Selection of Architectural Glazing Constructions without Calculations

Abstract

A single table permits the designer of architectural glazing systems to select glazing constructions that will meet specified design wind loads. This simplification of the glazing construction selection process employs, as working elements, the minimum load resistance of commonly used glass thicknesses and opening areas. The process is based on two principal observations: (1) heat-treated lites (heat strengthened and fully tempered) with relatively large areas of approximately 4.6–6.5 m2 (5–7 ft2) can carry relatively large design pressures in excess of 4.8 kPa (1 psf) acting alone, thus eliminating the need for load-sharing analysis in most common sizes of insulating glass units; and (2) the load resistances of commonly used monolithic and polyvinylbutyral-laminated lites with identical dimensions and designated thickness are close enough to be considered equal, within 14 Pa (3 psf).