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Standard Test Method for Center-Punch Fragmentation of Fully Tempered Flat Glass - TD 101-04

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GLASS INFORMATIONAL BULLETINS
GANA Glass Informational Bulletins (GIB) are free resources developed within the extensive technical committees in GANA's many Divisions.  They are available for download and distribution below.

Association-Wide GIB's
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products
- GANA 01-0300

Architectural glass products must be properly cleaned during construction activities and as a part of routine maintenance in order to maintain visual and aesthetic clarity. Since glass products can be permanently damaged if improperly cleaned, glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with the suggested procedures outlined in this document for properly cleaning glass surfaces.

Flat Glass Industry Standards - GANA 02-0409
This document provides a list of the current editions, as of April 2, 2009, of industry consensus and federal flat glass standards frequently specified and referenced for use in residential and commercial construction applications in the United States.

Differences Between Safety Glazing Standards - GANA 03-0609
This document contrasts the more significant differences between the following two standards: CPSC Part 1201 Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials and ANSI Z97.1-2004. Both standards are applicable to safety glazing materials used in architectural applications. This bulletin makes no attempt to summarize all pertinent provisions of the two standards, only their significant differences.

Suggested Procedures for Dealing with Broken Glass - GANA 04-0906
All types of architectural glass can be hazardous when broken. Glass can break after installation due to accidental impact, severe weather events, vandalism or improper glazing conditions as well as for other reasons. Regardless of the type of glass, broken glass can pose a risk of injury and property damage. This document outlines suggested procedures for dealing with broken glass.

Protective Glazing Committee GIB's
Bullet Resistant Glazing
- GANA PGC 01-0707

Bullet resistant glazing provides an improved safety barrier against ballistic attack. Bullet resistant glazing materials include all-glass laminates, glass-clad polycarbonate laminates, and other laminated or monolithic plastics. Typical applications include banks, currency exchanges, police stations, embassies, military installations, prisons, detention centers, government offices, and schools. This document discusses various aspects and considerations with bullet resistant glazing.

Blast Mitigating Glazing - GANA PGC 02-0509
Blast mitigating glazing can substantially reduce injury from flying glass resulting from direct blast shock waves (over-pressures). When properly designed, framed, and anchored, blast resistant laminates are capable of maintaining the integrity of the building envelope following an explosion and reducing interior damage. Although there are other mechanisms of reducing the number of glass shards that enter a facility this document deals with factory fabricated glazing with at least two pieces of glass or plastic glazing bonded together with a high performance polymer interlayer.

Performance Criteria for Glazing Subjected to Seismic Events - GANA PGC 03-0809
Shaking and twisting buildings, uplifting of the earth, people screaming, running and trying to avoid falling debris. This can be a typical scene during a damaging earthquake. Significant research has been done on the causes of earthquakes; less work has been done on how to keep buildings intact and functioning during these events. Engineers and architects must follow code requirements for the structural performance of buildings in seismic zones. This glass information bulletin focuses on the use of glass and glazing as non-structural components installed in buildings in seismic-prone areas.

Detention Facility Glazing - GANA PGC 04-0210  NEW!!
Detention facility glazing is defined as translucent or transparent material constructed to withstand measurable, complex loads from intentional, sustained threats or attacks in a detention and correctional environment. Detention glazing must comply with testing standards as set forth by several administrative bodies depending on whether the facility is a local, state or federal facility. Security glazing proposed to be used in adult and juvenile detention facilities must be of the appropriate rating in relationship to the security level of the facility.

Building Envelope Contractor (BEC) Division GIB's
The Top 10 Items Commonly Missing from Fenestration System Shop Drawings - GANA BECD 01-0906

Shop drawings, for glass and aluminum windows, curtain walls and skylights, must document and detail all requirements of design parameters, material ordering, fabrication and erection. Failure to properly document these requirements can result in numerous errors and project delays. In order to provide a reminder of key elements of successful shop drawings, members of the GANA Building Envelope Contractors (BEC) Division developed this list of the Top Ten items commonly missing from fenestration systems shop drawings.

Bid Considerations for Contract Glazing Proposals - GANA BECD 02-0109
Today's business climate requires glazing subcontractors to take steps to reduce their agreements to writing, clarify those agreements and limit their exposure. The purpose of this document is to list optional inclusions, exclusions and qualifications for glazing subcontractors to consider adopting. This is not a comprehensive list; it is a tool to assist subcontractors in evaluating their bid proposals.

Decorative Division GIB's
Guidelines for Handling and Cleaning Decorative Glass - DD 01-0608

Decorative glass products have become important components of the architectural landscape. They contribute to the architecture and design requirements of interior and exterior applications for residential, commercial and industrial projects. In order to preserve the quality and integrity of decorative glass products and to ensure their long-term performance, fabricators, glazing contractors, related sub-contractors (e.g. millwork contractors) and building owners should follow appropriate procedures during handling, fabrication, installation, and cleaning. The guidelines within this document are intended to inform and assist those who fabricate, use and maintain decorative glass products.

Flat Glass Manufacturing Division GIB's
Approximate Weight of Architectural Flat Glass - FGMD 01-0408

Design professionals, wall system manufacturers, and construction managers often need the weight of materials for engineering and construction site considerations. The table within this document gives approximate weights of architectural flat glass by thickness designations as published by North American manufacturers.

Protecting Glass Against Weld Splatter - FGMD 02-0809
Glass fabricators take great care during manufacturing to ensure that the products that they make meet the highest quality standards. They carry these same standards to the packaging area, taking every precaution to deliver the products to the project in good condition. At the jobsite, there are many activities that are performed that can have negative effect on glass products, especially after glass is installed. One of these is welding, a common activity and the subject of this bulletin.

LEED® Recycled Content for Glass - FGMD 03-0410
LEED®, which is an acronym for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” is a rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, which serves to promote sustainable buildings, by awarding points for reducing energy use, improving indoor environmental quality and promoting a whole-building approach to sustainability.  LEED® enables “Credit Points” to be earned in seven (7) categories. One of these categories, “Materials and Resources,” enables points to be earned for “Recycled Content.”  The purpose of this GIB is to clarify the current requirements for recycled content claims for glass.

Insulating Division GIB's
Describing Architectural Glass Constructions - ID 01-1107

Architectural glass products used in commercial construction applications often incorporate multiple lites of glass with different colors, thicknesses, strength, coatings and other surface and edge treatments. The Glass Association of North America (GANA) recommends the terminology and practices for describing the construction of architectural glass products to be used in windows, doors, skylights, window walls and curtain walls contained within this document.

Laminating Division GIB's
Design Considerations for Laminated Glazing Applications - GANA LD 01-1003 (2008 Edition)

Modern architectural designs often require glazing materials that provide enhanced levels of security and safety performance properties. These properties include: resistance to ballistics, blast, hurricane/cyclic wind pressures and physical attack. Applications may also require desirable properties such as sound reduction, fade resistance, and solar & thermal control. Laminated glazing materials consist of multiple plies of glass, interlayers, resins and/or plastic glazing materials (such as polycarbonate sheet or acrylic), which are often complex in nature. They are designed to provide specified levels of performance. Design professionals and building owners should be aware of the considerations contained within this document when selecting and specifying laminated glazing constructions.

Emergency Egress Through Laminated Glazing Materials - GANA LD 02-0704 (2010 Edition)
Building codes often require, and/or modern architectural designs specify, glazing materials that provide enhanced performance levels of security and safety. These performance properties include: resistance to ballistics, blast, hurricane/cyclic wind pressures and physical attack. Glazing applications may also specify such properties as sound reduction, fade resistance, and solar and thermal control. Because laminated glazing materials are able to meet such requirements and design criteria, they are finding application in a broader range of installations than ever before. The use of laminated glazing in residential and commercial installations has led to inquiries by design professionals and specifiers regarding the reaction of public safety officials to these products. This document is intended to inform building owners, design professionals, and specifiers about emergency ingress and egress considerations when using these products.

Point Supported Glass - GANA LD 03-0505
Architectural glass that is monolithic, laminated, or insulating has traditionally been supported by capturing the edges of the glass. As architects have expressed their desire to make the walls of the buildings even more transparent, engineers have developed methods of reducing the size of the supporting structures. In recent years, especially in Europe, it has been increasingly popular to attach the glass to the structure using bolted fittings directly connected through holes in the glass. These fittings allow improved transparency and offer additional architectural opportunities in the detailing of the bolted connections. This document discusses this type of glass application.

Skylights and Sloped Glazing are Not Walking Surfaces - GANA LD 04-0306
The use of skylights and sloped glazing systems continues to grow in popularity as architects and building owners use these fenestration systems to bring natural daylight further into homes, schools, medical facilities, commercial offices and retail stores. In order to ensure human safety and long-term performance of skylights and sloped glazing systems, construction workers, maintenance professionals and others must be aware that the systems typically are not designed or intended to be used as walking surfaces. This document discusses safety concerns with walking on these types of surfaces.

Marking and Labeling of Architectural Laminated Glass - GANA LD 05-1006
Modern architectural designs are requiring the installation of glazing materials that are capable of performing in multi-peril situations. These applications typically require levels of protection well beyond those of basic safety glazing. As such there has been unprecedented advancement in the types, configurations and complexities of glazing materials currently utilized in architectural applications. Because of the tremendous increase in the recognized performance of glass and other glazing, the concern over properly identified components of a fenestration assembly has also increased. Currently, there are several industry guidelines that assist the frame manufacturer in the proper labeling of framing systems, but very little guidance is available for the glazing that is placed inside the frame, referenced as the “infill”. The purpose of this informational bulletin is to provide guidance and hopefully some clarity to the various permanent marks or manufacturers designations currently being applied and/or required for the glazing infill of a fenestration assembly.

Glass Floors and Stairs - GANA LD 06-1107
Glass floors and stair treads are found in both residential and commercial settings, and are growing in popularity because of their aesthetic appeal as well as for the daylighting benefits they bring to a space. While there are manufacturers that provide engineered and tested flooring systems, most glass floor and stair tread projects require the input of a structural engineer to provide load calculations and an experienced installer to provide glazing details. Because pedestrian safety is a critical objective, the glazing in-fill must provide an acceptable level of slip resistance. If there is a possibility for inappropriate lines of sight, the glass will require greater opacity or translucency to address a concern for modesty. This document discusses several considerations for using glass in flooring and stair applications.

Hurricane Product Substitution - GANA LD 07-0809
Thousands of impact resistant windows, doors, and skylights have been tested and certified since Hurricane Andrew ravaged South Florida in 1992, causing billions in property damage. As a consequence of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Andrew, more stringent standards for window systems were adopted. The requirements put into place the following year called for testing of window and door systems and changes to any component--including framing materials, glazing, sealants, weather stripping, hardware and anchors typically necessitated retesting and recertification. This document discusses the many considerations for hurricane product substitution.

Weight of Laminated Architectural Glass - GANA LD 08-0909
Design professionals, wall system manufacturers, and construction managers often need the weight of materials for engineering and construction site considerations. The tables contained in this document provide approximate weights of interlayer used in laminated architectural flat glass by North American manufacturers.

Mirror Division GIB's
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Flat Glass Mirrors - GANA MD 01-0105

Mirrors provide both functional and aesthetic performance in the interior design for today’s homes, office buildings, schools, medical and institutional facilities. In addition to the function of providing reflected images, mirrors are being use to move natural light further into buildings and enhance the openness of rooms. Proper cleaning procedures must be followed to ensure the long-term performance of mirrors. This document provides suggest procedures for cleaning flat glass mirrors.

Proper Procedures for Fabrication of Flat Glass Mirrors - GANA MD 02-0209
Silvered flat glass mirror products can be fabricated to provide additional aesthetic appeal such as beveled edges and surface accents. As additional fabrication features are applied, is it critical to ensure proper fabrication conditions and techniques are utilized in order to protect and maintain the integrity of the mirror backing and edges and to reduce the chances of black edge developing. When fabricating silvered flat glass mirror products, the members of the Mirror Division of the Glass Association of North American (GANA) recommend consideration of the guidelines provided in this document.

Installation Techniques Designed to Prolong the Life of Flat Glass Mirrors - GANA MD 03-0709
The reflective surface of a mirror is a thin film of pure metallic silver. Although well protected by paint, the silver film remains vulnerable to corrosion if exposed to chemicals or excessive moisture. This document provides some important installation recommendations. Strict adherence to these dos and don’ts will help protect the silver from corrosion and prolong the life of the mirror.

Tempering Division GIB's
Heat-Treated Glass Surfaces Are Different - GANA TD 02-0402 (2008 Edition)
As the use of glass increased over recent years, issues of strength, safety and thermal performance became increasingly important design considerations. The availability of tinted and coated glasses had a dramatic impact on glass use in building projects. The vastly expanded aesthetic options, combined with the improved energy conserving and comfort capabilities of tinted and coated glasses allowed architects to use more glass, as well as larger sizes in their designs. A consequence of this trend was a corresponding increase in the use of tempered and heat-strengthened glass in order to meet both thermal and windload design requirements. The demand for tempered glass further increased with the passing of safety glazing legislation in 1977, which mandated its use in certain locations. This document discusses why industry cleaning procedures must be followed to avoid glass damage.

Construction Site Protection - GANA TD 03-1003 (2008 Edition)
During glass manufacturing, fabrication and installation, products are carefully handled to prevent surface and edge damage. Materials are packaged to provide protection during shipment and delivery. Once finished materials are placed on a construction site, they become exposed to a variety of conditions and influences that can adversely affect product aesthetics and functionality. Irreparable glass damage can occur from improper storage and handling, exposure to chemicals and leaching agents, prolonged exposure to moisture, mechanical attack and breakage, damage related to adjacent construction activities and improper cleaning methods. This document discusses why steps must be taken to avoid permanent damage to glass.

The Importance of Fabrication Prior to Heat-Treatment - TD 04-1207
Glass applications frequently require a variety of glass edge and/or surface fabrication. Some common fabrication processes include edge seaming, grinding, and polishing; hole drilling and notch cutting; and surface grooving, sand-blasting, and etching. GANA recommends against glass fabrication after heat-treatment because it may weaken the glass and/or cause it to break. This document discusses why.

Quench Patterns in Heat-Treated Architectural Glass - TD 05-0108
Glass used in architecture today commonly includes clear and tinted glass substrates, low-emissivity and solar-control coatings, decorative ceramic-frit patterns and safety glazing considerations that require glass to be heat-treated. Heat-strengthened and fully tempered glass is designed to meet increased thermal and mechanical stresses, or other specified physical criteria. As a result of the heat-treating fabrication process, quench patterns/marks or what is often referred to as a “strain pattern,” may become visible in heat-strengthened and fully tempered glass under certain natural or polarized lighting conditions. This document discusses these patterns.

WHITE PAPERS

GANA Decorative Division White Paper on the Relevance of Decorative Glass Products to the U. S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ LEED® – NC – Version 3
The intent of this White Paper is to address areas of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) Rating System that are relevant to the use of Decorative Glass. This document describes the ways in which decorative glass products are consistent with the intent of the LEED® Rating System. Although individual building products do not in themselves constitute conformance to the LEED® criteria, depending on the amount and type of glass used in a project, this versatile material has great potential to help achieve LEED® credits. The information contained in this paper has been developed using general or typical information on various decorative glass products. More specific information and performance data can be obtained through individual manufacturers that produce decorative glass products.

GANA Mirror Division White Paper on the Relevance of Silvered Glass Products to the U. S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™ LEED® – NC – Version 3
The intent of this White Paper is to address areas of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) Rating System that are relevant to the use of Silvered Glass Products. This document describes the ways in which silvered glass products are consistent with the intent of the LEED® Rating System. Although individual building products do not in themselves constitute conformance to the LEED® criteria, depending on the amount and type of silvered glass used in a project, this versatile material has great potential to help achieve LEED® credits.

OTHER RESOURCES

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