When specifying Precast Wall panels, important criteria should be considered:

• Type of precast (concrete, Easifix or fire rated)  • Calculating of opening sizes

• Restraint/clamping panels in place                        • Fire ratings

• How panels connect together.

TYPES OF PANEL PRODUCED

Panels can be produced incorporating all types of glass block dimensions, the most common being 190x190x80mm, see La Rochere range, visit www.glassblocks.co.uk /range, 190x190x100mm, 190x90x80mm (1/2 blocks), 240x240mm and fire blocks.

Wall panels cannot be used for horizontal applications like roof lights. For roof lights/floor pavers - See Precast Floor Panels

JOINTS

Concrete wall panels are generally manufactured with 10mm joints, however this can be decreased to as little as 6mm or increased to around 20mm.

10mm joints                                         20mm joints

35mm border width

STANDARD CONNECTING BORDERS

35mm border width

Concrete wall panels have to be produced with a border to the perimeter edge of the panel, these are vital for the purpose of restraint aswell as production and handling. They are also a condition of some fire rated panels (in accordance with manufacturers test data). Generally border widths for precast panels are 35mm. The maximum width is dependent on the panel (wall, floor or fire rated) or block type. Please contact GBT for further assistance regarding maximum border widths. F30 and F60 fire rated panels are manufactured with 50mm borders.

GOLDEN RULES OF GLASS BLOCK SPECIFICATION TO CONSIDER

• Glass block walls are self supporting, but not load bearing. Therefore similar to doors & windows, support above should be provided in the form of a lintel.
• For best integral strength, glass blocks should ideally be installed into a four sided pre-prepared opening. This opening can be timber, brick, steel, concrete or block work.
• Glass blocks expand and contract with temperature change. Expansion material must be incorporated to the perimeter opening and intermittently between vertical of horizontal joints if a panel exceeds 6m in any direction. Perimeter expansion should be weatherproofed.
• Openings must be square and perpendicular and made to suit glass block panels.
• The maximum panel size does vary for precast installation based upon design (consult GBT).
• The specification of precast panels may be limited by handling, site access and lifting.