Glass blocks have been used for some time as internal feature
partitioning. They now include a variety of applications in external
walls, where they combine the benefits of a walling unit with a
natural source of light. They have also been used in paving to
allow natural light penetration into basements.
Fire resistance, BS 476-22 - 1 hour integrity (load bearing capacity and fire
containment).
Maximum panel size is 9m^2. Maximum panel dimension is 3 m
Laying † glass blocks can be bonded like conventional brickwork,
but for aesthetic reasons are usually laid with continuous vertical
and horizontal joints.
Jointing † blocks are bedded in mortar with reinforcement from
two, 9 gauge galvanised steel wires in horizontal joints. Every 3rd.
course for 150 mm units, every 2nd. course for 200 mm units and
every course for 300 mm units. First and last course to be
reinforced.
Ref: BS 476-22: Fire tests on building materials and structures.
Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-
loadbearing elements of construction.
Glass Block Walling---1