What is Seismic Glass?
Laminated glass performs very well in seismic applications because the plastic interlayer holds most of the glass fragments following cracking, which significantly reduces the potential of glass falling to the ground. In addition, the complete glass unit tends to be retained in the frame.
Where should I use it?
Earthquake-resistant glass should be used in all fenestration in seismic-prone areas. Applications include storefronts, curtain walls and other commercial glazing.
The following constructions of laminated glass are most commonly specified in earthquake-prone regions. As with all laminated glazing, the glass can be supplied tinted or reflective for light and solar control purposes. The lites of glass can be either annealed or heat-strengthened. Bharat Safety Glass does not recommend tempered glass be laminated for seismic applications because of "wet blanket" fallout concerns.
When insulating glass is required for thermal performance in earthquake-prone regions, Bharat Safety Glass recommends that both lites of the IG unit be laminated to provide maximum glass retention both inside and outside the building envelope.
Two major factors need to be examined in any consideration of earthquake-induced glass damage:
-How the glass system performs and responds to racking-type earthquake-induced building deflections such as interstory drift;
-How the glass performs after it has been cracked by frame movements.
The frame is, therefore, an integral part of an earthquake-resistant glazing system. Frames prone to racking during earthquake-induced building movements can cause glass components to crack, and, for some types of glass, to fall in fragments.
