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Special Masonry Systems Glass Block Systems
1) General
2) UBC Requirements
3) Details
4) Guide Specifications
1. General
Glass block panels prove to be an excellent control of ambient heat transmission. Block inserts give a double cavity system which further enhances transmission control.
If glass block panels face within 10 degrees of either side of true north where sunlight never strikes the panel, then non-sun exposure units should be installed.
Panel facing further south will receive direct sunlight at some time. Solar controlling units should be used unless panel is adequately shaded by external factors.
Heat gain resulting from direct radiation passing through a glass block may be controlled by using block with appropriate transmission properties.
For general planning purposes, a glass block wall can provide daylight illumination to a depth of about 20 ft. or more, if panels are exceptionally high.
While single panels of glass block are limited to a maximum of l44 sq. ft, panel and curtain wall sections up to a maximum area of 250 sq. ft may be erected if properly braced to limit movement and settlement.
Any glass block installation that is made in a frame construction shall have the wood adjacent to the mortar properly primed with asphalt emulsion.
Underwriters' listing: glass block panels may be used for window opening subject to the light fire exposure (class F openings)
2. UBC "Glass Masonry" Requirements
Glass masonry.
A. General. Masonry of glass blocks may be used in nonload-bearing exterior or interior walls and in openings which might otherwise be filled with windows, either isolated or in continuous bands, provided the glass block panels have a minimum thickness of 3 inches at the mortar joint and the mortared surfaces of the blocks are treated for mortar bonding.
B. Horizontal forces. The panels shall be restrained laterally to resist the horizontal forces specified in Chapter 23 for bearing walls.
C. Size of panels. Glass block panels for exterior walls shall not exceed 144 square feet of unsupported wall surface nor 15 feet in any dimension. For interior walls, glass block panels shall not exceed 250 square feet of unsupported area nor 25 feet in any dimension.
The NW Masonry Guide Table of Contents
Masonry Institute of Washington
Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors
