How to Select and Install Glass in Buildings According to AS 1288 2006 Standards

Glass is a versatile and attractive material that can be used for various purposes in buildings, such as windows, doors, partitions, balustrades, skylights, and more. However, glass also poses some risks and challenges, such as breakage, thermal stress, wind load, human impact, and fire resistance. Therefore, it is essential to select and install glass in buildings according to the appropriate standards and guidelines.

One of the most important standards for glass in buildings in Australia and New Zealand is AS 1288 2006 Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation. This standard sets out procedures for the design, selection and installation of glass in buildings, subject to wind loading, human impact, and special applications such as overhead glazing, balustrades and glass assemblies. It also provides guidance for installation practice, based on proven techniques.

What is AS 1288 2006?

AS 1288 2006 is an Australian Standard that was prepared by Committee BD-007, Glazing and Fixing of Glass. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 28 November 2005 and published on 16 January 2006. It incorporates amendments No. 1 (2008), No. 2 (2011), and No. 3 (2016).

AS 1288 2006 is a comprehensive guide to glass selection and installation in buildings. It covers the following aspects:

Glass strength requirements based on the tensile stresses developed on the surface of the glass.
Glass types and properties, such as annealed glass, toughened glass, laminated glass, wired glass, insulating glass units, coated glass, patterned glass, etc.
Glass thickness determination based on wind load, human impact load, and other factors.
Glass design for special applications such as overhead glazing, balustrades, glass assemblies, etc.
Glass installation methods and practices, such as glazing systems, sealants, gaskets, fasteners, etc.
Glass safety and quality control measures.

AS 1288 2006 does not cover the following aspects:

Glazing in lift cars and lift wells.
Furniture glass, cabinet glass, vanities, glass basins, refrigeration units, internal glass fitments and internal wall mirrors not specifically covered by Section 5.
Buildings and structures with no public access intended for horticultural or agricultural use.
Windows and doors in heritage buildings as defined by the relevant State or Territorial authority.
Restoration and or repairs to existing leadlights.
Special glazing applications which might fail due to the stresses other than tensile stresses, such as shear stresses.

Glass Types and Properties

Glass is an amorphous substance with a homogeneous texture. It is a hard, brittle, transparent, or translucent material. It may be comprised of a fusion of sand, soda, lime, or other materials. The most common glass forming process heats the raw materials until they become molten liquid, then rapidly cools the material to create hardened glass.

There are many different types of glass, each with its own properties and applications. Some of the common types of glass are:

Soda-lime glass: This is the most widely used type of glass for containers, windows, and other applications. It is composed of about 74% silica, 13% sodium oxide, 10.5% calcium oxide, and other minor ingredients. It has a low melting point, low cost, good chemical resistance, and good optical clarity. However, it also has a high thermal expansion coefficient, low mechanical strength, and poor resistance to thermal shock and abrasion.
Borosilicate glass: This is a type of glass that has a high content of boron oxide (about 12.5%) in addition to silica and other oxides. It has a low thermal expansion coefficient, high mechanical strength, high chemical resistance, and high resistance to thermal shock and corrosion. It is used for laboratory glassware, cookware, lighting, optical instruments, and other applications that require high durability and thermal stability.
Lead glass: This is a type of glass that has a high content of lead oxide (about 34%) in addition to silica and other oxides. It has a high refractive index, high dispersion, high density, and high softness. It is used for decorative glassware, crystalware, optical lenses, radiation shielding, and other applications that require high optical quality and brilliance.
Fused silica: This is a type of glass that is composed of pure silica (more than 99%) without any other additives. It has a very low thermal expansion coefficient, very high melting point, very high chemical resistance, very high mechanical strength, and very high optical transparency. It is used for high-temperature applications, semiconductor fabrication, optical fibers, lasers, and other applications that require extreme purity and performance.
Germania glass: This is a type of glass that is composed of pure germanium oxide (more than 99%) without any other additives. It has a low refractive index, low dispersion, low density, and low softness. It is used for infrared optics, fiber optics, lasers, and other applications that require low optical loss and high transmission in the infrared region.

Glass Design for Special Applications

Glass can be used for various special applications in buildings, such as overhead glazing, balustrades, glass assemblies, bird-friendly glass, dichroic glass, digital ceramic printing, and more. These applications require careful design and selection of glass types, properties, and installation methods to ensure safety, performance, and aesthetics.

Some of the factors that need to be considered for glass design for special applications are:

Wind load: Glass used for overhead glazing, balustrades, and glass assemblies must be able to withstand the wind pressure and suction without excessive deflection or breakage. The wind load depends on the location, height, orientation, shape, and size of the building and the glass element. AS 1288 2006 provides methods for calculating the design wind load for different types of glass applications.
Human impact load: Glass used for doors, partitions, balustrades, and other applications where human contact is possible must be able to resist the impact force without causing injury to the occupants. The human impact load depends on the location, function, and accessibility of the glass element. AS 1288 2006 provides methods for determining the human impact load and the minimum glass thickness for different types of glass applications.
Thermal stress: Glass exposed to temperature variations may experience thermal stress due to differential expansion or contraction of the glass and its surroundings. Thermal stress may cause cracking or breakage of the glass if it exceeds the strength of the glass. The thermal stress depends on the glass type, thickness, size, shape, edge condition, shading, coating, framing, and temperature difference. AS 1288 2006 provides methods for estimating the thermal stress and the maximum temperature difference for different types of glass applications.
Fire resistance: Glass used for fire-rated applications must be able to prevent or limit the spread of fire, smoke, and heat through the glass element. The fire resistance depends on the glass type, thickness, size, shape, edge condition, framing, and glazing system. AS 1288 2006 provides guidance for selecting fire-rated glass and glazing systems according to the required fire resistance level.
Acoustic performance: Glass used for noise control applications must be able to reduce or attenuate the sound transmission through the glass element. The acoustic performance depends on the glass type, thickness, size, shape, air gap, framing, and glazing system. AS 1288 2006 provides guidance for selecting acoustic glass and glazing systems according to the required sound insulation rating.
Aesthetic appearance: Glass used for decorative or artistic applications must be able to create a desired visual effect or impression through the glass element. The aesthetic appearance depends on the glass type, color, texture, pattern, coating, printing, etching, and lighting. AS 1288 2006 provides guidance for selecting decorative glass and glazing systems according to the required aesthetic quality.

Glass Installation Methods and Practices

Glass installation methods and practices depend on the type, size, shape, and function of the glass element, as well as the framing and glazing system used to support and secure it. Glass installation requires proper tools, materials, skills, and safety precautions to ensure a successful and durable outcome. Some of the general steps involved in glass installation are:

Prepare the opening: The opening where the glass will be installed must be clean, dry, level, plumb, and free of any defects or obstructions that may affect the fit and performance of the glass. The opening must also be compatible with the framing and glazing system selected for the glass element.
Apply glazing tape or sealant: Glazing tape or sealant is used to create a cushion and a seal between the glass and the frame. Glazing tape is a double-sided adhesive tape that is applied to the frame before inserting the glass. Sealant is a liquid or paste material that is applied to the frame or the glass after inserting the glass. Glazing tape or sealant must be compatible with the glass type, frame material, and environmental conditions.
Insert the glass: The glass must be carefully lifted and inserted into the opening, making sure that it is aligned with the frame and that there is an even gap or reveal around all edges. The glass must also be supported by setting blocks at the bottom of the opening to prevent sagging or slipping. Setting blocks are small pieces of rubber or plastic that are placed under the glass to distribute its weight and prevent direct contact with the frame.
Secure the glass: The glass must be secured to the frame by applying pressure or fasteners to hold it in place. Pressure can be applied by using glazing stops or beads, which are strips of metal or plastic that are attached to the frame over the edge of the glass. Fasteners can be screws, clips, bolts, or nails that are used to attach the glass or the glazing stops to the frame. The type and number of fasteners depend on the size and weight of the glass element.
Caulk the joints: The joints between the glass and the frame must be caulked with a suitable sealant to prevent water infiltration, air leakage, and thermal loss. The sealant must be applied in a continuous bead along all edges of the glass element, filling any gaps or voids. The sealant must also be tooled or smoothed to ensure a neat and uniform appearance.