CONTINUING EDUCATION

GLASS BLOCK

Presented by:

HIGH PERFORMANCE, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & DAYLIGHTING

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this program, participants will be able to:
1. List and describe the types of glass block products
that are available, including energy efficient
systems that optimize energy performance.
2. Explain how glass block systems contribute to
LEED points.
3. Discuss how innovative glass block systems
contribute to the health, safety and welfare of
building occupants.
4. Identify the green features of glass block that
combine to provide a building material that
plays a significant role in sustainable design and
daylighting strategies.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
CREDIT: 1 LU
COURSE NUMBER: ARjan2015
GBCI: 1 CE Hour
GBCI NUMBER: 0920001951
Use the learning objectives to focus your study as
you read this article. To earn credit and obtain a
certificate of completion, visit http://go.hw.net/
AR115Course1 and complete the quiz for free
as you read this article. If you are new to Hanley
Wood University, create a free learner account;
returning users log in as usual.

By Marissa Hovraluck

INTRODUCTION
As a proven natural building material, glass
block can add beauty and inspiration to a
project, while playing a significant role in
sustainable design. Glass block is 100%
recyclable, low- maintenance, and highly
durable, yet its dynamic relationship with
light provides architects the opportunity to
create both aesthetically pleasing and energy
efficient spaces.
With low construction waste, glass block is
considered an environmentally preferable
product, made largely from sand, an abundant
raw material, and limestone.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

keep interiors warmer in the winter and

cooler in the summer. It filters out about 70%
of total solar energy while still allowing for
superior day lighting. And with an insulating
U-Value of 0.34, unframed, these panels can
keep HVAC costs in line too. Panels framed by
a 2-piece aluminum channel have a U-Value
of 0.38. The lower U-value associated with
unframed and framed panels indicate their
high levels of insulation.

Energy efficient glass block panels let in the

suns light, but also keep out the heat. The
blocks are aesthetically pleasing and functionally smart as they feature a low-emissivity
coated glass panel sandwiched inside to help

Glass block can provide more than double the

thermal resistance, or R-Value, of a single-glaze
1/8" thick plate glass. Glass block also provides
an R-value that is equivalent to a standard
thermal pane window. Also, the louvering

With a range of sizes, styles and patterns,

building with glass block offers tremendous
design versatility. Because of its versatility, it
can be used in a wide variety of projects, and
offers a universal appeal. Glass block walls,
partitions and windows combine the beauty
and light transmission of glass with
the strength of glass block.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

effect of glass blocks horizontal mortar joints

helps to reduce the light transmission from
the higher summer sun. The mortar used in
between the blocks helps to create a shade
from the high summer sun. However, during
the winter, the rays from the lower sun will
shine through the glass and help with solar
heating. It is important to note that the size
and orientation of the blocks can greatly affect
the amount of shading that can occur.
SAFETY
Glass block windows permit plenty of visible
light, but can also feature patterns and designs
that obscure the view of home occupants. Glass
block is inherently stronger than a conventional
glass window. This is because of the thickness
of the faces and the mortar that binds the
blocks together. As a result, the glass blocks
are more difficult to break and therefore
provide resistance and are a deterrent to forced
entry. If safety is a concern, the individual blocks
are more challenging to break through than
a typical window, offering a higher security
option. Even when vents are added to an
exterior window installation, the security of the
window is not compromised.

enduring material, lasting over 50 years,

which helps reduce the need to replace and
recycle building materials. However, when
damage has occurred, usually only one or two
glass blocks need to be replaced out of the
entire installation.
Some common patterns of glass block
include: clear, waves, diamond, iced, frosted,
and ribbed.
By selecting a solid glass block, it creates a
dense barrier to sounds, such as traffic, trains,
crowds and machinery. Also, it is scratch
resistant and graffiti resistant, and also very
easy to clean.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Designing with glass block helps contribute
to the health and safety of the buildings
occupants. Glass block combines visibility
with security, providing solutions to meet
demanding security needs of the architectural
and design community. Available in the market
are glass block systems that provide resistance
to hurricane, blast, intruder or ballistic threats.
As well, certain glass block products may help
avoid glare, improving visual comfort.

nominal face thickness is .25 inches, and the

standard blocks offer a 45minute fire rating
as a window in mortar. When it is installed in
mortar, it has an R-value of 1.96, and when
it is installed in silicone, that R-value is 2.2.
Depending upon the block pattern, standard
block can have a visible light transmission
ranging from 55 percent to 91 percent.
As stated earlier, glass block can help create
a noise barrier. The Sound Transmission Class,
or STC, of standard block is 3539, depending
upon the block size. An STC rating roughly
reflects the decibel reduction in noise provided
by a partition and the higher the number, the
better the decibel reduction. In this range,
normal speech could not be heard, and louder
speech would be audible, but not intelligible.
Depending on the pattern of the standard
block, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is
between 0.66 and 0.68. Also, standard block
offers a compressive strength of 400 to 600 psi.
It should be installed using a mortar or channel/
spacer system, and the panel size should be
limited to 250 square feet for interior walls, and
up to 144 square feet for exterior walls.
Thick Face Block

Glass block provides exceptional visibility in

compliance with ADA guidelines for enclosed
areas. It has a dynamic relationship with light,
both natural and artificial, and transmits up to
80% of available light in both directions. As the
light changes, so does the materials appearance and in turn the surrounding environment
without any yellowing, clouding or weathering.

An important feature of glass block, critical to

safe building design, is the products inherent
fire resistance property. By varying the face
thickness of the product and conforming to
installation specifications, manufacturers are
able to offer a range of fire rated products
approved and rated according to Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) standards. For window
assemblies, glass block is available in 45, 60,
and 90minute ratings.

Depending on the type of thick face block

selected, they are available to meet 45, 60 or
90minute fire rated window assemblies in
mortared panels up to 100 square feet. The
nominal face thickness ranges from .375" to
.75". The Sound Transmission Class, or STC,
is 50 in mortar, and 48 in silicone. In this STC
range, loud speech would not be audible and
other loud noises, such as musical instruments,
would only be faintly heard.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Thick Face Block has an R-Value of 1.96 in

mortar, and 2.22 in silicone. Depending on
the pattern selected, the Visible Light
Transmission would range between 49 and
70 percent, while the Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient would range between 0.66 and
0.68. It offers a comprehensive strength of
2,500 psi, and is often used for hurricane
and blast resistant windows.

VISIBILITY/LIGHT TRANSMISSION

Glass block is non-load bearing; therefore,

adequate provisions must be made for the support of construction materials above the glass
blocks. Glass blocks are mortared at the sill with
jamb and head details designed with soft joints
to accommodate for building movement and
lintel deflection. Local building codes should
be considered for any limits on panel size or
installation details. Glass block is available in
a range of products including standard block,
thick face block, and solid block.
Glass blocks are available in a variety of patterns to fit the
projects requirements.

Glass block is made largely of sand and

limestone, and is 100 percent recyclable, low
maintenance, and highly durable. It is an

TYPES OF BLOCK
Standard Block
Standard block offers the largest selection of
patterns and sizes, ranging from 6 inch by
6 inch up to 12 inch by 12 inch blocks. The

Solid Glass Block

Solid Glass Block is also listed for use as 45,
60 or 90minute fire rated window assemblies
in mortared panels up to 100 square feet. The
actual face thickness is 3 inches, and it offers
an R-value of 1.15 in mortar. Depending on the
pattern, solid glass block offers a Visible Light
Transmission between 83 and 90 percent. The
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ranges between

CONTINUING EDUCATION

0.750.78, depending upon pattern. The STC,

or Sound Transmission Class, is 53. At this
rating, very loud noises are almost inaudible,
and loud talking noises cannot be heard. These
solid glass blocks offer a compressive strength
of 80,000 psi and are able to resist penetration
from high-impact ballistics. They have a UL 1, 2
and 6 ballistics rating.
Specialty Block

section focuses on LEED 2009 and will break

down each credit category and credit that glass
block helps contribute to possible LEED points for
a project.
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE
Energy and atmosphere credits promote better
building energy performance through innovative
strategies. Reducing energy use in buildings
through improved energy performance and energy-saving strategies, like daylighting, helps reduce
the impact buildings have on our atmosphere.
Prerequisite 2: Minimum
Energy Performance
Glass blocks daylighting properties can help
achieve the required minimum energy performance for LEED certification.
Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance

Glass block can be used as part of an overall strategy to earn points

in several LEED categories.

Shaped blocks are used to turn corners or create

curves. Finishing units are rounded on one or two
sides and are used to complete open edges and
corners. Be sure to note that shaped blocks and
finishing units are not fire rated.
Glass Block and LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council, USGBC,
is a non-prot organization composed of
leaders from every sector of the building industry
working to promote buildings and communities
that are environmentally responsible, protable
and healthy places to live and work. USGBC
developed the LEED, Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design, green building certification
program, which is the nationally accepted
benchmark for the design, construction, and
operation of high performance green buildings.
LEED credit requirements cover the performance
of materials in aggregate, not the performance of
individual products or brands. Therefore, products
that meet the LEED performance criteria can
only contribute toward earning points needed
for LEED certification; they cannot earn points
individually toward LEED certication.
For detailed information about the council,
their principles and programs, please visit
www.usgbc.org.
Glass block can be part of an overall strategy to
earn points in several LEED categories. This next

Glass block can support various strategies,

including passive solar designs, to reduce a
buildings energy consumption. Furthermore,
because this credit includes interior lighting
energy demands, glass block can improve energy
performance even more. Developments in
glass block have significantly improved thermal
performance. As a result, energy efficient glass
block or glass block panels with Low-E glass,
demonstrate up to a 43 percent improvement in
U-value and up to a 52 percent improvement in
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient when compared to
the baseline performance ratings for glass block
specified in ASHRAE/IESNA 90.12007.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
Materials and Resources credits encourage
the use of sustainable building materials and
reducing waste. The production and transport of
building materials can impact our environment
in many ways. Conserving resources, using
local materials and reducing construction waste
reduces that impact.
Credits 2.1 and 2.2: Construction
Waste Management
Both glass block scrap and its packaging can be
recycled, nearly eliminating waste.
Credits 3.1 and 3.2: Resource Reuse
Salvaged glass block can be reused in some
jurisdictions, with careful consideration.
Credits 5.1 and 5.2: Regional Materials
Glass block manufactured in a facility within 500
miles of a project site can include that percent
(by weight) of the raw materials that are also

within 500 miles of the project site toward the

calculation of the total regionally located content
in all building materials.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Indoor environmental quality credits promote
better indoor air quality and access to
daylight and views. The U.S. EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) estimates that the average
American spends over 80% of his/her time
indoors. Therefore, it is important that our indoor
spaces are healthy and comfortable.
Credit 4: Low Emitting Materials
Glass block meets the intent of eliminating VOCs
from the indoor environment when used as
interior walls or floors.
Credit 8: Daylight and Views
Glass block provides daylight and views without
sacrificing sound control, security and privacy. For
example, glass block wall tubes offer a unique
and creative way to maximize natural light
entering the building.
INNOVATION
Innovation credits address sustainable building
expertise as well as design measures not covered
under the five LEED credit categories.
Credit 1: Up to Three Points
Glass block can help earn points for good
acoustics, use of durable materials, and good
indoor environmental quality, meaning no VOC
and no mold.
Regional Priority Credits
Regional priority credits address regional
environmental priorities for buildings in different
geographic regions. Most manufacturers
will assist architects/designers with glass block
solutions that can be used to help fulfill specific
regional credits, for example, hurricane-resistant
windows that meet the high wind- and
large missile-impact requirements of Dade
County, Florida.
GLASS BLOCK WINDOWS WITH
LOW-E GLASS
Energy efficient glass block windows are
aesthetically pleasing and functionally smart.
Every block works like a traditional energy
efficient window, and thats because each block
features a low-emissivity coated glass panel
sandwiched inside the block that filters out about
70% of total solar energy, while still allowing for
superior daylighting.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

With an insulating R-value of 2.63, these

windows can keep HVAC costs in line. Not only
are glass block windows with Low-E glass useful
for daylighting strategies, but as the last section
shows, they can contribute to LEED points.
Other features of glass block windows with
Low-E glass:
R-Value: all patterns 2.63
Visible Light Transmission: 33%76%
depending upon pattern
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: 0.27
U-Factor

SHGC

Glass Block default from

ASHRAE 90.1

0.60

0.56

Typical Glass Block

in Mortar

0.51

0.67

QUIZ
1. True or False: Glass block is inherently stronger than a conventional glass window.
a. True

b. False

2. Which of the following is not a type of block?

a. Standard Block

b. Thin Front Block

c. Thick Face Block

d. Solid Block

3. Which of the following LEED category can glass block earn points in?
a. Energy and Atmosphere

b. Materials and Resources

c. Innovation

d. All of the above

4. True or False: Glass block wall tubes are perfect for when you want to bring light into commercial buildings without
compromising the masonry design.
a. True

b. False

5. With a solid glass block, detention and security windows are ballistic-resistant for UL Levels: (Select all that apply)
a. 1

b. 2

c. 4

d. 6

6. Tornado-resistant glass block windows are composed of:

Low-E Glass Block

in Mortar

0.45

% Improvement
over ASHRAE 90.1

25%

43%

7. True or False: Glass block is load bearing; therefore, adequate provisions do not have to be made for the support of
construction materials above the glass blocks.

Low-E Glass
Block Window

0.38

0.27

8. True or False: Glass block can provide more than double the thermal resistance, or R-Value, of a single-glaze 1/8" thick
plate glass.

% Improvement over
ASHRAE 90.1

37%

0.32

b. Grid assembly and

c. Laminated glass blocks

d. All of the above

a. True

52%

Building with Low-E glass block can help optimize energy

performance, as illustrated in this table that compares U-factor and
SHGC of various window options.

Glass block windows with Low-E glass are

available in a range of patterns. To significantly
improve solar heat gain, thermal loss and UV
radiation values, glass block windows with Low-E
glass are installed in a variety of projects.
Daylighting is increasingly important in buildings
today. Not only does daylighting have a positive
effect on mood, atmosphere and productivity,
but the more daylight that enters a room, the less
energy is needed by electrical systems.

a. A steel frame and

This article continues on

http://go.hw.net/AR115Course1.

Go online to read the rest of the article and

complete the corresponding quiz for credit.

b. False

9. Glass block can help earn points in which of the following credits under the Materials and Resources category?
(Select all that apply)
a. Resource Reuse

b. Daylight

c. Construction Waste Management

d. Energy Performance

10. True or False: Not only does daylighting have a positive effect on mood, atmosphere and productivity, but the more
daylight that enters a room, the less energy is needed by electrical systems.
a. True

b. False

SPONSOR INFORMATION

Pittsburgh Corning manufactures premium glass block products and innovative architectural systems for commercial,
institutional, government and residential building applications.Pittsburgh Corning glass block products offer versatile
designs and provide daylighting without sacrificing sound control, security and privacy. High performance glass block
products can also provide ballistic, blast, hurricane and tornado resistance. pittsburghcorning.com

CONTINUING EDUCATION

GLASS BLOCK WALL TUBES

Glass block wall tubes are easy to install and are

self-supporting when installed in a running bond
wall. Unless a lintel is provided, do not install
glass block wall tubes in stack bond CMU walls.
As with single unit glass blocks, the installation
of glass block wall tubes include proper sealing
between the edges of the wall and the tube on
both the exterior and interior walls.
HURRICANE RESISTANT GLASS BLOCK

Hurricane-resistant glass block windows are

available in a variety of patterns to suit a range
of visibility and privacy options and are customizable to meet specific project needs. They
are guaranteed to meet your project needs and
performance requirements. Hurricane-resistant
glass blocks are often offered as pre-assembled
systems and can be delivered to the job site to
facilitate easy installation.
BLAST RESISTANT GLASS BLOCK WINDOWS

Glass block wall tubes provide a unique setting and are able to bring
natural daylight into any space.

Glass block wall tubes are perfect for when

you want to bring light into commercial
buildings without compromising the masonry
design. Glass block wall tubes more than
double the thermal insulation of single glass
block. The mirror-like finish of the reflective
stainless steel walls captures and reflects the
natural sunlight, while solving many design
issues related to single or double glass block
installations in multi-wythe wall construction.
Glass block wall tubes allow the architectural
look of single or double glass blocks on both
sides of a thick wall, while providing a visually
aesthetic look in the hollow area between the
glass blocks. The sturdiness of the metal tube
prevents any loading from above the opening
being transferred to the glass block when
installed to specification.
Glass block wall tubes are thermally broken and
thus provide improved thermal performance.
They are available in 8" and 16" modules in
various privacy levels and depths to meet wall
thickness requirements.
Type of Glass Block in
Wall Tube

U-value

R-Value

8" x 8" Low-E Hollow Block

0.26

3.85

8" x 16" Low-E Hollow Block 0.17

5.88

8" x 8" Hollow Block

0.27

3.70

8" x 8" Solid Block

0.33

3.03

8" x 16" Hollow Block

0.21

4.76

8" x 16" Solid Block

0.26

3.85

This table shows the U-values and R-values for both hollow and
solid blocks.

A glass block partition is used at the Miami airport because it is

hurricane resistant and aesthetically pleasing.

Anyone who has ever experienced a hurricane

knows that hurricane force winds are powerful,
but a real danger comes from flying debris.
If one is designing a building to withstand
hurricane-force winds, it needs to be able to
stand up to flying debris as well. Negating the
need for shutters, hurricane-resistant glass
block window systems are designed to meet
the large missile impact tests referenced in the
International Building Code, IBC, in accordance
with ASTM E-1886 and ASTM E-1966.
Additionally, they are tested to Dade County
Approval Protocols TAS 201, 202 and 203.
Window Size

Design Pressure

Wind Speed

4 ft. x 4 ft.

100 psf

198 mph

4 ft. x 8 ft.

80 psf

177 mph

6 ft. x 6 ft.

68 psf

163 mp

The window size and design pressure rating of hurricane-resistant

residential glass block windows is indicated in this table. The 4 foot
by 8 foot size at 80 psf is also rated for commercial applications.

It is important to compare the performance

of conventional laminated windows versus
hurricane-resistant glass block systems. When
laminated glass flexes under pressure, it will
crack and, if successful, the laminate will
contain the fragments. Conversely, thick face
glass block construction behaves differently.
When exposed to pressure, thick face glass
block windows do not crack at all. Hurricaneresistant glass block windows are also visually
stunning, while offering light transmission and
protection against the hurricane force winds.

With the increased threat and awareness

of explosive ballistic devices, responsible
government and commercial organizations
are responding with more stringent building
requirements, along with better products and
construction methods. In the past, the majority
of injuries to building occupants from a blast
force have been caused by airborne shattered
glass fragments. Unlike laminated flat glass,
which will often crack and release fragments
during a blast, blast resistant glass block
windows do not crack or lose glass fragments.
This section presents a discussion on blastresistant glass block windows, beginning with
a review of the key parameters used to define
blast magnitude.
With a nearly infinite range of explosive
devices and potential standoff distances,
standards have been developed to simplify
blast parameters for testing and application
purposes. To that end, a blast pulse is often
simplified to a triangular shape, where the
pressure rapidly rises from ambient pressure,
to a maximum pressure, and then declines
linearly back to ambient.
The key parameters used to define a blast in
standards and specifications for fenestration
are maximum pressure and impulse.
Maximum pressure is the highest level of
pressure above ambient that is typically reached
immediately after detonation. Measured in
pounds per square inch, or psi, it is often
referred to as peak pressure and applied
pressure. Overpressure is often used to describe
pressures above ambient.
Impulse is a function of the pressure and
duration and is the area under the pressure
curve from detonation to when the pressure
returns to ambient. Measured in psimsec , or
pounds per square inchmilliseconds, it is often
simplified as the area of the triangle.
Another important parameter for fenestration
is how well it resists a blast in order to protect

CONTINUING EDUCATION

the buildings occupants. The two commonly

used standards are ASTM Hazard Rating and
GSA Performance Condition. Both standards
refer to a test window located on the wall
nearest the blast in a 3-meter deep room.

DETENTION AND SECURITY WINDOWS

TORNADO-RESISTANT WINDOWS
With the increasing devastation caused by
weather-related disturbances, building requirements are becoming more stringent. Shelters
need to be designed to provide protection
from the elements. A tornado-resistant glass
block window provides effective protection
against air pressure and flying debris caused
by tornado-force winds. A tornado-resistant
window provides protection from these winds,
while letting daylight into a space so as to not
have to rely solely on artificial lighting.

The steel framed unit is bolted into the opening

of the shock tube. Aluminum diaphragms are
inserted in the tube, and pressure is built up
until the aluminum ruptures. Using aluminum
thickness and pressure control, blast levels can
be simulated accurately.
The agencies that reference the levels of
blast resistance protection related to glazing
systems include:
ASTM International Standard Test
Method for Glazing and Glazing
Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings
(F 164204).
General Services Administration (GSA)
is responsible for all government
buildings. The standard is U.S.
General Services Agency Test Method
for Glazing and Window Systems Subject
to Dynamic Overpressure Loadings
(GSA-TS01-2003).
Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)
DoD Minimum Antiterrorism
Standards for New and Existing
Buildings (UFC 04-010-01).
Interagency Security Committee (ISC)
reports to the Office of Homeland
Security and utilizes the GSA criteria.
Blast-resistant glass block windows have been
designed and tested to meet and exceed
stringent government, military and international
building requirements. Applications include
high-risk buildings, such as military facilities,
airports, government offices, embassies,
courthouses, correctional facilities, arenas,
financial centers, and other high-profile spaces.
Blast-resistant glass block windows meet GSA
and UFC 04-010-01 blast glass standards with
no cracking or loss of glass during testing.

Blast-resistant glass block

windows have been designed
and tested to meet and
exceed stringent government,
military and international
building requirements.

To obtain pleasing aesthetics and increased

levels of privacy, one or two of the interior
faces of the glass can be sandblasted.

Glass block is used in detention centers to let natural light in, while
offering a ballistic resistant option.

Detention and security windows resist

escapes while allowing natural light and
views between rooms or to the outside.
Quality systems are composed of a steel frame
and grid that frame solid glass block with
pick-proof grout. Some typical applications
include jails, detention centers, holding cells,
correctional facilities, criminal justice facilities
and police departments.
With a solid glass block, detention and
security windows are ballistic-resistant for UL
Levels 1, 2 and 6. If needed, these systems
can be enhanced for higher levels of ballistic
resistance. New technologies have led to the
development of ballistic-resistant laminated
glass block for applications requiring higher
levels of security and ballistic resistance.
Ballistic-resistant systems are composed of a
steel frame and grid that house the laminated
glass block. These systems have passed UL
Levels 16 as a system. An additional benefit of
the new laminate technologies is UV resistance
over 99%. Applications of ballistic-resistant
laminated glass block include institutional
environments, commercial settings, schools,
transportation terminals, courthouses and
police stations.
Test labs use very accurate methods to test
ballistic-resistant products, including location of
the shot, weight and speed. Due to the spaces
between the blocks, as well as the glass face,
the testing lab will take two additional shots at
what they perceive to be the weakest points.

Tornado-resistant glass block windows are

composed of a steel frame and grid assembly
and laminated glass block and are extremely
versatile and available in a variety of sizes.
These systems have successfully passed the
highest standards of performance for FEMA361 Design and Construction Guidance for
Community Safe Rooms. Some tornadoresistant windows have passed several levels
of air pressure tests, including 309 positive psf
and negative 413 psf. The 413 psf equates to
a wind speed of over 400 miles per hour. It is
important to note that the highest recorded
wind speed on earth was 253 miles per hour,
meaning these tornado-resistant windows
will stand up to the toughest of tornados.
Applications for tornado-resistant windows
include safe rooms for schools, community
shelters, corporate campuses, government
facilities and hospitals.
SUMMARY
This article has highlighted the attributes
of glass block in architectural applications,
including how glass block supports LEED
building certification, how it contributes to
sustainable design, as well as its value in
daylighting strategies. It has also covered
the variety of glass block products that are
available today, including the range of solutions
where security and safety are priorities.
Extraordinarily versatile and offered in many
aesthetically pleasing sizes and patterns, glass
block offers tremendous design flexibility for
todays architects and designers.
In summary, building with glass block combines
sustainable design, function, and innovation.
To that end, this article concludes with two
case studies showcasing unique installations of
glass block systems.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

CASE STUDIES

The Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida

Located just a few short miles from the coastline, Miami
International Airport is a prime target for hurricanes.
And, since its construction in 1928, has seen its fair share
of close calls from Mother Nature. So when American
Airlines officials announced plans for their new
commuter terminal expansion, this project was a great
opportunity for hurricane resistant glass block windows.

keep the overall cost down as only three workers were

needed instead of the original estimate of many more.

Worth safe and retain its title of one of Americas Most

Livable Communities.

Altogether, the new American Airlines Commuter

Terminal at the Miami International Airport features 547
Hurricane Resistant Windows. Using a random pattern
of six different sizes of windows, the design offers
ample light while also providing an increased circulation of airflow. Unlike other windows that feature
traditional sheet glass or curtain walls, the windows
are a great addition to the airport and really combine
aesthetics, light transmission and high performance.

Part of what helps the FWPD keep their beautiful city

safe is the Crime Lab and Property Evidence Room
recently renovated using Ballistic Resistant Windows.
The project was originally designed with plans to use
hollow glass block, but that product didnt have the
ballistic resistant qualities that were required for this
type of structure.

The project architect and the general contractor

discussed how glass block might fit into the eventual
design. As it turned out, project goals not only required
a product durable enough to stand up to hurricane
season but one that would also easily allow an inflow of
light into the terminal.
Unlike the traditional method of laying block, which
will not comply with the hurricane codes, choosing the
glass block prefabricated systems would not only give
the design the desired look and feel but also the safety
and security needed for such a high-profile application.
After installing the first of several panels, the mason
contractors team immediately felt comfortable with
both the product and its installation method. Frames
were set in place, panels were shipped and in almost
no-time, windows were installed. This seamless process
not only helped the project stay on pace but also helped

Fort Worth Crime Lab, Fort Worth, Texas

The Fort Worth Police Department has a rich history
dating back to the days of the Wild West. Today,
the tumbleweeds have long since blown away and it
now patrols Fort Worth, one of the largest cities in
Texas with an estimated population of 741,206. Lead
by Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead, the 1,562 officers and
452 civilians who make up the FWPD help keep Fort

The project specifications called for ballistic resistance

and the windows met the UL 752 requirements while
also providing daylighting to the space. The steel
framed windows feature solid laminated glass blocks
which provide enhanced security as well as resistance
to forced entry. The architect realized the extra security
added from using these high performance products
would be vital for this project.
If youve ever seen TV shows like CSI, you can imagine
the kinds of tests run by forensic scientists in the lab
that might require the privacy and security offered by
ballistic resistant glass block systems. Additionally, these
kinds of rooms house sensitive information, evidence,
and valuablesall of which could be targeted during a
break-in. Ballistic Resistant Windows were perfect for
the Crime Lab and Property Evidence Room because
they are resistant to ballistics and forced entry, while
still allowing natural light into the room. With the
strength and durability of steel and glass, they offer
maximum security without locking up the budget,
which is why many police stations choose them for
renovations and new builds.