Compressive Strength according to DIN 18175, Edition May 1977

The compressive strength of SOLARIS glass blocks measured on its full cross section is:
Square glass blocks:
Mean value = 7.5 MN/ m2
Individual minimum value = 6.0 MN/ m2
Rectangular glass blocks:
Mean value = 6.0 MN/m2
Individual minimum value = 4.8 MN/m2

Thermal Insulation
Glass block walls help reduce the overheating of interior spaces caused by the
penetration of sunlight during the summer months, while also permitting the low-lying
winter sun to make a maximum contribution to room heating.
Glass block walls meet the requirements of the building code regarding energy-saving
thermal insulation on buildings with normal indoor temperatures, as set forth in Section 1.

The thermal conductivity coefficient of glass block windows is comparable with this property in
normal thermopane double glazing.
A1/ heat transmission resistance of glass block walls and a thermal conductivity coefficient
of k depend on the dimensions of the glass blocks (stated in mean values for all sizes) and the joining material.

With cement mortar group III:
Mean value for k = 3.2 W/m² K
Mean value for 1/ = 0.144 m² K/W
Insitute of Window Engineering, Rosenheim, 1981

With ready mixed mortar LG 36 from quick-mix group, D- 49090 Osnabrück:
Mean value for k = 2.9 W/m² K
Mean value for 1/ = 0.18 m² K/W
College of Engineering, Cologne, 1989

With Leca Concrete (prefabricated panels):
Mean value for k = 2.9 W/m² K
Mean value for 1/?= 0.172 M² K/W
Insitute of Window Engineering, Rosenheim, 1985

With STECKFIX (mortarless joint sealing):
Mean value for k = 2.9 W/m² K
Mean value for 1/ = 0.18 m² K/W
College of Technology, Cologne,1988

One general rule applies when considering the heat balance of buildings and taking
into consideration an equivalent thermal conductivity coefficient of k_eq during the heating period,
which, beside transmission heat losses, also includes the useful heat gains o _gF brought
about by such transparent structural elements as windows.

Property Protection
Glass block walls correspond with very high safety standards.

Typical applications include:
- cellar windows
- building entrances
- light walls in warehouses, manufacturing facilities or workshops
- security zones in industrial plants, airports, etc.
- computer centres and
- banks.

Germany`s Federal Criminal Investigation Service in Wiesbaden especially
recommends glass blocks for a high level of personal and property protection.

Bullet-Resistant Glazing
The special BSH 20 glass block is identical with a normal glass block, but when subjected
to triple firing as specified in DIN 52 290/Z, it meets the requirements of classification C 5-SA,
the highest level of bullet resistance in glass. Single-shell glass block elements will provide
bullet resistance classification C 3-SA on single firing, and C 2-SA for triple firing. Double-shell
glass block elements provide bullet resistance classification C 5-SA on triple firing.

click to enlarge

Burglar-Proof Glazing
The efficiency of glass block walls with a high level of burglar-proofing can be vastly improved by
selecting specific glass block sizes, joint widths and mortar joint reinforcements.
Resistance classification WK 10 is provided by glass blocks or paving blocks with dimensions
up to 240 x 240 mm, and resistance class WK 60 is provided by glass blocks or paving tiles
with dimensionsup to 200 x 200 mm, presupposing a cross-wise reinforcement of the mortar
joints with special steel.

Projectile-Resistant Glazing
In all application sizes, glass block walls provide a high level of safety against such projectiles
as balls hitting the wall or atmospheric disturbances such as earthquakes. No special
installation method is required here;the stability comes about from the stress-resistance
of the individual glass blocks and their reinforcement.