Blast Resistant Glass

The following constructions of laminated glass are most commonly specified for bomb-blast resistance. As with all laminated glazing, the glass can be supplied as tinted or reflective for light and solar control purposes. The lites of glass can be either annealed or heat-strengthened. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® does not recommend tempered laminated glass in this type of application. When insulating glass units are required for thermal performance, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® recommends that both lites of the IG unit be laminated in order to provide maximum protection for those both inside and outside the building. If only one lite in the IG unit is to be laminated, it must be the interior lite so as to protect the occupants of the building.

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^®‘s blast-resistant laminated glass is an excellent glazing choice in all types of buildings that may be subjected to bomb blasts. The tough plastic interlayer holds the glass together after an impact, and with the proper framing systems, the glazing will be retained in the opening. Thus, the amount of flying glass, as well as the consequential injuries, can be dramatically reduced.

The pressure from a bomb typically consists of a wave that rises almost instantaneously to a very high peak pressure that falls back to zero in a very short duration, as measured in milliseconds. For example, a 27 lb. bomb detonated from a stand-off distance of 48 ft. produces a peak pressure of 10 psi (1,440 psf) for 3.3 milliseconds. The area under the pressure time graph is called the impulse and is measured in psi-ms. Blast wave energy decreases very rapidly with distance so that the most effective protection is to increase this “stand-off” distance. However, this is not always a viable or economic option.

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Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® offers a comprehensive line of laminated glazing solutions including security glazing. The glass types listed below are included in the Laminated Glass offering. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® offers a variety of glass products to meet your architectural glazing design needs. Please contact Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® for product availability and performance data as this information is subject to change without notice.

Laminated architectural glass can be fabricated using various glass types, including low-e, clear, low-iron, tinted, reflective, patterned or wired glass to achieve desired aesthetics or to improve solar control and thermal performance. Mass pigmented and decorative interlayers can also be used to provide a wide range of effects.

For monolithic, laminated or insulating glass unit performance data, please go to SystemSelect^™, our on-line glass performance calculator.

The tables below include a selection of the most common colors available. For full details of the decorative interlayers including Vanceva^® Color, Pattern, Metallic and Image see the decorative section

Assistance Options:

1. Call toll-free, 866-653-2278.
2. Send e-mail to Technical Support

Install per blast mitigation framing supplier guidelines.

Do not expose the edges of any laminated glass to organic solvents, acids or any cleaner containing ammonia, which can react with the plastic components. Once the glazing is installed, the glazing contractor should ensure that the glazing is protected from possible damage caused by the construction practices of other trades. Take particular care during the initial cleaning, especially if the surfaces are severely soiled. Never attempt to remove dry deposits. NEVER use a sharp blade or scraper to remove deposits or clean the glass.

First flush with water to soften and remove as many contaminants as possible. Then use a clean squeegee to remove excess water, ensuring that abrasive deposits do not get trapped between the squeegee and the glass surface. Then use a mild nonabrasive, nonalkaline cleaner and a soft, grit-free cloth to clean the glass. Rinse immediately with water, removing excess water with a squeegee.

For routine cleaning, a mild soap or detergent, with lukewarm water, can be used with a clean, grit-free cloth. Dry the surface immediately and never allow metallic or hard objects, such as razor blades or scrapers, to come into contact with the glass.