Thematic glossary of fire-resistant glass

C

Compartmentation: Division of a building into various compartments separated by structures (partitions, walls, floors, ceilings, etc.) that will contain any fire that breaks out.

This prevents flames and smoke from spreading while the building is evacuated. In Europe, all public buildings must be divided into compartments.

Coated glass: (EN 1096-1 to 3) Glass obtained by depositing or sputtering an inorganic coating on the glass in order to modify its electromagnetic properties (light and energy properties, solar factor, emissivity and colour).

E

E: This indicates glass's performance in terms of its gas, flame and smoke integrity. Therefore, it is also known as integrity. It is classified in accordance with EN 13501-2.

EG (External Grade): Pyrobel(ite) is available in an EG version. This means that, in addition to the intumescent interlayer(s), the product has one or more PVB or EVA films having the following functions:

eliminating 99% of the UV radiation reaching the intumescent interlayer;
enhancing acoustic performance by using Stratophone film;
creating an aesthetic appearance by using coloured films;
complying with 1B1 classification in accordance with EN 12600 (balustrades);
complying with burglary-resistant classification in accordance with EN 1627.

EI: This indicates integrity with respect to gases, flames and smoke and thermal insulation. It is classified in accordance with EN 13501-2.

EW: This indicates integrity with respect to gases, flames, smoke and thermal radiation. It is classified in accordance with EN 13501-2.

F

Fire Rated Glass: Fire-resistant glass. Glass designed to prevent the spread of smoke, flames and gases in the event of fire, categorised or rated in terms of its performance level. The fire-resistance level is determined by the time (in minutes) for which the glazed element (i.e. the glass and the frame) continues to meet the E, EW and/or EI criteria in a fire.

H

Heat-strengthened glass: (EN 1863-1) Glass that has undergone heat treatment involving heating it to a temperature of around 650°C and then cooling it gradually with jets of air, to increase its resistance to mechanical and thermal shocks. If it breaks, the heat-strengthened glass fractures into large sharp pieces and therefore cannot be considered a safety glass product.

L

Laminated glass: This refers to a unit consisting of at least two sheets of glass, separated across their whole surface by an interlayer. The interlayer may comprise one or more plastic films, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), or a liquid (gel, resin or silicate) that is poured between the glass sheets. This interlayer's purpose is to keep the glass sheets together while enhancing the performance of the finished product in terms of safety, insulation, decoration and so on. Pyrobel(ite) glazing is made up of at least one fire-resistant intumescent interlayer.

EN ISO 12543-1:2011 sets out the various components of laminated glass intended for construction purposes.

I

I: This indicates glass's performance in terms of thermal insulation. It is classified in accordance with EN 13501-2.

P

PVB (film): Polyvinyl butyral is a thermoplastic polymer used in particular as an interlayer in laminated-glass manufacturing. This plastic film ensures that the pieces of glazing remain in place if the glass is broken. PVB films are calculated with a thickness of 0.38 mm.

R

R: Stability. This criterion determines the ability of an element or of a structure to bear specific loads and/or cope with particular actions.

S

Safety glass: Safety glazings are defined by their classification in accordance with EN 12600, which reflects the ability to resist a given impact and/or avoid spreading splinters that cause injury. Laminated glass and toughened glass are recommended. Polished wired glass can only be used in very limited cases. Annealed, strengthened or chemically toughened and unlaminated glass is not allowed.

T

Thermally toughened glass: (EN 12150-1) Glass that has undergone heat treatment involving heating it to a temperature of around 600°C and then cooling it quickly. In the event of an impact, the glass will break into blunt pieces that are smaller than annealed glass, reducing the risk of cuts. Thermally toughened glass is considered a safety glass offering protection from injuries in certain applications (e.g. shower cubicles, partitions).

W

W: This indicates performance in terms of heat radiation. It is classified in accordance with EN 13501-2.