GLASS

Glass is a hard and brittle material manufactured by fusion process.

In the fusion process, the sand is allowed to fuse with lime, soda, and other
admixtures as well. Then the mixture of all of these is cooled as quickly as
possible. This cooled substance is known as glass.

In construction, different types of glass are used mainly for architectural

purposes. Other than that there are more applications of glass as a material,
which we will learn further.

Engineering Properties of Glass

1. Transparency
2. Strength
3. Workability
4. Transmittance
5. U value
6. Recycling property
1. Transparency of Glass

Transparency is the main property of glass which allows the vision of the outside
world through it. The transparency of glass can be from both sides or from one side
only. In one side transparency, glass behaves like a mirror from the other side.

2. Strength of Glass

The strength of glass depends on the modulus of rupture value of glass. In general
glass is a brittle material but by adding admixtures and laminates we can make it as
more strong.

3. Workability of Glass
A glass can be molded into any shape, or it can be blown during melting. So,
workability of glass is a superior property.

4. Transmittance

The visible fraction of light that passing through glass is the property of visible
transmittance.

5. U value of Glass

U value represents the amount of heat transferred through glass. If a glass is said to
be insulated unit then it should have lower u value.

6. Recycle Property of Glass

Any glass can be 100% recyclable. It can also be used as raw material in
construction industry.

Types of Glass Used In Construction

There are various types of glasses used in construction for different purposes.
Let us learn about each one of them in detail.

Different types of glass used in construction are as follows:

1. Float Glass

Float glass, also known as soda-lime glass, is manufactured from sodium

silicate by controlled cooling. Float glass is a glass having a superior quality
of optic clarity. Float glass is available in various thickness sizes ranging
from 2mm to 20mm respectively.
Operations like drilling, cutting, bending, and polishing are possible to be
carried out on float glass. Float glass is unable to resist shock and also has a
low tension capacity, which is considered its major drawback. These types of
glass are used for window glass in shops and public places.

2. Shatterproof Glass

Shatterproof glass resists shattering or breaking down into small edged pieces
when it is destroyed either naturally or purposely.

The non-formation of sharp-edged pieces of glass in shatterproof glass is due

to the addition of plastic polyvinyl butyrate during the process of its
manufacturing. Shatterproof glass is used for window glass, floors, and
skylights respectively.

3. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is a sandwiched glass consisting of two or more layers of

glass combined using a transparent and flexible material. Laminated glass is
soundproof glass.

It is usually thicker and heavier as compared to other types of glasses, as it is

made up of more than one layer of glass. Laminated glass is widely used for
making aquariums and in the construction of bridges.

4. Chromatic Glass

Chromatic glass is used in meeting rooms and Intensive Care Units (ICU) of
hospitals. Chromatic glasses can control the daylight and transparency.
Chromatic glasses are available in three forms:-

• i) Photochromatic – which is able to sense light.

• ii) Thermochromatic – which can since temperature and heat.
• iii) Electrochromatic- transparency of electrochromatic glass can be
controlled by an electrical switch.
5. Tinted Glass

• Tinted glass is colored glass that is manufactured by adding some

additives to the mixture while manufacturing glass, without
compromising the properties of glass.

• The addition of iron oxide to glass gives a green tint to it while copper
sulphate is added to give a blue shade to the glass. Similarly, by adding
different additives, different colors are obtained.

6. Toughened Glass

• Toughened glass, also known as safety glass or tempered glass, is a

specially processed glass that is manufactured while keeping in mind
its strength and its ability to resist breaking. This type of glass is very
tough and does not break easily.

• By chance, if it breaks, it breaks into smaller pieces which eliminate the

chances of anyone getting injured due to it. Toughened glass is mostly
seen in kitchens, shower screens, etc.