The recommended minimum slope for
patent glazing is 15 to the horizontal. For slopes
below the recommended minimum, or in
situations where a large volume of water is likely
to be encountered, all weatherings should be
sealed to the infilling.
Four-edge systems of patent glazing should be
designed to discourage the accumulation of
standing water on transverse members. This is
particularly important with sloping patent
glazing.
b) Water channels. Water channels should be
provided in patent glazing bars and transoms to
collect and drain away to the outside of the
building, either directly or indirectly, any water
that may penetrate beyond the wings, caps or
other external weatherings. Outlets from water
channels should be of adequate size to ensure
proper drainage and should be free of obstruction
so as not to provide places for silt to lodge.
Where excessive dust, grit or dirt, from sources
such as the main stack of a solid-fuel-burning
boilerhouse, stone and cement works, is likely to
silt up the water channels, suitable precautions
should be taken.
36
c) Seatings. All supported edges of the infilling
should be properly seated on resilient glazing
material throughout their full lengths.
d) Flashings. Flashings which provide the
weathering at the top of patent glazing should
overlap the infilling by a nominal 75 mm. With
flashings which are likely to produce a capillary
path for water, the path should be broken by
incorporating an air space or otherwise
effectively sealed.
Site formed flashings should be properly dressed
down and secured as necessary.
e) Weather bars. On two-edge systems of patent
glazing, weather bars are provided between
patent glazing bars at the bottom edge of the
infilling to prevent the penetration of windblown
water, snow and dust. Additional weather bars
may be provided at the top of vertical patent
glazing when proformed flashings are used.
f) Bottom overhang. On two-edge systems of
sloping patent glazing, the bottom edge of the
infilling should overhang at least 50 mm beyond
the weather bar. In conditions of extreme
exposure or when the slope of the patent glazing
is less than the recommended minimum of 15,
the overhang should be increased.
g) Joints. Joints which are not designed to be
drained by water channels should be fully
protected against water penetration into the
building.
14 Heat conservation
Attention to the levels of insulation provided by
careful choice of infill materials will reduce heat loss
to a minimum with consequent reduction in the
amount of heat required from the heating system.
BSI 04-1999

All materials allow heat to flow by conduction from
the warmer surface to the colder, at a rate
dependent on their thermal conductance.
Panes of single glass or plastics glazing sheet
material have little resistance to the loss of heat by
conduction and consequently they have relatively
high thermal transmittance.
The resistance to loss of heat by conduction may be
improved considerably by using two or more panes
separated by air spaces. The thermal resistance
increases with the width of air space up to
about 20 mm, beyond which there is no significant
gain. The thermal insulation performance of the
complete installation will depend not only on the
infill material, but also on the other components of
the patent glazing system. The use of thermally
improved supporting members will assist in
reducing heat loss.
Typical examples of thermal transmittances for
single glass and sealed double glazing units are
given in Table 2 and for plastics glazing sheet
material in Table 3.
15 Condensation
Condensation will occur on any surface with a
temperature less than the dewpoint of the
atmosphere near the surface (see BS 5250). Thus,
when the surface temperature of any part of the
patent glazing and the relative humidity of the
atmosphere reach a critical combination,
condensation will occur. Ground frost, cold rain and
low temperature with high wind will exacerbate the
formation of condensation. Adequate ventilation
will serve to reduce condensation.
Inside buildings, the humidity is commonly
increased by the release of moisture (from processes,
including cooking, and swimming pools) and by the
presence of people. It may reach high values where
ventilation is inadequate.
Condensation may intensify bimetallic corrosion
(see 20.2).
Where necessary, provision should be made for any
condensate to be collected and discharged to the
outside of the building.
Glazing bars and other supporting members
incorporating thermal barriers will assist in
reducing condensation. In extreme or exacting
conditions, parts of the patent glazing in contact
with the interior atmosphere may need to be covered
with insulating material.
The possibility of condensation forming on glass
and/or plastics glazing materials may be minimized
by the use of an appropriate form of double glazing.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
In cases where condensation is likely to occur on the
inside of sloping patent glazing, account should be
taken of the surface tension of the infill material as
this relates to the likelihood of the condensation
dripping down from the infilling.
Generally, where the slope of the patent glazing
is 30 or more to the horizontal and condensation is
not severe, the condensate will usually flow down
glass without dripping; though with dirty and/or
patterned glass, the condensate may sometimes
drip at much steeper slopes. With plastics glazing
sheet materials, surfaces may be treated to reduce
surface tension and hence decrease the incidence of
dripping.
16 Solar heat gain
16.1 General
The generation of solar heat in a building is
influenced by the local climate, the configuration,
structure and surroundings of a building, the
position and orientation of its glazed areas and the
type of infill material. Careful choice of position,
orientation and infill material may maximize the
amount of useful winter solar heat whilst
controlling the unwanted excess solar gain during
summer. Such gains may be used to reduce the need
for heating.
16.2 Transmission of heat
The heat of the sun enters a building through
transparent/translucent infill material in two major
ways:
a) by direct transmission of radiation through the
infilling;
b) by reradiation and convection of heat absorbed
in the infilling.
The approximate total transmittance for an infill
material is obtained by adding to the direct
transmittance a proportion of the absorptive value.
This value takes account of the amount of the
absorbed heat that finds its way inwards by
reradiation and convection in average external
weather conditions.
37
BS 5516:1991

Table 2 Thermal transmittance (U-values) of glass (single glass and sealed

double glazing units)
Airspace width Thermal transmittance for site exposurea

Sheltered Normal Severe

Vertical mm W/(m K)2 2

W/(m K) W/(m2K)

Single 5.0 5.6 6.7

Double 6 3.1 3.3 3.6
Double 12 2.7 2.8 3.1
Double 20 2.6 2.8 3.0
Double with one pane of 0.2 emissivity b
12 1.9 2.0 2.1
Sloping (0 to 30 to horizontal)
Single 5.9 7.1 8.3
Double 6 3.4 3.8 4.1
Double 12 2.9 3.2 3.4
Double 20 2.8 3.1 3.3
Double with one pane of 0.2 emissivity b
12 2.0 2.2 2.2
NOTE This table does not cover double glazing units with inert gas filling and ignores the effect of glass thickness.
a As
designated in CIBSE Guide A1 (obtainable from Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 222 Balham High Road,
London, SW12 9BS).
bPanes with lower emissivity will give lower U-values.

Table 3 Thermal transmittance (U-values) of plastics glazing sheet materials

(single and double sheet and hollow section)
Airspace width Thermal transmittance for site
exposurea

Sheltered Normal Severe

Vertical mm W/(m K) 2 2
W/(m K) W/(m2K)

Single 4 mm 4.5 5.0 5.7

Single 6 mm 4.3 4.7 5.4
Double 4 mm + 4 mm 20 2.5 2.6 2.8
Double 6 mm + 6 mm 20 2.4 2.5 2.7
16 mm hollow section (double skin) 2.7 2.9 3.1
16 mm hollow section (triple skin) 2.3 2.4 2.6
Sloping (0 to 30 to horizontal)
Single 4 mm 4.5 5.0 5.7
Single 6 mm 4.3 4.7 5.4
Double 4 mm + 4 mm 20 2.6 2.7 2.9
Double 6 mm + 6 mm 20 2.4 2.6 2.7
16 mm hollow section (double skin) 2.8 3.0 3.2
16 mm hollow section (triple skin) 2.3 2.4 2.6
a
As designated in CIBSE Guide A1 (obtainable from Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 222 Balham High Road,
London, SW 12 9BS).

38 BSI 04-1999

The solar performance characteristics of infill
materials are identified by one or other of the
following concepts, depending on the method of
calculation being used for determination of the solar
heat gain.
1) Shading coefficient1) The shading coefficient
is the total solar transmittance of the infill
material divided by 0.87.
NOTE 0.87 is the total solar transmittance of a
notional 3 mm to 4 mm thick clear glass.
2)
2) Solar gain factor
i) Solar gain factor is the quotient of the daily
mean solar cooling load due to the infill
material and the daily mean solar irradiance
received on the glazing.
ii) Alternating solar gain factor is the quotient
of the instantaneous cyclic cooling load due to
the infill material and the instantaneous cyclic
solar irradiance received on the glazing.
The appropriate manufacturer should be consulted
on values of shading coefficient or solar gain factor
for a specific glass or plastics glazing sheet material.
16.3 Control of solar heat gain
16.3.1 Glass
The heating effects of solar radiation may be
reduced by the use of solar control glass. There is
considerable variation in the values of absorptance
and reflectance between different types of solar
control glass and these may also be used in
combinations in double glazing. Manufacturers
should be consulted for details.
16.3.2 Plastics glazing sheet materials
Types of plastics glazing sheet materials that reduce
the transmission of solar radiation are available.
Manufacturers should be consulted for details.
16.3.3 Reflective treatments
The application of whitewash, dilute white emulsion
paint or specially formulated white obscurants to
the infilling may reduce the amount of solar heat
transmitted. Obscurants, whether required to be
temporary or permanent, should be carefully
selected as they may make the infill material
heat-absorbing and, in the case of plastics glazing
sheet materials, it is essential that they should be
chemically compatible. The infill material
manufacturer should be consulted for advice.
1) Based
on a definition taken from American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Handbook Fundamentals, 1989. Available from ASHRAE Publication Sales, 1791, Tullie Circle, NE Atlanta, GA 30329.
2)
Based on definitions taken from Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide Section A5, Thermal
Response of Buildings, 1979. Available from CIBSE, 222 Balham High Road, London SW 12 9BS.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
When applying obscurants, care should be taken to
prevent excess material being brushed or swilled
under flashings and weatherings, as this may cause
subsequent leakage. Alkaline obscurants,
e.g. cement washes, should not be used, as they may
damage the surface of the infilling and may attack
aluminium.
16.3.4 Solar control plastics films
These are normally coloured and/or reflective and
may be applied to infill materials to produce
reflecting/absorbing surfaces. The performance of
the infill material/film combination will depend on
the nature of the film and the surfaces to which it is
attached.
The use of plastics films on infill materials may
increase the heat-absorbing properties of the infill
materials. Consideration should also be given to
chemical compatibility between plastics films and
plastics glazing sheet materials.
In the case of hollow plastics glazing sheet
materials, plastics films should not be applied to the
interior surface.
16.3.5 Shading devices
Shading devices should be used in situations where
direct or reflected glare, thermal discomfort or
direct sunshine is likely to be a problem.
a) Internal shading devices, either between two
panes or on the room side of the infilling, are less
efficient than external devices, and allow
different solar heat gains, dependent on their
properties and their position in relation to the
infilling.
b) External shading devices give more efficient
reduction of solar heat gain than internal shading
devices. They will reduce instantaneous heat gain
by ensuring that heat is dissipated externally.
When external shading devices are to be used,
they should be considered as an element in the
appearance of the building.
39
BS 5516:1991
17 Thermal safety
17.1 Glass
When glass is directly exposed to solar radiation it
will absorb heat which will lead to an increase in its
temperature and hence expansion. Some or all of the
edges of the glass are shielded from the radiation
and hence remain cool, and the resulting
differential expansion produces tensile stresses in
and parallel to the edge of the glass. The likelihood
of thermal fracture depends on the magnitude of the
stress induced.
Thermal stress in glass and consideration of its
assessment is described in Appendix K. Thermal
safety related to particular circumstances is not
considered, such detail being the subject of glass
manufacturers literature or of their specialist
knowledge.
17.2 Plastics glazing sheet materials
In general, when plastics glazing sheet materials
are used for infilling thermal safety need not be
considered. However, plastics glazing sheet
material is subject to thermal stress when the
temperature of all or part of the pane exceeds its
maximum continuous service temperature. The two
principal situations in which this may occur are as
follows.
a) When a dark tinted plastics glazing sheet
material, having a low maximum continuous
service temperature, is exposed to high levels of
direct solar radiation, such as in south facing
sloping glazing: in such a case, the solar energy
absorbed by the pane may raise its temperature
to a point where mechanical distortion of the
pane occurs.
b) When a transparent plastics glazing sheet
material possessing a high solar energy
transmission value is exposed to high levels of
direct solar radiation in a system of patent
glazing which includes dark coloured component
parts close to or in contact with the plastics
glazing sheet material, particularly the inner
surface: such components will absorb the
transmitted solar energy, converting it into heat
energy, which will be radiated back to the inner
surface of the sheet and may lead to localized
stress cracking.
Localized stress cracking resulting from thermal
stress may be minimized by ensuring that
components in positions likely to absorb solar
energy transmitted through the plastics glazing
sheet material are light coloured on the side
facing the sheet.
3)
Obtainable from Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS.
40
Contact with chemically incompatible
substances (e.g. unsuitable sealing and glazing
materials) may also add to any problems resulting
from thermal stress (see J.5).
Plastics glazing sheet materials have high
coefficients of thermal expansion and the
appropriate allowances for sizing should be made
(see J.2). Mechanical distortion of a pane may result
from thermal movement if the pane is incorrectly
glazed.
NOTE Polycarbonate has a high maximum continuous service
temperature and is much less at risk from thermal problems than
other plastics glazing sheet materials. Advice should be sought
from manufacturers.
18 Transmission of light
18.1 General
The transmission of light into buildings by
transparent/translucent infill materials is affected
by a number of variables. However, it is sufficient
for most purposes to consider a simplified and
approximate transmittance representing the
proportion of visible light from a diffuse source such
as an overcast sky, which emerges from the interior
face of the infill material.
In view of the number of possible glass and plastics
glazing sheet materials that are available, it is not
practical to give light transmission values. The
glass or plastics glazing sheet materials
manufacturer should be consulted.
Detailed information on natural lighting, glare,
privacy and accumulation of dirt is given in the
CIBSE Applications Manual AM2 Window Design3)
18.2 Natural lighting
The choice and position of infill materials may
maximize the amount of daylight entering a
building. If the daylight and artificial light are
properly integrated, economies in operation may be
achieved. For design guidance concerning
assessment and provision of natural lighting,
reference should be made to DD 67 for sunlight and
DD 73 for daylight.
18.3 Glare
Four manifestations of glare from glass and plastics
glazing sheet material should be considered:
a) direct glare from the sun;
b) glare from the sky, excluding direct sunlight;
c) glare resulting from diffracting or diffusing
glass and/or plastics glazing sheet materials of
high surface luminance;
d) glare resulting from reflection of sunlight
and/or skylight.
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The control of glare may be achieved by the correct
specification of the infill material, its positioning
within the building structure and its orientation to
control the amount of sunlight transmitted through
the glazed area.
In addition, because contrast between glazed areas
and surrounding opaque areas should also be
minimized for glare to be reduced to acceptable
levels, it is of greater benefit to maintain the area of
glass and/or plastics glazing sheet material and
reduce light transmissions than to maintain high
light transmittance and reduce the glazed area.
Also, to reduce contrast, light coloured interiors
should be provided.
18.4 Privacy
The range of different internal and external lighting
conditions which are likely to occur should be taken
into account when considering the degree of privacy
required.
An adequate degree of privacy may be provided by a
variety of glass or plastics glazing sheet materials
and attention to the levels of illuminance.
18.5 Accumulation of dirt on the infilling
An accumulation of dirt will considerably reduce the
light transmittance of the infill material but the
change may remain unnoticed by the occupants of
the building. (See 28.2.)
18.6 Fading of objects
When sunlight or skylight is incident on the interior
of a building, fading of objects may occur depending
on the nature of the object, duration and intensity of
exposure and wavelength of radiation. Fading may
be minimized by the orientation of the glazing,
i.e. northlight glazing, and/or selection of glass and
plastics glazing sheet materials that significantly
reduce or do not transmit the wavelengths of
radiation which are likely to cause fading.
18.7 Effect of weathering
The light transmission figures quoted by the
glass/plastics glazing sheet manufacturers are for
new unweathered material. Some types and
processed forms of plastics glazing sheet materials
have enhanced resistance to weathering. However,
some plastics glazing sheet materials may suffer
from some reduction of light transmittance due to
weathering. Manufacturers should be consulted
about the behaviour of their materials.
19 Sound reduction
Materials reduce noise by acting as a barrier to the
transmission of sound (insulation) and by damping
sound reflection from surfaces (absorption).
Consideration should be given to the frequency
spectrum of the sound to be reduced.
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BS 5516:1991
Sound insulation generally increases with the
physical mass of the material. In sealed double
glazing units, the insulation effect is only
marginally improved by increasing the interpane
space. Interlayers in laminated glass may improve
the damping effect. While solid and hollow section
plastics glazing sheet materials have a lower mass
than glass, and therefore a lower insulation value,
they have a greater damping effect.
For sound reduction values of infill material, the
appropriate manufacturer should be consulted.
Sound insulation is impaired by openings and gaps
which provide alternative pathways for airborne
sound transmission. Sound insulation may be
improved by the use of continuous, resilient gaskets
and sealing materials.
20 Durability
20.1 General
The durability of a patent glazing system depends
upon the conditions of exposure, the materials and
finishes used in the component parts, and the
frequency and thoroughness of cleaning and
maintenance. Relevant information can be obtained
from CP 3:Chapter IX and CP 153-2. The patent
glazing contractor should be notified at the initial
design stage of any aggressive factor, either inside
or outside the building (see 3.2). A classification of
atmospheric pollution is given in Appendix VI of
CP 3:Chapter IX:1950.
All components should withstand the expected
natural exposure conditions, atmospheric pollution
or other aggressive conditions without failure.
20.2 Patent glazing bars, other supporting
members, components and finishes
In urban exposure conditions and mild industrial
atmospheres, all the materials described in clause 6
for the components of patent glazing systems may
be used. More severe conditions, either internally or
externally, may place a restriction on the use of
certain materials.
Aluminium should not be used where alkaline
pollution is expected. Protection should be provided
against alkaline solutions formed when rainwater
passes over green concrete or newly
cement-rendered surfaces, and onto aluminium.
Acidic atmospheres formed in heavily industrialized
environments and/or severe marine conditions may
be too aggressive for untreated aluminium to
withstand for a long time.
The drainage of water from copper or copper alloys
onto aluminium or zinc based alloys causes
corrosion and should be prevented. Similarly the
presence of copper in paints and in abrasive
cleaning agents should be avoided.
41
BS 5516:1991
No two metals able to set up marked bimetallic
corrosion should be used in proximity to one
another. In locations where condensation may occur
bimetallic corrosion may be intensified. Relevant
information about bimetallic corrosion is given in
PD 6484. Protection may be achieved by anodizing,
stove painting or other suitable measures (see 5.5).
Care should be taken with the use of lead in the
presence of some chemicals, e.g. acetic acid.
The effects of excessive heat and/or ultraviolet
exposure should be considered. This is particularly
relevant where plastics are used.
20.3 lnfillings
20.3.1 Glass
Glass with a composition as classified in BS 952 is
generally suitable for use in most exposure
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid alkaline
solutions running onto the glass surface. Special
consideration may need to be given to the use of
wired glass and certain types of coated glass in
marine or severe industrial atmospheres.
The sealant used in the manufacture of double
glazing units should be compatible with the
expected environmental conditions and, if exposed
to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, the sealant
should be resistant to such exposure.
20.3.2 Plastics glazing sheet materials
Several plastics glazing sheet materials are known
to perform satisfactorily in service but it has not
been possible to derive a test that accurately
predicts their durability. Information is available
from manufacturers.
The choice of a particular plastics glazing sheet
material may be dictated by the environmental
conditions specified. Account should be taken of
possible corrosion and of contamination by any
extracted chemicals that may be rain-washed over
the infilling.
20.3.3 Other infillings
For other types of infilling, the manufacturers
recommendations should be obtained, relevant to
the anticipated weathering and environmental
conditions.
20.4 Sealing and glazing materials
Due to the large variety of materials available no
specific advice may be offered and the manufacturer
of the product should be consulted about its
durability.
42
21 Human safety
21.1 General
The risk of human injury arising from fracture
and/or penetration of the infilling by impact should
be considered. Hazard categories may be limited to
areas of patent glazing from which people may be at
risk in the course of the normal use of the building.
Areas which are used only for the purpose of
maintenance need not be considered. When
assessing the risk of human injury, a reasonable
standard of human behaviour should be assumed
for appropriate age groups.
Consideration should be given to the type of infill
materials for use in the following six areas of hazard
which may be associated with patent glazing:
a) overhead sloping glazing, where there is
normal access to areas below the infilling;
b) doors, door side panels and low level glazing,
where the infilling may be subject to accidental
human impact;
c) bathing areas, where the infilling is adjacent to
or surrounding private or public swimming pools;
d) special risk areas, where the planned activity
generates a special risk;
e) inwardly sloping glazing, where the infilling
may be subjected to inadvertent head impact;
f) balustrades, where there is a difference in level
of more than 500 mm.
Infill material of a suitable type, thickness and size
should be selected to provide an appropriate degree
of human safety, taking into account the intended
use of the building. In addition the following criteria
should be taken into account: loading, i.e. wind,
snow, maintenance, self-weight and any other
imposed loads (see clause 10) and fire
(see clause 12).
The recommendations in 21.1 to 21.4 are based on
the following main criteria.
1) The characteristics of the infilling under
impact and the mode of fracture: depending on
the location, the infill material should have one of
the following properties:
i) no break, the infill material remains
undamaged and serviceable;
ii) break safe, fracture of the infill material
gives either relatively harmless pieces or
insufficient penetration to allow serious injury.
Characteristics (i) and (ii) should be determined
for single panes of infill material or for the
individual panes of double glazing, by testing by
the methods given in BS 6206.
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When it is required that the infill material, on
impact, should remain in position and be
unbroken/unpenetrated the designer should
consult with the manufacturer.
2) The building and its use: the number and likely
behaviour pattern of the people expected to be in
close proximity to the infill material is
particularly important.
21.2 Fracture characteristics of infill
materials
21.2.1 General
The energy required to cause fracture and
penetration will vary with the type, thickness and
composition of the infill material.
The behaviour of glass and plastics glazing sheet
materials under impact and their fracture
characteristics are given in 21.2.2 and 21.2.3.
21.2.2 Glass
21.2.2.1 Annealed glass (i.e. float glass, cast
(patterned) glass)
If annealed glass is broken and penetrated the
resulting glass edges will be sharp.
21.2.2.2 Wired glass
If wired glass is broken after impact, it will be held
together by the wires and penetration is unlikely
except under impacts that break the wires. If
penetrated, the characteristics of the edges are
similar to those of annealed glass.
21.2.2.3 Laminated glass
The fracture characteristics of laminated glass will
be similar to those of its component glasses, but the
pieces will remain substantially adhered to the
plastics interlayer. The broken glass, when
containing an interlayer such as 0.38 mm poly
(vinyl butyral), is unlikely to be penetrated by
human impact. Much greater penetration resistance
may be given with thicker interlayers.
21.2.2.4 Plastics covered annealed glass
Annealed glass covered with a film or coated with
specially formulated organic materials intended to
hold the glass together after breakage will, when
broken, be difficult to penetrate providing the
covering or coating is applied over the whole of one
surface of the glass prior to glazing and in
accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations.
21.2.2.5 Toughened (tempered) glass
Thermally toughened soda-lime glass is difficult to
penetrate but, if broken, it fragments into small,
relatively harmless pieces.
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21.2.3 Plastics glazing sheet materials
21.2.3.1 Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is virtually impossible to break. In
extreme and exceptional cases, panes may be
dislodged from supporting members, but fracture
should not occur.
21.2.3.2 Polyvinyl chloride
If polyvinyl chloride is broken after impact
penetration is unlikely, except under extreme
impact conditions when some pieces may be
dislodged.
21.2.3.3 Acrylic
Acrylic will exhibit similar characteristics to
polyvinyl chloride, but at lower impact levels.
21.3 Risk areas
21.3.1 General
Not every accident is avoidable, but injuries may be
due to failure to provide adequate protection at
vulnerable points. A reasonable standard of human
behaviour for appropriate age groups is assumed. In
most buildings, infill material not in areas defined
in 21.3.2 to 21.3.7 and 21.4 does not usually give
significant risk.
21.3.2 Overhead sloping glazing
The risk of injury from infilling in patent glazing
used overhead should be considered under two
categories:
a) risk of injuries sustained from broken infill
material falling;
b) risk of injuries sustained from objects falling
through the infill material.
Category b) is not considered in this clause as there
is no single method for designing against such loads,
and specialist advice should be sought.
The risk of injury from falling fragments of infill
material may be reduced by the following methods:
1) using an infill material that is very unlikely to
fracture under any circumstances, e.g. plastics
glazing sheet materials;
2) using an infill material that is likely to remain
in position even if fractured, e.g. wired glass,
laminated glass or plastics glazing sheet
materials;
3) using an infill material that shatters into
relatively harmless fragments after
fracture, e.g. toughened glass.
NOTE The risk of spontaneous fracture of toughened glass may
be reduced by heat soaking.
43
BS 5516:1991
For single glazing, the infilling should comply
with 1), 2) or 3). For double glazing, the lower
(inner) pane should comply with 1) or 2), or
alternatively the lower (inner) pane should comply
with 3) and the upper (outer) pane should comply
with 1), 2) or 3).
Attention is specifically drawn to areas of special
risk, where an infill material with a high impact
rating may be more suitable, and to swimming
pools, where small particles of broken infill material
falling into water may be difficult to locate and
remove.
21.3.3 Doors and door side panels
Where patent glazing incorporates doors or door
side panels, the infilling should be as follows.
a) For doors and door side panels containing infill
materials of 900 mm width or greater, class B or
stronger infill material complying with BS 6206
should be used.
b) For doors and door side panels containing infill
materials of width less than 900 mm, class C or
stronger infill material complying with BS 6206
should be used.
21.3.4 Low level glazing
Where patent glazing is used with infill materials
wholly or partially within 900 mm of floor level class
C or stronger infill material complying with
BS 6206 should be used.
21.3.5 Bathing areas
Where patent glazing is used adjacent to, or
surrounding, private or public swimming pools or
baths, there is an inherent risk because of the
possibility of slipping on wet surfaces and class C or
stronger infill material complying with BS 6206
should be used.
21.3.6 Special risk areas
In buildings, or those parts of buildings where the
planned activity generates a special risk, class C or
stronger infill material complying with BS 6206
should be used. The designer should consider if a
higher classification is appropriate and if any other
safeguards (protective rails or screens) are
necessary.
44
21.3.7 Inwardly sloping glazing (i.e. more
than 15 from the vertical)
Where sloping patent glazing is used with infillings
less than 2.1 m above the floor level and where the
patent glazing also slopes towards that area of floor,
there is a risk of inadvertent impact on the infill
material from the head of persons using that area of
the floor.
In such locations, for those areas which are wholly
or partially between a height of 900 mm and 2.1 m
above floor level class C or stronger infill material
complying with BS 6206 should be used.
21.4 Balustrades
Where patent glazing separates a difference in
levels of more than 500 mm, either:
a) patent glazing should be protected by a barrier
designed in accordance with BS 6180; or
b) patent glazing should be designed in
accordance with BS 6180.
22 Security
When a higher level of security is required than is
usually provided by patent glazing, reference should
be made to the patent glazing contractor.
For example the security of patent glazing is
improved by using internal caps/wings or caps
secured from the inside, or an external cap with
secure fasteners such as non-return screws, and an
infilling material with a higher resistance to attack.
For patent glazing at roof level (roof, lantern and
dome lights), security bars may be installed below
the patent glazing in accordance with the
appropriate section of BS 8220-2.
23 Access for maintenance and
cleaning
Permanent and/or temporary access to both sides of
patent glazing for inspection, cleaning and repair
should be taken into account at the initial design
stage (see 3.2 and section 5).
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Section 4. Work on site
24 Storage of materials
24.1 Supporting members, flashings and
ancillary components
Supporting members, flashings and ancillary
components should be stored in the dry and be
suitably protected against mechanical and chemical
attack. Materials provided with protective masking
should be stored out of direct sunlight.
24.2 Glass
Acceptable conditions for the delivery and receipt of
glass, the provision and location of suitable storage
facilities and the availability of handling
equipment, suitable for the weight and type of
packing, should be arranged before glass is
delivered. Storage facilities should be based on the
following:
a) there should be adequate access to the site
storage area;
b) the storage area should be level and adequate
to support the total weight to be stored;
c) the storage area should be sheltered, dry and
protected from dirt and accidental damage.
Glass panes are normally stored packed on pallets,
stacked loose on racks, or on suitable frames. It is
important that they should be kept dry and
ventilated, for if water is allowed to accumulate
between the panes, the surface of the glass may be
permanently damaged. Shading should be provided
to prevent direct sunlight causing heat build-up,
and possible breakage from excessive thermal
stress.
Packed glass and loose glass should rest on the long
edge and be stored upright. Panes stacked loose
should be raised from the ground by timber battens.
Panes should be stacked as near vertical as is safe
and as close together at the bottom as at the top.
Untidy stacking may cause damage to inner panes
or cause slippage. The stack should lean on an
unyielding support such as a wall, from which it
should be protected by timber battens
(see ). All timber battens should be free from
protruding nails to prevent edge or surface damage.
24.3 Plastics glazing sheet materials
Plastics glazing sheet materials should be delivered
and stored horizontally on pallets. Small quantities
of relatively small panes of plastics glazing sheet
materials may be delivered not palletized. In the
absence of suitable pallets, they should rest on their
long edge, be stored at an angle of not more than 10
to the vertical and be supported to prevent sag.
Whether stored on pallets or near vertically, they
should be kept away from radiators or other heat
sources which would increase the tendency of the
panes to sag and deform.
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BS 5516:1991
Where panes are stored, on pallets or near
vertically, they should be protected by a suitable
covering from rain, as well as dust and sunlight,
even when stored indoors.
Plastics glazing sheet materials should be supplied
with temporary protective masking or interleaving,
which should not be exposed to rain, sunlight or
excessive dry heat or be placed on rough or dirty
work surfaces where sharp pieces of swarf or grit
may penetrate the masking and scratch the surface
of the pane. Masking should be removed only after
the pane has been cut to size and all machining
operations completed.
Although plastics glazing sheet materials are light
in weight and relatively easy to carry, and some
types possess high impact strength and are difficult
to break, care should nevertheless be taken when
handling all plastics glazing sheet materials on site
to avoid causing damage to the edges or surface of
the sheet.
25 Installation
25.1 General
Installation of patent glazing is a specialized service
and should always be carried out by a patent glazing
contractor using experienced personnel.
25.2 Safety
Personnel installing patent glazing should wear
protective clothing and work with appropriate
equipment.
During installation it is undesirable to allow access
to the area directly beneath the patent glazing. This
should be cordoned off and appropriate signs posted.
If it is impractical to keep such areas clear, then
measures should be taken to protect persons below.
25.3 Tolerances of patent glazing
The dimensional and positional accuracy of the
supporting structure will significantly influence the
general appearance of the finished patent glazing
installation. The dimensional and positional
tolerances of patent glazing are given in .
NOTE Some adaptation of the patent glazing to overcome
minor discrepancies in the supporting structure and adjacent
materials may be possible; this will depend upon the particular
patent glazing system and materials used.
25.4 Preparatory work
Before patent glazing is installed the supporting
structure should be lined and levelled to agreed
tolerances. Adjacent masonry should be prepared as
necessary to accommodate flashings and/or other
weatherings.
Where holes in steel work are pre-drilled, or where
inserts are provided in concrete, holes and inserts
should be positioned to agreed details.
45
BS 5516:1991

Where pre-drilled holes or inserts are not provided, The supporting members should be correctly spaced
the building designer should be consulted to ensure and aligned to ensure adequate support and
that the supporting structure is not adversely retention of the infilling without having any adverse
affected by subsequent drilling. The additional time effect on weather resistance or movement
involved for site drilling should be allowed for in the capability.
site programme.
25.5 Patent glazing bars and other supporting
members
Patent glazing should be securely attached to and
supported by suitable pre-positioned structural
members, e.g. steel, concrete or timber.

NOTE The angle of 21 is approximately equivalent to 25 mm of lean for each 500 mm glass height.
Figure 5 Typical rack for the storage of glass

46 BSI 04-1999

Figure 6 Dimensional and positional tolerances of patent glazing
25.6 Infilling
The infill material should be positioned correctly
and secured between the supporting members. All
seals and weatherings should be firmly placed and
all fasteners properly tightened.
Where the surfaces of the infill material
differ, e.g. in texture (smooth/rough), the
manufacturers instructions should be followed. As
a general rule, the smoother surface should be
outside to maximize self-cleaning.
Surface coated glasses and surface coated plastics
glazing sheet materials may be required to be
installed a particular way around. Care should be
taken to ensure that these infillings are correctly
installed following the designers or manufacturers
recommendations.
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BS 5516:1991
When cutting hollow section plastics glazing sheet
materials to size, any swarf entering the pane
should be removed before installation.
25.7 Flashing
Two types of flashing are used with patent glazing
systems: site formed (lead, soft aluminium, etc.) and
preformed (aluminium or steel sheet profiled for the
particular application) (see also 5.3).
Where site formed flashings intended to overlap the
patent glazing are prefixed to the building these
should be dressed down onto the patent glazing by
the patent glazing contractor. Capillary paths
should be broken by incorporating an air space
(see 13.4).
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BS 5516:1991

When dressing down site formed flashings, great

care should be taken to avoid damaging the infill
material and, where necessary, retaining clips
should be used to restrain the free edges of the
flashing against wind uplift. Lapped joints should
overlap by at least 100 mm.
Preformed flashings should be fixed with lapped or
butt joints and sealed. Butt straps at least 100 mm
wide should be used with butt joints.
25.8 Ancillary components
Where local atmospheric conditions are likely to
promote a reaction between dissimilar metals,
isolation material should be used between the
untreated surfaces. (See also 20.2).
25.9 Protective masking
If materials are supplied with masking, this should
be peeled back sufficiently to prevent entrapment
during installation. Masking should be completely
removed as soon as practically possible after
installation, as environmental effects will make it
increasingly difficult to remove. If any masking is to
remain for a longer period of time, the supplier of
the protected item should be consulted.
NOTE On plastics glazing sheet materials a time limit is
sometimes printed on the masking.

48 BSI 04-1999

Section 5. Maintenance
26 Access for maintenance and
cleaning
26.1 General
Those engaged on maintenance work should use
suitable equipment.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the Construction (Working Places)
Regulations 1966, SI 64.
Equipment should be so constructed that the weight
of operatives is well distributed and over at least
two patent glazing bars. Experienced operatives,
who know how and where to apply their weight,
should be employed. Patent glazing should never be
stood or walked upon without the use of crawling
boards, etc.
26.2 Reason for access
There are several reasons why direct access should
be provided to areas of sloping or vertical patent
glazing, both to internal and to external surfaces.
Primarily these are inspection, cleaning and repair
or renewal.
26.3 Temporary access
Temporary access, if required, may be attained by
the use of ladders, crawling boards and scaffolding
of various forms suitable for the particular type of
building and the location of the patent glazing. Such
forms of access should be removed shortly after use.
Ladders and crawling boards may be used safely
without imposing any loading on the patent glazing
provided that they are supported at a purlin or other
structural member. Spreader boards should be
properly secured and should rest on at least two
patent glazing bars. On sloping patent glazing,
stops may need to be provided on the patent glazing
bars to locate crawling boards, etc. and to prevent
them slipping. Maintenance loads should never be
carried directly by the infilling. Examples of the use
of ladders and crawling boards are shown in
Figure 7.
Temporary access may also be gained through the
use of specialist systems, such as manual or
powered cradles or gantries. Motorized working
platforms are particularly useful on the inside of a
building provided that there is good access and
sufficient room to manoeuvre. They may also be
effectively used outside. Care should always be
exercised to ensure that firm and level areas are
provided from which to operate.
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BS 5516:1991
26.4 Permanent access
Systems of permanent access may be either fixed or
moving platforms on some form of tracking,
re-locatable within a pre-set pattern. Walkways or
platforms may be designed as an integral part of the
patent glazing system, but preferably should be
completely independent of it. Such systems may be
designed to suit sloping or vertical patent glazing
and allow for access to external and/or internal
surfaces.
27 Inspection
Periodic visual inspection of patent glazing should
be carried out by those responsible for the
maintenance of the building.
Particular attention should be given to joint seals
and junctions between different materials, moving
parts such as doors, opening windows and
ventilators, etc.
The frequency of inspections/cleaning for a
particular component or finish may also be
determined by the requirements of the terms and
conditions of a manufacturers warranty.
Where it is known that there is a particular risk
from atmospheric pollution, e.g. from certain
production processes, or close proximity to the sea,
more frequent inspection may be necessary.
28 Cleaning
28.1 General
Regular cleaning to remove atmospheric grime and
pollution will maintain the appearance, durability
and performance of patent glazing. Cleaning
therefore contributes considerably to the effective
life of the patent glazing. The frequency of cleaning
of internal as well as external surfaces depends
upon the following:
a) the current use being made of the building;
b) the particular situation of the patent glazing
on the building;
c) the building location and the local
environmental conditions;
d) the type of infill material, its surface texture
and finish;
e) the materials used for supporting members,
flashings, ancillary components and their surface
texture and finish;
f) the attitude of the client/owner to the general
appearance and maintenance of the building.
28.2 Infilling
Transparent or translucent infilling should be
cleaned regularly and at time intervals depending
upon the accumulation of dirt.
49
BS 5516:1991

If excessive dirt is allowed to accumulate, this could
lead to:
a) reduction of light transmission leading to an
unsatisfactory level of illumination which may
affect occupants and their safety;
b) increase in the absorption of solar radiation
which, with glass, may cause an increase in the
thermal stress (see Appendix K).

Figure 7 Use of ladders and crawling boards for temporary access

50 BSI 04-1999

28.3 Supporting members, flashings and
ancillary components
During cleaning, care should be taken not to disturb
any weatherings including wings, caps or flashings,
or to dislodge any other ancillary components.
Outlets from water channels should be cleared as
necessary.
28.4 Cleaning materials
A solution of mild detergent in water, applied with a
clean soft non-abrasive cloth, followed by a thorough
clean water rinse should be used for routine
cleaning. Care should be exercised to avoid rubbing
dirt into any surface.
4)
In preparation.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
The removal of stains and marks, other than those
which are removed by the method described above,
should be discussed with the manufacturer of the
material to be cleaned.
For treatment of specific surface finishes to metal,
reference should be made to BS 6270-34).
29 Other maintenance
Any damaged or missing components located during
period inspection should be replaced as soon as
possible, and any loose items secured as necessary.
Where replacement or repair work is necessary, this
should preferably be carried out by the patent
glazing contractor responsible for the original
installation.
51
BS 5516:1991

Appendix A Symbols

Symbol Definition Unit

! Angle of patent glazing measured from the horizontal. degree ()

D Unsupported span of infilling in a two-edge system of patent glazing, i.e. the m
perpendicular distance between two adjacent, parallel, longitudinal
supporting members, measured in the plane of the glazing.
Em Youngs modulus of elasticity in bending for the material of the supporting N/mm2
member being considered.
fm Wind-associated design bending stress for the material of the supporting N/mm2
member being considered.
Im2 Required second moment of area, in a direction of bending normal to the plane mm4
of the glazing, for a longitudinal supporting member in a two-edge system of
patent glazing.
Im4 Required second moment of area, in a direction of bending normal to the plane mm4
of the glazing, for a supporting member in a four-edge system of patent glazing.
K Aspect ratio factor of a supporting member in a four-edge system of patent
glazing, i.e. L/W, always equal to or greater than 1.0.
L Effective length of infilling carried by a supporting member, i.e. the dimension m
of infilling parallel to the member or part of the member being considered.
m Design maintenance load on a patent glazing bar, i.e. the component of the N
load incidental to maintenance, perpendicular to the plane of the glazing.
pdi Design dead load for the infilling, i.e. the component of the weight of the N/m2
infilling, perpendicular to the plane of the glazing.
pdm Design dead load for a supporting member, i.e. the component of the N/m2
combined weight per unit area of supporting member and infilling,
perpendicular to the plane of the glazing.
ps Design snow load, i.e. the component of the snow load on the roof (sd), N/m2
perpendicular to and measured in the plane of the glazing.
pw Design wind load, i.e. the resultant wind load exerted on, and acting normal N/m2
to, the surface of the glazing.
S Span of a supporting member. For a longitudinal supporting member it is m
the parallel distance between the centres of two adjacent fixings or points of
attachment to the structure of that member measured in the plane of the
glazing. For an intermediate, transverse supporting member it is usually
equal to the length of that member.
sd Snow load on the roof, i.e. the product of the snow load on the ground and a kN/m2
shape coefficient.
W Effective width of infilling carried by a supporting member, i.e. the dimension m
of infilling perpendicular to the member being considered, being equal to the
sum of half the spacing of the adjacent supporting members on either side of
that member. For four-edge systems of patent glazing in which the supporting
members are equally spaced, W is a maximum when equal to L.
pg Working pressure for glass taking account of sustained loading effects. N/m2
pm1 Working pressure for use in calculations involving the strength of a N/m2
supporting member.
pm2 Working pressure for use in calculations involving the stiffness of a N/m2
supporting member.

52 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

Symbol Definition Unit

pp Working pressure for plastics glazing sheet material taking account of N/m2
sustained loading effects.
ym2 Limiting deflection, normal to the plane of the glazing, for a supporting mm
member in a two-edge system of patent glazing.
ym4 Limiting deflection, normal to the plane of the glazing, for a supporting mm
member in a four-edge system of patent glazing.
Zm2 Required modulus of section, in a direction of bending normal to the plane mm3
of the glazing, for a longitudinal supporting member in a two-edge system
of patent glazing.
Zm4 Required modulus of section, in a direction of bending normal to the plane of mm3
the glazing, for a supporting member in a four-edge system of patent glazing.

Appendix B Wind load A negative sign profixing a pressure coefficient

A summary of the method for determining wind
loads, as given in CP 3:Chapter V-2, which may be
used when designing patent glazing is given below.
The maximum 3 s gust speed likely to be exceeded
on average only once in 50 years at a height of 10 m
above ground in open, level country is determined
for the district where the building is located. This
basic wind speed is multiplied by appropriate
factors to take account of topography, ground
roughness with height above ground of the top of the
patent glazing, building life and wind direction to
give the design wind speed.
The design wind speed is then converted to a
dynamic pressure, expressed in newtons per square
metre, from the standard relationship given in SI
units. The maximum inward (positive) pressure and
the maximum outward (negative) pressure exerted
at any point on the surface of the patent glazing are
obtained by multiplying the resulting dynamic
pressure by appropriate pressure coefficients based
on the worst possible combination of the patent
glazings being subjected simultaneously to positive
pressure on one surface and negative pressure on
the other.
For external walls and roofs of clad buildings the
value of these pressure coefficients is the difference
between an external pressure coefficient which is
dependent on the shape and size of the building,
wind direction and the position of the patent glazing
under consideration, and an internal pressure
coefficient evaluated on the basis of the size and
distribution of openings in the building. For roofs of
free-standing, open-sided canopies combined overall
pressure coefficients are used depending on the
shape of the roof, the degree of obstruction under the
canopy and the position of the patent glazing under
consideration.
indicates a suction (negative pressure) as distinct
from a positive pressure and the design wind loads
pw thus derived, which may be both positive and
negative, act in a direction normal to the surface of
the patent glazing.
It may be noted that extremes of internal pressure
may arise when a building is only partially clad
during its construction. The building designer will
be aware of the proposed sequence of construction
and should consider the problem so that the most
vulnerable conditions of partial cladding and
dangerous structural shapes are avoided.
Appendix C Snow load
A summary of the method for determining snow
loads, as given in BS 6399-3, which may be used
when designing patent glazing is given below.
The load intensity of undrifted snow at ground level
likely to be exceeded on average only once
in 50 years at an altitude of 100 m in a sheltered
area is determined for the district where the
building is located. This basic snow load on the
ground is adjusted on a regional basis for locations
whose altitude is above 100 m and to take account of
building life to give the characteristic snow load on
the ground.

BSI 04-1999 53
BS 5516:1991
The snow load on the roof is obtained by multiplying
the characteristic snow load on the ground by an
appropriate shape coefficient based on the worst
load case applicable. The value of this shape
coefficient is dependent on the external shape of the
roof, the position and height of any surrounding
roofs and the position of the patent glazing under
consideration. Two primary loading conditions
should be considered: that resulting from a uniform
layer of snow and that resulting from an uneven
distribution of snow. Uneven distribution may
result from the transport of snow by the wind from
one side of a roof to the other side or from the
accumulation of drifted snow against vertical
obstructions and in valleys.
The resultant snow load on the roof is assumed to
act vertically and refer to a horizontal projection of
the area of the roof. For the derivation of the design
snow load ps (in N/m2) the component of the snow
load on the roof perpendicular to and measured in
the plane of the glazing is required. This may be
found from the following equation:
ps = sd 103 cos2 !
where
sd is the snow load on the roof (in kN/m2).
NOTE It is recommended that load cases involving local
drifting of snow are treated as exceptional snow loads because of
the rarity with which they are expected to occur. In such cases,
the value obtained for the snow load on the roof, sd, may be
multiplied by a suitable factor when deriving design snow load,
ps for use in calculations involving the strength of supporting
members and infilling. Suitable factors are 0.75 for supporting
members and 0.8 for infilling.
Appendix D Dead load (self-weight)
Dead load for a supporting member should be based
on the combined weight of the supporting member
and of the infilling (both panes in double glazing).
Dead load for the infilling alone should be based on
the weight of the infill material only, the mass of
hermetically sealed double glazing units and of
laminated glass being taken as the sum of the
nominal mass of the individual glasses. For the
derivation of design dead load for a supporting
member, pdm (in N/m2), and for the infilling, pdi
(in N/m2), the component of the weights
perpendicular to the plane of the glazing is required
and use may be made of the following equations:
pdm = gim cos !
pdi = gi cos !
where
gim is the weight per unit area of the supporting
member and infilling (in N/m2);
gi is the weight per unit area of the infilling
(in N/m2).
54
NOTE (Kilogram mass per square metre) 9.81 = weight per
unit area (N/m2).
Appendix E Maintenance load
Where maintenance loads may have to be carried by
the patent glazing suitable provision should be
made in the design.
The assessment of loads incidental to maintenance
requires assumptions on the nature of the loads and
how they are likely to be applied. For normal,
routine maintenance, such as cleaning or repair
work, the patent glazing bars (longitudinal
supporting members) should be capable of
sustaining with safety to themselves and to the
infilling a central point load sufficient to represent
the effect of a ladder or crawling board leaning
against or resting on at least two patent glazing
bars and supporting the weight of a man. On sloping
patent glazing, the maintenance load is unlikely to
be other than in an inward direction; with vertical
patent glazing, the load might be inward (positive)
or outward (negative). Based on these assumptions,
the following central point load on each patent
glazing bar has been estimated:
a) for sloping patent glazing, a vertical load
of 695 N;
b) for vertical patent glazing, a horizontal load
of 172 N.
For the derivation of design maintenance load m
(in N), the component of the load perpendicular to
the plane of the glazing is required. This may be
obtained from the following equations:
1) for sloping patent glazing, m = 695 cos !;
2) for vertical patent glazing, m = 172/sin !.
Maintenance loads should never be carried directly
by the infilling.
Where other more severe maintenance loads are
anticipated, suitable provision should be made and
the patent glazing contractor should be provided
with the necessary information at the initial design
stage (see 3.2).
Appendix F Determination of working
pressures for patent glazing
F.1 General
Depending upon the particular situation, patent
glazing may be exposed to more than one of the
types of loading described in 10.3. Some of these
loads may act simultaneously, either in the same
direction or in opposite directions. In determining
working pressures for patent glazing, an
assessment of their effects should be carried out in
such a way as to account for all possible loading
combinations that are likely to occur in service.
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For safety reasons, maintenance should not be
carried out in strong winds or when there is much
snow lying on the patent glazing and it is
unnecessary therefore to treat maintenance load as
additive when considering wind load and snow load.
For similar reasons, the clearing of snow from roofs
containing fragile or non-loadbearing materials,
especially glass, is not recommended. Furthermore,
partial removal of snow may adversely affect the
structural stability of the roof.
All the design loads discussed in Appendix B
to Appendix E have been expressed finally in terms
of the design loads perpendicular to the plane of the
glazing. The various combinations of design loads
that have to be considered may now be expressed
algebraically, with a positive or a negative sign
prefixing the design wind load pw to distinguish
between inward (+) and outward () pressure.
F.2 Sloping patent glazing
For sloping patent glazing, the combinations of
positive loads acting inwards that usually have to be
considered are thus: for supporting
members, ( + pw + ps + pdm) and for the
infilling ( + pw + ps + pdi) and, if required to take
account of maintenance load, for patent glazing bars
a combination of pdm and m. On those parts of the
building subject to wind suction, the maximum
negative loads acting outwards that result are the
following combinations: for supporting
members ( pw + pdm) and for the
infilling ( pw + pdi).
F.3 Vertical patent glazing
For vertical patent glazing, the magnitude of loads
incidental to maintenance is likely to be small
compared with the probable maximum wind loading
both positive and negative and, as it is assumed that
extensive maintenance would not be carried out in
very windy conditions, any possible maintenance
loads can usually be ignored. However, there may be
instances, for example in sheltered situations with
very low wind loading, where the combination of
maintenance load and dead load may give rise to
critical loading and these should be considered in
determining working pressure for patent glazing
bars. Generally, therefore, for vertical patent
glazing the maximum resultant positive loads
acting inwards are usually the following
combinations: for supporting members ( + pw + pdm)
and for the infilling ( + pw + pdi) and, if required to
take account of maintenance load, for patent glazing
bars a combination of pdm and m. However, where
sliding or drifting snow is likely to accumulate
against vertical patent glazing, then the resultant
snow load should be taken into account in
determining the maximum positive loads acting
inwards.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
On those parts of the building subject to wind
suction, the maximum negative loads acting
outwards are likely to be the following
combinations: for supporting members ( pw + pdm)
and for the infilling ( pw + pdi). In addition,
self-weight should also be considered as a dead load
acting downwards in the plane of the glazing in
respect of transverse supporting members and
fixings.
Appendix G Determination of working
pressures for supporting members
As noted in 10.6.1.2, permissible stresses due to 3 s
gust wind loading may be increased by
one-third. When considering snow load and dead
load and, if required, maintenance load in
conjunction with wind load in determining working
pressures for use in calculations involving the
strength of supporting members, it may therefore be
convenient to design to a single, wind-associated
stress value and adjust the sustained loads by
multiplying them by a factor of 1.33. This factor is
not applied to the dead load where self-weight
serves only to diminish the effect of a negative wind
pressure. No such adjustment is necessary in
determining working pressures for use in
calculations involving the stiffness of supporting
members.
As any maintenance load on patent glazing bars is
likely to be a concentrated one and not distributed
like wind, snow and self-weight, it is convenient to
consider the combination of dead load and
maintenance load separately when calculating the
required geometric properties of section for
longitudinal supporting members (see Appendix H).
Applying the adjustment for sustained loads to the
combinations of design loads (excluding
maintenance load) considered in Appendix F, the
following expressions are obtained.
a) For sloping patent glazing:
+ pw + 1.33(ps + pdm)
and if a negative value for pw is derived,
i.e. wind suction conditions:
pw + pdm
b) For vertical patent glazing:
+ pw + 1.33pdm
and if a negative value for pw is derived,
i.e. wind suction conditions:
pw + pdm
In a) and b), to take account of windless conditions,
when no positive value for pw is derived, zero should
be substituted for + pw.
55
BS 5516:1991
In a), design snow load ps is assumed to be
uniformly distributed. In the case of drifting snow,
the design snow load on a supporting member may
not be uniformly distributed. In such cases, it may
be appropriate to consider snow load separately
from wind load and dead load in determining
working pressures for supporting members
(see H.2).
Each load case should be considered and whichever
of the resultant values is numerically the greater
should be taken as the operative working pressure
pm1 for the particular situation of the patent
glazing. The values thus obtained are for use in
calculations involving the strength of supporting
members, such as are shown in Appendix H. In
addition, when considering the strength
requirements for transverse supporting members,
the component of the load due to self-weight parallel
to the plane of the glazing should also be multiplied
by a factor of 1.33.
Working pressures for use in calculations involving
the stiffness of supporting members, such as are
shown in Appendix H, are determined in a similar
way but here there is no need for the inclusion of a
factor of 1.33 for sustained loads. The resultant
values thus obtained are distinguished by the
notation pm2.
Appendix H Determination of
required geometric properties of
section for supporting members
H.1 Normal conditions of loading and support
H.1.1 General
Assuming that the design loads act in the direction
of an axis of symmetry of the cross section of a
supporting member which is simply supported at
both ends then, ignoring the contribution to
stiffness made by the infilling, the required
geometric properties of section about the neutral
axis, in a direction of bending normal to the plane of
the glazing, may be obtained from the formulae
given in H.1.2 and H.1.3 for an intermediate,
parallel supporting member.
H.1.2 Two-edge patent glazing
For distributed loads pw, ps and pdm, the modulus of
section Zm2 (in mm3) is given by
(1)
and the second moment of area Im2 (in mm4) is given
by
(2)
56
If required, to take account of maintenance load, the
values for Zm2 and Im2 for the combination of dead
load pdm and maintenance load m on longitudinal
supporting members may be
re-calculated as follows.
The component of the modulus of section Zm2
(in mm3) corresponding to the dead load is given by
(3)
The component of the modulus of section Zm2
(in mm3) corresponding to the maintenance load is
given by
(4)
Components (3) and (4) are added together to obtain
the total required value for Zm2, the result is
compared with that given by equation (1) and
whichever is the greater value is taken to be the
minimum requirement.
The component of the second moment of area Im2
(in mm4) corresponding to the dead load is given by
(5)
The component of the second moment of area Im2
(in mm4) corresponding to the maintenance load is
given by
(6)
Components (5) and (6) are added together to obtain
the total required value for Im2, the result is
compared with that given by equation (2) and
whichever is the greater value is taken to be the
minimum requirement.
In each case, both Zm2 and Im2 values should be
satisfied for a supporting member to be considered
suitable.
The formulae given in H.1.2, which are for simply
supported, single-span members, may be used for
continuous members of two or more approximately
equal spans in which case the effective length of
infilling L should be taken as equal to the span S of
the supporting member. Further consideration
should be given where reduction of section or
concentration of loading occurs in regions of critical
stress in a member.
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H.1.3 Four-edge patent glazing (parallel
supporting members equally spaced)
To make allowance for the way in which the uniform
loads are distributed from the infilling to all four
supporting members and for the aspect ratio factor
of the supporting member under consideration, the
moment and deflection coefficients, given in
formulae (1), (2), (3) and (5), may be modified and
the following equations derived.
For distributed loads pw, ps and pdm, the modulus of
section Zm4 (in mm3) is given by
(7)
and the second moment of area Im4 (in mm4) is given
by
(8)
If required, to take account of maintenance load, the
values for Zm4 and Im4 for the combination of dead
load pdm and maintenance load m on longitudinal
supporting members may be re-calculated as
follows.
The component of the modulus of section Zm4
(in mm3) corresponding to the dead load is given by
(9)
The component of the modulus of section Zm4
(in mm3) corresponding to the maintenance load is
given by
(10)
Components (9) and (10) are added together to
obtain the total required value for Zm4, the result is
compared with that given by equation (7) and
whichever is the greater value is taken to be the
minimum requirement.
The component of the second moment of area Im4
(in mm4) corresponding to the dead load is given by
(11)
The component of the second moment of area Im4
(in mm4) corresponding to the maintenance load is
given by
(12)
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
Components (11) and (12) are added together to
obtain the total required value for Im4, the result is
compared with that found in equation (8) and
whichever is the greater value is taken to be the
minimum requirement.
In each case, both Zm4 and Im4 values should be
satisfied for a supporting member to be considered
suitable.
The formulae given in H.1.3 are valid for
longitudinal supporting members only when
transverse supporting members occur at both points
of attachment to the structure. Otherwise, the
formulae given in H.1.2 should be used but ym4
should be substituted for ym2 .
H.2 Other conditions of loading and support
For conditions of loading and support, other than as
described in H.1, or where insufficient information
is available to proceed with the design in accordance
with this standard, or where precise calculations are
required, a detailed structural analysis should be
undertaken.
Appendix J Plastics glazing sheet
materials
J.1 General
The properties of plastics glazing sheet materials
differ considerably from other infill materials in a
number of significant ways. These properties affect
the following aspects of a patent glazing system:
a) allowances for expansion and contraction of the
infilling (affected by the coefficients of expansion
due to temperature change and moisture
absorption);
b) edge cover provided by supporting members
(affected by the flexing of the infilling under load,
coefficients of expansion and, in the case of hollow
section sheets, the profile of the sheet);
c) double glazing (affected by gas and water
vapour permeability properties);
d) sealing and glazing materials (affected by the
need for chemical compatibility with parts of the
system in contact with the infilling);
e) flashings and other weatherings (affected by
the flexing of the infilling under load and the
coefficients of expansion).
57
BS 5516:1991
J.2 Allowances for expansion and contraction
of infilling
Plastics glazing sheet materials possess high
coefficients of thermal expansion. In addition,
acrylic based materials can have high coefficients of
expansion due to moisture absorption. Taking these
coefficients into account, the potential dimensional
changes over a temperature variation of 40 C for
plastics glazing sheet materials are as follows:
(a) polycarbonate, 3 mm/m;
(b) polyvinyl chloride, 3 mm/m;
(c) acrylic, 5 mm/m.
Plastics glazing sheet materials should only be
incorporated in systems of patent glazing designed
for their use. Supporting members in such systems
incorporate a fixed allowance for expansion which is
valid for infillings up to 1.2 m long in the dimension
perpendicular to the supporting member. Thus, for
two-edge systems, a pane width up to 1.2 m may be
accommodated; for four-edge systems, a pane size of
up to 1.2 m 1.2 m may be accommodated. If any
dimension of the pane exceeds 1.2 m, the allowances
listed above should be taken into account in
designing the patent glazing system.
NOTE 1 There may be relaxations of this rule in the case of
four-edge systems and the manufacturer of the plastics glazing
sheet material should be consulted.
Having thus calculated the expansion allowances
required, the exact pane size to be cut may be
calculated given the temperature at which the
material will be cut to size and the range of
temperatures anticipated for the patent glazing
once installed and in use.
Typically, for panes cut to size indoors, a
temperature in the range 18 C to 20 C may be
assumed. Normal air temperature variation in the
UK may be assumed to be 10 C to 30 C. It is
essential that these temperature differences should
be taken into account during the design of the
patent glazing.
NOTE 2 If plastics glazing sheet materials are cut to size or
trimmed on site, they should always be clamped firmly to a flat
surface to prevent juddering during the cutting operation. The
manufacturer should be consulted for guidance on which type of
cutting equipment, e.g. sawblades, etc., should be used.
58
J.3 Edge cover and edge clearance provided
by supporting members
J.3.1 Solid plastics glazing sheet materials
The graphs in Figure 3 should be used to determine
the minimum thickness of a rectangular pane of
solid plastics glazing sheet material for a given
working pressure. Aspect ratio and area should be
used in the case of panes supported on four edges
and unsupported span should be used in the case of
panes supported on two opposite longitudinal edges
only.
All the graphs in Figure 3 assume a minimum edge
cover of 15 mm. It is essential that edge clearance
should also be provided in the supporting members
for the infilling. A supporting member designed for
plastics glazing sheet materials should therefore
incorporate sufficient edge cover and edge
clearance, during all normal flexing and movement
of the infilling.
For example, in Figure 8, a pane of width 600 mm is
shown between two supporting members with edge
cover and edge clearance at each side
totalling 25 mm. The distance between the stalks or
webs of the supporting members is shown
as 610 mm, thus allowing for expansion of the pane
and for any other required tolerances. When the
pane is centrally located, as in Figure 8(a), a gap
of 5 mm exists at each edge of the pane. However,
should the pane move over to one side, as in
Figure 8(b), and completely close the gap at one
edge, a gap of 10 mm will now exist at the opposite
edge. Even in the latter case, the minimum edge
cover of 15 mm is maintained at both edges.
Similar consideration should be made for the design
and layout of four-edge systems of patent glazing.
J.3.2 Hollow section plastics glazing sheet
materials
Supporting members used with hollow section
plastics glazing sheet materials will often be of the
same design as those used with solid sheets.
However, the spacing of the webs in the sheet may
affect the minimum requirements for edge cover and
advice should therefore be sought from the
manufacturer concerning acceptable designs of
supporting members for the particular sheet
considered.
Care should be taken when cutting hollow section
panes to width. It is possible to cut the sheet just
inside one of the supporting webs in the sheet thus
leaving unsupported skins at the edge of the pane
which make no contribution to the integrity of the
glazing. This is a particular problem with hollow
section sheets with wide web spacings. Figure 9
illustrates the acceptable and unacceptable cutting
of hollow section panes.
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Figure 8 Edge clearance and edge cover for plastics glazing sheet materials
J.4 Double glazing
Double or multiple glazing systems, which include
at least one pane of plastics glazing sheet materials,
should be installed as vented double glazing.
Hermetically sealed double glazing units should not
be manufactured using plastics glazing sheet
materials. Plastics glazing sheet materials allow the
diffusion of gases and vapours, including water
vapour, in minute amounts. Dessicants used in
hermetically sealed units will therefore eventually
be unable to cope with the increase in humidity
resulting from this diffusion.
Hollow section plastics glazing sheet materials are
effectively multiple glazing sheets and should be
installed as vented glazing.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
Advice should be sought from the manufacturer
concerning the correct method and materials to
employ in preparing vented units with a particular
plastics glazing sheet material. Failure to design
and construct units correctly may lead to permanent
internal condensation and possibly the growth of
algae where there is insufficient air flow. Where
there is too much air flow, the inside surfaces of the
sheet will become soiled. It is usually impossible, or
at best very expensive, to remedy such conditions.
In the design of multiple units including one or more
panes of plastics glazing sheet materials, the
following rules should be followed unless there are
specific overriding reasons not to, in which case
advice should always be sought from the
manufacturer.
a) Where clear transparent and tinted panes are
used together, the tinted pane should always be
to the outer side of the glazing to minimize solar
heat gain in the cavity between the panes.
59
BS 5516:1991
NOTE To achieve correct cutting at the desired width, it may be necessary to make two cuts in the original sheet, locating these
two cuts correctly in relation to the positions and spacing of the supporting webs.
Figure 9 Cutting hollow section plastics glazing sheet materials
b) Where panes of different material are used, the
pane of material with the lowest moisture
diffusion rate should go to the side with the
highest ambient air moisture content. This is
usually the side to the interior of the building.
c) The design of the vented glazing and choice of
materials in contact with the panes should take
account of any differing expansion coefficients
and chemical compatibility requirements of both
materials.
d) The choice of gasket materials and spacer
should take account of the fact that high
temperatures may be produced in the system as a
result of solar heat gain combined with the
insulation provided by the infilling.
60
J.5 Sealing and glazing materials
Some types of sealing and glazing material are
chemically incompatible with plastics glazing sheet
materials. The effect of this may be short term or
long term. The detrimental effect may occur on
either the plastics glazing sheet material or the
sealing/glazing material, or both. Increased
temperature due to solar heat gain or the imposition
of relatively high stress on the plastics glazing sheet
material may result in an adverse chemical effect
which would not otherwise occur. Some coatings
used on gaskets to lubricate them and ease
installation may also be chemically incompatible
with plastics glazing sheet materials.
Consideration should also be given to the design of
the gasket taking into account the fact that, under
load, plastics glazing sheet materials flex more than
some other infill materials. They also exhibit more
reversible movement than some other infill
materials due to temperature change and, in the
case of acrylic materials, moisture absorption also.
Gaskets should therefore be designed to
accommodate movement of the pane without
consequential loss of integrity or weather resistance
properties.
Advice should be sought from the manufacturer
concerning suitable design of gasket and suitable
composition of gasket, sealant or mastic.
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J.6 Flashings and other weatherings
Flashings and weatherings should be chemically
compatible with plastics glazing sheet materials
and be designed to allow expansion and contraction
of the pane while retaining their weather
performance.
Because plastics glazing sheet materials flex more
under load than some other infill materials,
preformed rigid flashings, which are not
permanently deflected by flexing panes, should be
used. In addition, the pane should be supported on
the opposite side from the flashing to prevent
deflection of the pane away from the flashing when
under load.
Appendix K Thermal stress in glass
K.1 Assessment
Knowledge of the radiation to which the glass is to
be subjected and the thermal capabilities of the
glass are necessary for the assessment of the
thermal stress in glass. One method of assessment
is by determining the solar radiation intensity on
the glass surface and the air temperature range
applicable to the location of the building. These,
together with the heat transfer coefficients and the
glass absorption, allow determination of the
appropriate basic temperature difference between
the central area of the glass and its edge. This
difference is related to the thermal stress and then
modified for the type of patent glazing system,
taking account of extraneous effects resulting from
shading devices (curtains, blinds, etc.), back-ups or
close proximity to heaters and the like, to derive a
stress for actual service conditions.
The resultant service stress should then be
compared with the design stress for the glass. If on
comparison the service stress is less than or equal to
the design stress, the glass and glazing system may
be accepted as thermally safe provided that the
edges of the glass are of the appropriate quality.
K.2 Glass edge quality
Because the usual mode of thermal breakage of
glass is by the action of tensile stress located in and
parallel to an edge, the breaking stress of the glass
is mainly dependent on the edge quality and the
extent and position of flaws. The condition of the
glass edge is therefore extremely important.
BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991
A clean wheel-cut edge is the most satisfactory.
Where treated edges are required, arrises should be
created by a wet process, working parallel to the
edge and not across the thickness, and the design
implications of such an action should be examined.
Glasses should not be nipped to size and any panes
with shelled or vented edges should not be accepted
for use in orientations subject to direct sunlight.
Care should be taken when using wired glass, as
there are problems in producing high quality cut
edges on wired glass. Also, allowing the edges of the
glass to remain in contact with moisture may
produce rusting/corrosion of the wires which may
lead to the formation of edge defects. Attention
should be paid to the likelihood of this and account
taken during the thermal safety assessment.
K.3 Effect of dirt
If glass is allowed to become very dirty, either
internally or externally, the dirt will absorb solar
radiation. This may result in glass breakage,
particularly where wired glass is used; the
accumulation of dirt should therefore be avoided by
regular cleaning. Toughened glass is not subjected
to the same risk as it can withstand large
temperature differentials.
K.4 Other considerations
K.4.1 Reflective treatments
Using a treatment given in 16.3.3 will increase the
capacity of the glass to absorb heat and hence
increase the likelihood of thermal breakage.
K.4.2 Solar control plastics films
Where the application of a solar control film to a
glass is being considered, advice should be sought
from the manufacturer of the film on the effect of
any additional thermal stress likely to be induced in
the glass.
K.4.3 Overhangs
In sloping patent glazing there is often a need to
have an overhang of the bottom edge of the glass as
a means of producing the required weather
resistance.
Care should be taken in designing these overhangs
to reduce/minimize the effect on the thermal stress
produced within the glass.
K.4.4 Toughened glass
When toughened glass is being used, thermal safety
need not be considered.
61
BS 5516:1991

Publication(s) referred to

BS 476, Fire tests on building materials and structures.

BS 476-3, External fire exposure roof test.
BS 476-4, Non-combustibility test for materials.
BS 476-6, Method of test for fire propagation for products.
BS 476-7, Method for classification of the surface spread of flame of products.
BS 476-20, Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principles).
BS 476-22, Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction.
BS 729, Specification for hot dip galvanized coatings on iron and steel articles.
BS 952, Glass for glazing.
BS 952-1, Classification.
BS 1178, Specification for milled lead sheet for building purposes.
BS 1449, Steel plate, sheet and strip.
BS 1449-1, Specification for carbon and carbon-manganese plate, sheet and strip.
BS 1449-2, Specification for stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet and strip.
BS 1470, Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering
purposes: plate, sheet and strip.
BS 1473, Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering purposes
rivet, bolt and screw stock.
BS 1474, Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering
purposes: bars, extruded round tubes and sections.
BS 1615, Method for specifying anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and its alloys.
BS 2569, Specification for sprayed metal coatings.
BS 2569-1, Protection of iron and steel by aluminium and zinc against atmospheric corrosion.
BS 2571, Specification for general-purpose flexible PVC compounds for moulding and extrusion.
BS 2874, Specification for copper and copper alloy rods and sections (other than forging stock).
BS 2989, Specification for continuously hot-dip zinc coated and iron-zinc alloy coated steel: wide strip,
sheet/plate and slit wide strip.
BS 3382, Specification for electroplated coatings on threaded components.
BS 3987, Specification for anodic oxide coatings on wrought aluminium for external architectural
applications.
BS 4254, Specification for two-part polysulphide-based sealants.
BS 4255, Rubber used in preformed gaskets for weather exclusion from buildings.
BS 4842, Specification for liquid organic coatings for application to aluminium alloy extrusions, sheet and
preformed sections for external architectural purposes, and for the finish on aluminium alloy extrusions,
sheet and preformed sections coated with liquid organic coatings.
BS 4921, Specification for sherardized coatings on iron or steel.
BS 5215, Specification for one-part gun grade polysulphide-based sealants.
BS 5250, Code of pratice for control of condensation in buildings.
BS 5750, Quality systems5).
BS 5889, Specification for one-part gun grade silicone-based sealants.
BS 5950, Structural use of steelwork in building.
BS 5950-1, Code of practice for design in simple and continuous construction: hot rolled sections.
BS 6105, Specification for corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners.
BS 6180, Code of practice for protective barriers in and about buildings.
BS 6206, Specification for impact performance requirements for flat safety glass and safety plastics for use
in buildings.

5)
In foreword only.

62 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5516:1991

BS 6270, Code of practice for cleaning and surface repair of buildings.

BS 6270-3, Metals6).
BS 6338, Specification for chromate conversion coatings on electroplated zinc and cadmium coatings.
BS 6367, Code of practice for drainage of roofs and paved areas.
BS 6399, Loading for buildings.
BS 6399-3, Code of practice for imposed roof loads.
BS 6496, Specification for powder organic coatings for application and stoving to aluminium alloy
extrusions, sheet and preformed sections for external architectural purposes, and for the finish on
aluminium alloy extrusions, sheet and preformed sections coated with powder organic coatings.
BS 6497, Specification for powder organic coatings for application and stoving to hot-dip galvanized
hot-rolled steel sections and preformed steel sheet for windows and associated external architectural
purposes, and for the finish on galvanized steel sections and preformed sheet coated with powder organic
coatings.
BS 8220, Guide for security of buildings against crime.
BS 8220-2, Offices and shops.
BS EN 10002-1, Tensile testing of metallic materials.
BS EN 10002-1-1, Method of test at ambient temperature.
CP 3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.
CP 3:Chapter V-2, Wind loads.
CP 3:Chapter IX, Durability.
CP 118, The structural use of aluminium.
CP 153, Windows and rooflights.
CP 153-2, Durability and maintenance.
DD 67, Basic data for the design of buildings: sunlight.
DD 73, Basic data for the design of buildings: daylight.
PD 6484, Commentary on corrosion at bimetallic contacts and its alleviation.
PD 6512, Use of elements of structural fire protection with particular reference to the recommendations
given in BS 5588 Fire precautions in the design and construction of buildings.
PD 6512-3, Guide to the fire performance of glass.
CIBSE Guide A1.
CIBSE Guide Section A5, Thermal Response of Buildings, 1979.
CIBSE Applications Manual AM2, Window Design.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Handbook
Fundamentals, 1981.

6) In preparation.

BSI 04-1999
BS 5516:1991

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