Laminated Glass: Strength, Safety, and Modern Applications
Despite the apparent variety of modern technological solutions in the field of glass processing, the actual range of measures to improve the reliability and safety of
Laminated Glass: Strength, Safety, and Modern Applications
Laminated glass is one of the most reliable and safe solutions for modern architecture and interior design. Whether used in windows, doors, railings, or facades, it offers enhanced durability, impact resistance, and protection against breakage.
But what makes laminated glass such a strong and practical choice? Let’s take a closer look.
How Laminated Glass Works
Unlike standard glass, laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a special interlayer—usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This interlayer keeps the glass from shattering upon impact, making it safer for both residential and commercial applications.
Why Laminated Glass is a Smart Choice
🔹 Safety First – If laminated glass breaks, the interlayer holds the shards in place, reducing the risk of injury. This makes it ideal for storefronts, balconies, and skylights.
🔹 Noise Reduction – The PVB interlayer acts as a sound barrier, helping to block outside noise, which is great for urban environments like Brooklyn and NYC.
🔹 UV Protection – Laminated glass filters up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your interiors from fading and damage.
🔹 Enhanced Security – Since laminated glass doesn’t shatter easily, it provides an extra layer of protection against break-ins and extreme weather conditions.
The Importance of Edge Processing in Laminated Glass
One of the key steps in laminated glass production is edge processing. This process removes micro-cracks and imperfections that occur when the glass is cut, improving its overall strength.
🔸 Grinding the edges helps eliminate weak points, reducing the chances of cracks spreading.
🔸 Rounding the corners strengthens the structure, making the glass more impact-resistant.
🔸 Edge processing is completed before the glass is tempered, ensuring maximum durability.
Where to Use Laminated Glass?
Thanks to its safety and durability, laminated glass is widely used in:
✔ Glass doors and partitions – For a sleek and modern look in offices and homes.
✔ Windows and skylights – Providing extra security and noise reduction.
✔ Balconies and railings – A stylish and safe option for high-rise buildings.
✔ Shopfronts and facades – Keeping businesses protected while maintaining transparency.
Need High-Quality Laminated Glass?
If you’re looking for premium laminated glass for your project, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to discuss your needs and get expert advice on the best glass solutions!
Currently, the most common solution to this problem is triplexes, with an intermediate layer of polyvinylbuteral film (PVB). It should be said that this method has significant disadvantages when used in large structures.
It is known that the PVB film is an elastic thermoplastic that depends on the ambient temperature, as well as on the duration of exposure to various loads.
Thus, a rigid connection between the layers can only be provided when calculating the effect of short-term loads received from the wind or from various shock effects.
For long-term loads, triplexes using PVB must be calculated using a semi-rigid scheme, which, among other things, depends on temperatures exceeding 23 degrees C. That is, in other words, the semi-rigid circuit will work in the temperature range below 23 degrees C.
At higher temperatures, PVB gradually peels off, and at a temperature above 80 degrees C, which is quite possible on a translucent roof, delamination occurs, i.e. complete separation of it from the glass.
Currently, multilayer glass has begun to use special films that are intended for facades and roofs exposed to high temperatures, i.e. solar overheating: these are adhesive films of EVA, CIP, SPG, which have similar properties to PVB.
The intermediate layer of the SPG type film is specially designed for glazing various buildings and structures erected in hurricane-dangerous areas. The hardness of this layer exceeds PVB by 100 times. And temperatures up to 70 degrees do not affect its strength characteristics. Triplex with such an intermediate layer is designed for the effect of long-term loads on the translucent structure.
The residual carrying capacity of PVB-based triplexes can be increased by using a film of greater thickness. It is also important that the use of SPG significantly reduces deformations after failure.
Additional work on triplexes has shown that the residual load-bearing capacity of triplexes can be significantly increased when introduced into the intermediate layer of fabrics and fibers.
Thus, the modern construction industry continues to actively work towards improving the reliability and safety of glass construction structures.
2025-Feb-02