In the U.K we are guided by the requirements
of British Standard 6399 part 1 which suggests
the appropriate loadings to be applied in
for varying applications.
There may be differing guiding standards in
other countries indicating appropriate mechanical
loads to be applied. As a general rule the
higher the potential load applied and/or the
larger the unsupported span the greater the
thickness of glass required.
Glass floor panels or stair treads are generally
manufactured using a combination of toughened
or annealed glasses laminated together. It
is considered that the thicker upper panel
will withstand applied loads and the lower
panel will prevent shear should the upper
be broken.
Fire Resistance
Flooring should often be considered as fire
compartment. Triple-lite Fire resistant glass
flooring systems are tested to EN1365 and
manufactured and installed to EN 14449 and
CE marked in accordance with European ConstructionProducts
Directive. Compliance to the standard requires
the system to provide integrity and insulation
and with stand the static and live loads during
a live fire test.
Glass Surface
Finishes
The slip co efficient of glass can be considered
similar to ceramic tiles and is expressed
as performances in wet and dry conditions.
We strongly suggest that the client carry
out a risk assessment of possible slip based
on the building use, floor management systems
and end user profile. Surface treatments i.e.
blanket sandblasting, sandblast frits or ceramic
frits are used to provide higher levels of
grip and add aesthetic value. Consideration
should be given to exterior applications,
should the surface be allowed to get wet then
its slip co efficient reduces.
Edgework
All floor panels must have ground or polished
edges to remove edge shelling that will reduce
the likelihood of annealed glass fracturing
under load.
Thermal Stress
In a installation exposed to direct sunlight
or alter native sources of direct heat there
will always be the potential for thermal fracturing.
Thermal expansion of glass although low will
cause failure when the temperature differential
between two parts of the same panel exceeds
those levels considered safe. It is commonly
accepted that annealed glass will withstand
0 – 70 degree Celsius differentials.
Should thermal stress be considered a problem
a tempered glass combination may be considered
as a 200 degree C differential may be
incurred safely. If an application requires
sub lighting then particular attention should
be paid the temperature differentials between
the edge and the centre of the glass.
Structural
Framework
Powder coated
or galvanised steel frames are recommended
however it is possible to use a hardwood with
appropriate density and thickness. Powder
coated finishes are to standard RAL colours.
Glass beams offer an alter native method of
support with the beam thickness and depth
calculated to withstand the self weight of
the floor panels, any appropriate imposed
loadings and possible wind and snow loadings
in external applications.
All calculations provided by us to BS63998
pt1 assume that the panels are supported on
all four edges. Two-edge support is possible
and increasingly common however mechanical
calculations from our structural engineers
must be undertaken at an added cost.
A platform of 30mm is required to seat the
glass this allows for a fitting tolerance
of 5mm all round and a minimum 25mm of support.
The depth of the up stand for the framework
will be governed by the required thickness
of the glass.
A non-compressible neoprene gasket (shore
hardness 60) will be required to provide isolation
at the glass steel interface. Our bolt together
package may require supporting steelwork beneath
at the joints.
Coloured and
Decorative Glasses
It is possible to include standard tinted
glasses in the glass package make up. Standard
tints are availabl in Bronze, Grey, Green
and Blue and add a nominal 8mm to the overall
mechanical thickness. Screen printed and painted
glasses are available with bespoke deigns
generally applied to heat tempered glass.
Remember although glass has a shore hardness
of 5 it will scratch over time. Should further
technical information be required please do
not hesitate to call our Technical Helpline
on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1823 350330
Fax: +44 (0) 1823 350377
Handling
& Storage
Floorguard should remain stacked on its edge
with appropriate edge and corner protection
removed only at the point of installation.
Floorguard should not be stacked in wet conditions
or in direct sunlight prior to installation.
Glazing:
All glazing must be carried out in accordance
with our installation provisions.
Typical weight: 2.56kg/m2/mm thickness
Maximum & minimum size: by application
Manufacturing tolerance: +/- 3mm
In accordance with EN 12543 pts 1-6 CE marked
in accordance with European Products Directive
and ISO 9001-2000.
Safety Requirements
Floorguard products should only be installed
using approved compatible glazing materials
(please refer to Glazeguard S.W. Ltd for further
information). Where edges are likely to be
exposed to moisture then we strongly suggest
that a form of edge protection is applied.
Mechanical and structural calculations are
available at a cost to be agreed. Floorguard
should not be installed in applications where
sustained temperatures exceeding 60°C
will be experienced.
General notes:
Manufacturing, apperance and visual tolerances
in accordance with EN 12543 pts 1-6.
Specifiers
An edge tape may be evident unless otherwise
specified. Completion of mechanical and thermal
safety checks for any application remains
the responsibility of the person(s) placing
the order.
