Fire Protection Fire resistant glazing is made up of structural elements, generally
composed of one or more translucent, room-limiting wall elements together with
sealing and attachment materials. In their room-limiting function, they should
prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a designated period. Fire-resistant
glass block elements are non-load-bearing structural elements.

Only general guidelines have been suggested for the application of fire protective
glazing in accordance with DIN 18 175. There are no objective criteria.
The competent local building supervisory authority decides on the admissibility
of using certain types of glazing. The decision is rendered in each individual case
and based on their knowledge of the circumstances.

Classification G Fire Resistance
Class G fire resistant glazing defines translucent structural elements in a vertical
arrangement ( > 80° to 90°), which prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
They serve simply to prevent the penetration of thermal radiation.
No requirements are made regarding heat levels on the side of the wall opposite the fire.
Fire resistant glazing may not collapse during the (G 30 to G 120) classification period and
must remain effective as room limitation walls.

Should the need for additional fire protection arise along with a desire for natural daylight
and/or transparence, there are a variety of applications for classification G glazing using glass blocks.
These include:
- escape routes
- partitions in larger, contiguous rooms
- building corners for the prevention of flame flash-over
- preventive measures to avoid fire flash-over to building fronts.

Classification F Fire Resistance Classification F fire resistant glazing defines translucent
structural elementsin a vertical arrangement ( > 80° to 90°), which not only prevent the spread
of fire and smoke, but also the penetration of thermal radiation. A temperature increase on the
other side of the wall amounting to more than 140 Kelvin (temperature difference) as a mean
value, or 180 Kelvin as an individual value, is not permissible (DIN 4102, Part 2, Paragraph 5.2.2.).
All frames, holders or attachments installed must be shielded with DIN 4102 class A fire-protective
tiles, (e.g. gypsum board) designed to prevent thermal radiation.

All interior and exterior fire-inhibiting or fire -proof glazing required by building codes,
up to Class "F 60", can be carried out using glass block elements.

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