The appearance of condensation between the panes of an insulated glass (IG) unit is an indication the hermetic seal of the unit has been breached or compromised, thereby allowing outside moist air to infiltrate the air space where it condenses on the interpane surfaces of the glass. One could argue semantics, but this is the generally accepted meaning of the word “failure” as it relates to IG units. In this case, the failure is characterized by an ever-present condensation between the glass panes.
Fully tempered glass offers designers certain advantages over annealed and heat-strengthened glass, including increased strength to resist imposed loads and thermal stresses, as well as a characteristic breakage pattern in a “relatively safe” manner; however, these features come at the cost of increased optical distortion and an often overlooked risk of spontaneous breakage in-service due to nickel sulfide inclusions.
In 2001, the first recognized fire-rated glass floor system made headlines for its ability to expand glazing in a variety of building types, from increasing admissible daylight to supporting structural loads while defending against the spread of fire.
Ancient construction relied exclusively on natural materials such as clay, wood, and stone. The industrial revolution introduced steel, which transformed the architectural world. Our era of rapid technological development is driving massive innovations in building materials and systems.
As one of the world’s most versatile building materials, with a wide range of aesthetic options and outstanding energy characteristics, glass provides numerous opportunities to enhance buildings’ visual appeal and performance.
