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Message |
Mitch Miller,AIA ,CSI,CCS
Senior Member
Username: m2architek
Post Number: 12
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:11 am: |    |
does anyone know about elimination of the use of wire glass per codes? |
Richard L Matteo
Senior Member
Username: rlmat
Post Number: 49
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:16 am: | |
I heard something about it from one of the fire rated glass reps at our CSI Chapter Meeting, but haven't seen anything "official" yet. He is supposed to get me information on it. |
Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: specman
Post Number: 50
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 12:29 pm: | |
At the Final Action Hearing of the ICC in May, it was voted to eliminate the exception that allowed the use of wired glass complying with ANSI Z97.1 in hazardous locations for fire doors, windows, and view panels. Under this change, all glass will need to comply with CPSC 16 CFR 1201. The change will be effective in the 2006 IBC, but will be published in the 2004 Supplement to the I-Codes for immediate adoption for those jurisdictions that decide to do so. |
Ralph Liebing
Senior Member
Username: rliebing
Post Number: 101
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 01:26 pm: | |
Good discussion and information at this site-
http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=541091073&f=314093073&m=32310530511&r=80610752511#80610752511-
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David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: david_axt
Post Number: 332
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 02:26 pm: | |
BTW, the correct term is "wired" glass.
IBC 2003 does NOT allow wired glass in Group E occupancies (schools). Refer to 2406.1.2
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David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: david_axt
Post Number: 333
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 02:47 pm: | |
The wire in wired glass only holds the glass in the opening when there is a fire or a hose stream. Contrary to popular belief, the wire does NOT provide additional strength or impact resistance.
The wire can be a serious liability. Many shool children have been hurt where they put their arms through a window. Actually putting their arms through the window does not injure them as much as trying to pull their arms back out through the broken glass (pointing the wrong way like barbs on a fish hook). I had a friend in high school that was seriously injured this way. He nearly bled to death right there on the gym floor. Do a Google search for more information on wired glass injuries.
My firm avoids wired glass except for very narrow vision lites where it would be difficult to put you hand through the glass.
I recommend specifing super tempered fire glass (ceramic) materials. Check out 08815 -Fire Rated Glass and Framing on this fine website. The only disadvantage with this fire glass is that it is expense. Wired glass is cheap.....and dangerous. |
Curt Norton, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: curtn
Post Number: 62
Registered: 06-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 03:00 pm: | |
One other option is the new Pilkington Pyroshield Plus. It can be used in doors up to 45 minute rating with hose stream test. It also meets Category I safety requirement. It doesn't look any better than standard wired glass but its safer and less expensive than the ceramics. Follow the link below for more info.
http://www.generalglass.com/Inserts.pdf |
Richard L Matteo
Senior Member
Username: rlmat
Post Number: 50
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 04:34 pm: | |
David raises a good point. I was working on a project where they put a wired glass ceiling over an office space in an atrium. The glazier slipped and fell through the wired glass and got badly cut from both the glass shards and the wire. I also saw a kid in high school have his head put into a wired glass window. He too got badley cut from the broken glass.
If you do not like the ceramic type fire rated glass (FireLite by TGP) because of the orange tint, you can try the Pilkington Pyrostop (which is distributed by TGP), or SuperLite products by SAFTI div. of O'Keeffe's, Inc., or Vetrotech by Saint-Gobain North America
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