Detailed_Report_on_Glass_Injmamul_Haq.docx

Civil engineering project report

1. A REPORT ON GLASS
Submitted by:
Injmamul Haq
Global Institute of Technology, Jaipur
Department of Civil Engineering

2. Table of Contents
1.1. Introduction
2.2. History and Development of Glass
3.3. Composition of Glass
4.4. Manufacturing of Glass
5.5. Types of Glass
6.6. Physical and Mechanical Properties
7.7. IS Codes for Glass in Construction
8.8. Applications in Civil Engineering
9.9. Advantages and Limitations
10.10. Sustainability and Recycling
11.11. Case Studies
12.12. Conclusion
13.References

3. 1. Introduction
Glass is one of the most versatile materials used in civil engineering. It is transparent,
durable, and aesthetically pleasing, making it ideal for both structural and architectural
applications. In the modern world, glass is not just used for windows but also for facades,
partitions, flooring, roofing, and even structural members.
2. History and Development of Glass
The history of glass can be traced back to Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt around 3500
BCE, where it was used for ornaments and containers. The Romans were pioneers in
developing window glass. In the 20th century, the invention of the float glass process by
Sir Alastair Pilkington allowed for mass production of flat, uniform sheets of glass,
which revolutionized architecture.
3. Composition of Glass
The typical chemical composition of glass includes silica (SiO2), soda (Na2O), and lime
(CaO). Other elements such as alumina, magnesium oxide, and trace compounds are
added to enhance strength, durability, and optical properties.
Constituent Percentage (%)
Silica (SiO2) 70–75
Soda (Na2O) 12–15
Lime (CaO) 10–12
Alumina (Al2O3) 1–2
Other Oxides 2–3
4. Manufacturing of Glass
The manufacturing process of glass generally involves four stages:
1. **Batching and Mixing** – Raw materials are weighed and mixed.
2. **Melting** – The mixture is heated in a furnace at around 1500°C.
3. **Forming** – The molten glass is shaped using the float glass process or other
methods.
4. **Annealing** – Controlled cooling to remove internal stresses.
5. **Finishing** – Cutting, polishing, coating, or laminating.

4. 5. Types of Glass
Glass is available in multiple types, each with distinct properties and uses:
- **Annealed Glass**: Basic glass, brittle, used in windows.
- **Toughened (Tempered) Glass**: Heat-treated for strength, used in facades and doors.
- **Laminated Glass**: Two or more glass layers bonded with PVB, used in safety
glazing.
- **Float Glass**: Most common, uniform thickness, used in architecture.
- **Wired Glass**: Embedded mesh for fire resistance.
- **Frosted/Etched Glass**: For privacy and decorative purposes.
- **Smart Glass**: Can change transparency with electricity.
- **Glass Blocks**: Hollow or solid blocks, used in walls.
6. Physical and Mechanical Properties
Some of the key properties of glass are:
- Density: 2400–2600 kg/m³
- Compressive Strength: 1000 N/mm²
- Tensile Strength: 30–50 N/mm²
- Modulus of Elasticity: 70 GPa
- Transparency and refractive index around 1.5
- Poor thermal conductivity, good insulator.
7. IS Codes for Glass in Construction
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has specified various codes for glass:
- IS 14900:2000 – Float glass.
- IS 2553 (Part 1):1990 – Safety glass for buildings.
- IS 3548:1988 – Glazing in buildings.
- IS 13688:1993 – Structural glass usage.
8. Applications in Civil Engineering
Glass finds extensive use in civil engineering applications:
- Architectural glazing systems and curtain walls.
- Structural glass beams, fins, and floors.
- Skylights and roofing systems.
- Partitions and interior decoration.
- Acoustic and thermal insulation.
- Bridges and canopies.

5. 9. Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
- High transparency and aesthetics.
- Durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Versatile in design.
- Provides acoustic and thermal insulation.
Limitations:
- Brittle and prone to sudden failure.
- Expensive compared to conventional materials.
- Requires special fittings and handling.
10. Sustainability and Recycling
Glass is 100% recyclable without loss of quality. Recycling glass saves raw materials and
energy. In sustainable construction, recycled glass is often used in decorative tiles,
aggregates, and green buildings.
11. Case Studies
1. **The Apple Cube, New York**: A structural glass cube entrance showcasing the
strength and clarity of laminated glass.
2. **Lotus Temple, New Delhi**: Extensive use of glass in skylights and openings.
3. **Infosys Campus, Bangalore**: Curtain walls and facades with energy-efficient
glass.
12. Conclusion
Glass has become an indispensable material in modern civil engineering. With
advancements in manufacturing and treatment processes, it now serves both functional
and aesthetic roles in buildings. Its applications will continue to grow with the demand
for energy-efficient and sustainable structures.
References
- IS 14900:2000, Float Glass – Bureau of Indian Standards.
- IS 2553 (Part 1):1990, Safety Glass – Bureau of Indian Standards.
- IS 3548:1988, Glazing in Buildings – Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Duggal, S.K., Building Materials, New Age International Publishers.
- Civil Engineering Handbooks and standard lecture notes.