Since it was first made in 500 BC, glass has always been a material of fascination for mankind. Because of its mysterious properties, it can gradually stand up in the long development. It has not been eliminated by society, but has become one of the most widely used and far-reaching materials in the construction industry. From early stained glass Windows, to the intricate components of modern architecture. The role of glass in architecture has evolved over the years, gradually becoming an indispensable material in architecture.
A brief history of glass in the construction industry
In prehistoric times, obsidian and lightning lava were used to make weapons. Both of these materials are naturally occurring. Artificial glass is a kind of luxury material, which is used for decoration, jewelry, utensils and other items.
The technology of blowing glass was developed in Europe in the 1st century AD. The advent of this technology revolutionized glass manufacturing. The technique then spread throughout the Roman Empire. By introducing manganese dioxide, transparent glass is produced. Cast glass Windows began to appear in important Roman buildings. Over the next 1,000 years, glassmaking spread throughout Europe and the Middle East. In the 7th century, Janglo Saxon glass was also used in cathedrals.
By the 11th century, plate glass was made using the Crown glass process. From the 11th to the 18th centuries, stained glass Windows were used in Gothic Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Great artists around the world create amazing patterns with stained glass. In the 19th century, plate glass Windows were used to make Windows. These glasses are completely flat, without any optical distortion.
In 1958, the float glass process was introduced in the world. This method makes the glass plate thickness uniform, the surface is very flat. Modern Windows are made of float glass.
The application of glass in architecture
Since the early 20th century, modern architecture has been producing large quantities of glass and concrete buildings in factories. Glass and steel structures have become a symbol of development in many countries. People often see these buildings as symbols of affluence and luxury.
Glassmaking is a very old art. Archaeological evidence shows that glassmaking dates back to before 2500 BC. Glass making was once a rare art, but thanks to the Pilkington process, glass making has become a common industry.
Traditionally, glass was made by blowing liquid glass. Liquid glass is formed by melting sand, calcium oxide and sodium carbonate. Heat at high temperature and then cool to desired shape. The recipe for making glass has been the same for thousands of years. Its performance can be enhanced by adding some mixtures or coatings, and then different requirements can be met.
There is something different about the Pilkington process. It is the transport of large quantities of raw materials (sand, calcium oxide and sodium carbonate) to the glass production plant. It is then weighed and mixed in the correct proportions. Certain mixtures are added to the ingredients to give the glass the appropriate characteristics or color. The mixture is then heated in a gas stove or kiln. Without additives, quartz sand becomes glass at high temperatures. A uniform mixture of molten glass is then formed. This mixture is then floated on molten tin to form glass of the desired thickness. Then let the glass start to cool. The way glass is cooled determines its strength. It must be cooled after maintaining the appropriate temperature, that is, it must be annealed. If cooled in a very short period of time, the glass will become too brittle to handle. Annealed glass is essential for its durability. Be extra careful in the production process.
Properties of glass
Transparency: This property allows visual connection to the outside world. High transparency glass can normally pass through the glass to see the other side. Low transparency, such as frosted glass, obstructs vision.
U-value: The U-value is a measure of the amount of heat transmitted through the window. The lower the U value, the better the insulation performance of the glass. The better the insulation or cooling.
Strength: Glass is a brittle material. It tends to break if it is impacted. But with the advancement of science and technology, many laminated materials and mixtures can improve the ability of glass to resist deformation.
Greenhouse effect: The greenhouse effect is when the short wavelength of the sun's visible light passes through the glass and is absorbed. However, the longer infrared radiation emitted by the heated object cannot pass through the glass. This creates more heat and temperature.
Machinability: Glass can be processed in a variety of ways. It can be blown, drawn and pressed. You can also get a variety of properties, such as transparency, sound insulation and so on.
Recyclability: Glass is 100% recyclable. Broken glass can be used as a raw material for glass manufacturing, aggregate for concrete construction, etc.
Energy efficiency and acoustic control: Energy efficient glass is the term used to describe the double or triple glazing used in modern home Windows. It's not like the original single glass or the old double glass. Energy-saving glass uses coated glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. The air barrier also enhances acoustic control.
Visible light transmittance: Simply put, visible light transmittance is the proportion of visible light passing through the glass.
Acrylic: Acrylic is made of thermoplastic and has good weather resistance. The strength is also higher than ordinary glass. But it's prone to scratches. Acrylic has excellent optical properties and is softer than glass. But it also collects some dust. Acrylic can be used in playhouses, greenhouses and other places.
Polycarbonate: This material is 300 times stronger than glass. Most chemicals can be insulated. Very light in weight, wear and impact resistant. It penetrates light like glass and doesn't deform.
Glass steel sheet: Glass steel is made by combining hundreds of glass fibers together using a colored thermosetting UV resin. FRP is also used in the production of house building components, such as roof laminate, canopies and so on. This material is relatively lightweight and easy to handle. It is a good choice for building composite houses and insulation materials, which can reduce heat loss.
Types of glass
Float glass: Float glass is also known as sodium-calcium glass or clear glass. This is made by annealing molten glass, transparent and flat. High transparency also has certain disadvantages, such as causing a certain glare. It is suitable for making ceilings, storefronts, etc.
Colored glass: Certain additives in the glass ingredient mixture can add color to clear glass. It doesn't hurt its strength yet. The addition of iron oxide gives the glass a green hue. Different concentrations of sulfur can also make glass yellow, red, or black.
Tempered glass: Tempered glass has been tempered. It is very safe. It can be made into fire doors and so on.
Laminated glass: This type of glass is made by sandwiching glass plates within a protective layer. It is heavier than ordinary glass and can also cause optical distortion. Laminated glass also has many characteristics. In sound insulation, anti-ultraviolet effect are very good. Used for glass curtain wall, aquarium, stair partition, etc.
Shatter-proof glass: shatter-proof glass is generally made by adding a layer of polyvinyl butyral. This kind of glass will not produce sharp shards even if broken. It can be used on the skylight to effectively protect people's safety.
Stained glass: This glass can effectively control daylight and transparency. This kind of glass comes in a variety of colors and is widely used. It can be used in some characteristic buildings to achieve good results.
Ultra clean glass: This glass is hydrophilic. That is, water flows on its glass surface without leaving any trace. And they are photocatalytic, that is, they are covered with nanoparticles. Can attack and destroy some dirt, making it easier to clean and maintain. Hence the name "ultra-clean glass".
Double glazing unit: Reduce heat loss and gain by leaving an air gap between two pieces of glass. Ordinary glass can cause a large amount of heat increase, and the heat loss of air conditioning energy is up to 30%. Green energy-saving glass can reduce this effect.
Glass tiles: Hollow glass wall tiles are made of two separate half pieces. While the glass is still molten, the two pieces are pressed together and annealed to make it. The resulting glass brick will have a partial vacuum at the hollow center.
Conclusion
With the continuous advancement of technology and new observations of glass by scientists, the versatility of glass continues to improve. As a magical material, glass is widely used in the construction industry as insulation materials, structural components, external glass materials and cladding materials. It is used to make delicate exterior fenestration Windows as well as traditional Windows. With the emergence of green building technology, glass is constantly changing. Solar glass and switchable glass projection screens are some of the newer uses. It can be said that glass is also a material that will continue to be concerned about in the future.
