INSPECTING LARGE GLASS DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Inspection of large glass begins during the manufacturing process and continues at all phases of fabrication. Fabrication includes tempering, laminating, and insulating processes; as well as the application of decorative patterns, coatings, and edge treatments.

Distortion is defined as anything that affects the flatness or optical quality of the glass. Distortion may occasionally occur during the heat-treating process as the sheet glass passes over the rollers on the heat-treating furnace.

Modern technology has alleviated many of these concerns, with tolerances being specified during fabrication, and the advancements of software to monitor and manage adjustments in the heat-treating process.

402 DUNSMUIR

Photo courtesy of the National Glass Association

402 Dunsmuir Street in downtown Vancouver is located steps away from the historic Gastown District.

Location: Vancouver, Canada
Architect: B+H Architects Inc.
General Contractor: Ledcor Construction Limited
Glass Manufacturer: Guardian Glass
Glazier: Flynn Group of Companies
Glass Fabricator: Garibaldi Glass
GGII Solutions: Project Management, Design-Assist
GGII Services: Heat Soaked, IGU, Custom

The progressive office building located at 402 Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver, Canada, was customized to be the office for a global tech firm. The building contains spacious loft-style rooms with a large glass exterior that provides daylighting for the open office space inside. This building is close to the historic Gastown District, blending older urban industrial concepts with sleek new designs. This old building was retrofit with large glass panels covering all external walls of the building.

The doors and exterior walls on the first floor at street level are clear, inviting passerby into the space. Glass exteriors of the office spaces on the upper floors utilize reflective glass panels to provide privacy for occupants while they work and to also prevent direct sunlight from falling on occupants and task surfaces which could lead to unwanted glare.By utilizing tints and glazing to provide shading, occupants don’t need curtains or blinds, thus allowing the facade to remain sleek and modern.

PACKAGING,HANDLING, ADN TRANSPORTING LARGE GLASS

After large glass is manufactured and fabricated, it is shipped to the job site. Large glass sheets may require special packaging and equipment to accommodate the weight and dimensions of the glass.

Large glass sheets must be carefully packed and protected to prevent damage during shipment. This includes the use of protective corners, protective film, shipping and separator pads between sheets, and edge protectors.

The larger the sheet glass, the more surface area will be exposed to the elements, both during packaging and transport, as well as during installation and for the life of the product. In addition, the weight of glass should be considered and what special equipment may be needed to move and install it.

When handling large glass lites on the job site, evaluate the capacity of sling and suction cup frames to be sure they can accommodate the weight of the lites. Check clearances required for boom trucks, as the feet may form a wider base to stabilize heavier loads.

Evaluate site access required for large glass products intended to be installed from the interior of the building to be sure the products can be moved to the proper location for installation. Weight increases significantly as glass products get larger. Equipment needed to lift the weight and size of larger glass products can often require extensive infrastructure and space.

For indoor applications, ensure that large glass sheets can safely pass through all doorways and hallways to where the glass will be installed.

INSTALLING LARGE GLASS

After the final glass product has been manufactured, fabricated, inspected, packaged, and transported, it is ready to be installed.

Jessica Jarrard, is an independent writer and editor focusing on health, science, and technology. She contributes to continuing education courses and publications through Confluence Communications.