EN 12179 Heat Strengthened Glass Testing
The CEN standard EN 12179 defines the methods and procedures to test heat-strengthened glass. This service is critical in ensuring that buildings meet safety standards, particularly those related to structural integrity during extreme conditions such as temperature fluctuations or impact.
Heat-strengthened glass is a type of safety glass that undergoes a controlled heating and cooling process to increase its strength compared to annealed glass. Despite being more robust than standard annealed glass, heat-strengthened glass does not shatter into sharp shards upon breakage; instead, it fractures into small, relatively harmless pieces. This characteristic makes it an essential component in building facades, doors, and windows where safety is a priority.
The testing procedure outlined in EN 12179 covers several key aspects including dimensional stability, thermal shock resistance, and impact resistance tests. Each of these tests provides critical insights into the structural integrity and performance of heat-strengthened glass under various stress conditions.
Dimensional Stability Test: This test assesses how well the glass maintains its size after undergoing a controlled heating process followed by cooling. The specimen is heated to between 500°C and 600°C for no more than one minute, then rapidly cooled using air or water. Post-cooling, the dimensions of the sample are measured accurately.
Thermal Shock Resistance Test: This test evaluates a glass’s ability to withstand sudden temperature changes without fracturing. Specimens are subjected to thermal shock by being immersed in boiling water after being heated under controlled conditions. If no cracks or fractures appear, the sample passes this test.
Impact Resistance Test: During this test, the specimen is mounted between two supports and then impacted with a specific weight hammer from various predetermined angles. The aim here is to simulate real-world scenarios where glass might be subjected to external impacts such as those caused by hail or accidental collisions.
| Standard Reference | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 12179:2003 | Methods of testing heat-strengthened glass |
| ISO 9050:2008 | Quality control for building materials and products - Quality management systems - Requirements |
The tests described above are designed to ensure that heat-strengthened glass meets the required performance criteria as specified in EN 12179. This standard ensures not only the structural integrity of buildings but also enhances occupant safety by minimizing risks associated with broken glass.
Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment and adheres strictly to these standards when conducting tests on heat-strengthened glass specimens. Our experienced technicians ensure precise control over all variables, ensuring accurate results that can be relied upon for regulatory compliance or internal quality assurance purposes.
Applied Standards
| Standard Reference | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 12179:2003 | Methods of testing heat-strengthened glass |
| ISO 9050:2008 | Quality control for building materials and products - Quality management systems - Requirements |
International Acceptance and Recognition
The EN 12179 standard has gained widespread recognition across Europe, Asia, and North America. Compliance with this standard is often a prerequisite for projects involving heat-strengthened glass in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Many architects and engineers worldwide specify EN 12179-compliant products to ensure that their designs meet stringent safety and performance criteria. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with international regulations and gain a competitive edge in global markets.
The rigorous testing procedures outlined in the standard help ensure consistent quality across different batches of heat-strengthened glass. This uniformity is crucial for large-scale construction projects where reliability and safety are paramount.
Environmental and Sustainability Contributions
- Eco-friendly Materials: Heat-strengthened glass is made from recycled materials, reducing the need for raw glass production which can be energy-intensive. This contributes to lower carbon footprints in manufacturing processes.
- Energy Efficiency: When incorporated into building facades, heat-strengthened glass helps improve thermal insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs over time. This leads to more sustainable buildings with reduced environmental impact.
- Safety Enhancement: By preventing injuries due to shattered glass during extreme weather events or accidents, EN 12179-compliant heat-strengthened glass supports safer living environments without compromising on aesthetics.
