Glass Thickness Selection (ASTM E1300)

Glass strength and deflection are discussed in detail in the ASTM E1300 Standard Practice for Determining the Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings. The model building codes contain requirements for wind, snow and dead loads on glass. The applicable state laws and local building codes must be checked to determine minimum glass strength requirements governing each project.

Currently, ASTM E1300 addresses monolithic, laminated and insulating glass constructions exposed to a uniform lateral load of a short or long duration for a specified probability of breakage. The standard does not apply to glass with surface and edge treatments that alter the glass's strength, such as wired, patterned, etched, sandblasted, drilled, notched or grooved glass. While ASTM E1300 is based on a determination of a glass's resistance to uniform lateral loads, the standard clearly notes that the final glass thickness and the type of glass used will depend on a variety of factors, including thermal stresses, spontaneous breakage of tempered glass, effects of windborne debris, excessive deflections, considerations set forth in building codes, safety glazing requirements and other site-specific concerns. Design professionals use this standard to show compliance to building code regulations. Building code officials use the standard to verify compliance with applicable codes. And glass manufacturers, fabricators and installers use it to assist their customers in selecting a proper glass thickness and type.