ABSTRACT
Glass can easily be damaged on a construction site by impact, particularly on the edges and corners, and minor damage before glazing can result in premature failure in service when thermal and other stresses start to act on the glass. The service life is affected by the quality of the original manufacturing and the conditions in which the unit is used. Whenever glass is tested to destruction or glass breaks in service there are lessons to be learnt by the designer from a study of the fracture markings. Further high-energy procedures such as toughening and heat-soak testing may be carried out once the float process has been completed. This should be set against the fact that glass is a durable material, and therefore offers the benefit of prolonged, low-maintenance service superior to many of the possible alternatives. Some environments can have a detrimental effect on glass.
