Laminated glass is a protective glass consisting of two or more layers of glass bonded together with one or more polyvinyl butyral (PVB) films. If a breakage occurs, the fragments of glass remain bonded together.
SAFETY
Protection against injury
When broken, Sprimosafe laminated glass greatly reduces the risk of cuts because the fragments of glass adhere to the PVB film. For roofing, laminated glass is obligatory for the inner surface in case an object falls on the roof.
Guardrails
The fragments of glass remain bonded following a breakage, and Sprimosafe laminated glass maintains its role as a screen protecting against the risk of defenestration. However, it must be installed in accordance with the standards in force (NBN S23-002, NIT 221, STS54, NBN EN 12600).
Burglary protection
Sprimosafe laminated glass resists repeated blows thanks to its composition. Even if the glass is shattered, the PVB interlayers continue to prevent intrusion. The number of PVB layers determines burglar-resistance. The frames in which the glass is installed must also be suitable.
Ballistic protection
Sprimosafe laminated glass resists firearms thanks to its composition.
ACOUSTIC COMFORT
The composition of laminated glass offers reinforced noise reduction. If sound insulation is the main priority, conventional PVB can be replaced with acoustic PVB.
UV PROTECTION
Laminated glass with 2 PVB interlayers blocks over 99% of UV radiation, the cause of fading in exposed objects.
The number before the decimal point indicates the thickness of glass used, and the number after the point the number of PVB interlayers.
GLASS FLOOR SLABS
For glass steps or flooring slabs, the thickness of the laminated glass to use depends on their use. In general, the glass is very thick.
STABILITY
PVB does not yellow in daylight or artificial light.
APPEARANCE
PVB can be coloured – matt, bronze etc. – and combines style with safety.
COMMON USES
To guard against defenestration or ensure the protective capacity of glazed guardrails, lamination with 2 PVB layers is required (44.2, 55.2 etc.).
This is also the minimum requirement for protection against forced entry.
Increased security (isolated buildings, valuable goods on display etc.) may require a composition with 4 or even 6 PVB layers (44.4, 44.6).
If there is a significant risk of break-in (jewellery etc.), other compositions with multiple layers of glass and PVB become essential (e.g. 444.8).
TESTS AND COMPOSITIONS
Protection against accidents and burglary.
| Type of protection | Classification | Standard | Glass type | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls Injury |
1B1 | NBN EN 12600 NBN S23-002 |
SprimoSafe 33.2 | 7mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (basic protection) |
P2A | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe 33.2 | 7mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (basic protection) |
P2A | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe 44.2 | 9mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (basic protection) |
P3A | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe 44.3 | 9mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (basic protection) |
P4A | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe 44.4 | 10mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (reinforced protection) |
P5A | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe 44.6 | 10mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (reinforced protection) |
P6B | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe 66.8 | 15mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (reinforced protection) |
P7B | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe P7B | 22mm |
| Vandalism and burglary (reinforced protection) |
P8B | NBN EN 356 | SprimoSafe P8B | 35mm |
Note: the compositions in the table above are minimum requirements
Requirements of the different tests
P1A: 3 balls of 4.1 kg dropped from a height of 1.5 m > the glass must not be penetrated.
P2A: 3 balls of 4.1 kg dropped from a height of 3 m > the glass must not be penetrated.
P3A: 3 balls of 4.1 kg dropped from a height of 6 m > the glass must not be penetrated.
P4A: 3 balls of 4.1 kg dropped from a height of 9 m > the glass must not be penetrated.
P5A: 9 balls of 4.1 kg dropped from a height of 9 m > the glass must not be penetrated.
P6B: at least 30 blows from an axe and hammer > a person cannot pass*
P7B: at least 51 blows from an axe and hammer > a person cannot pass*
P8B: at least 71 blows from an axe and hammer > a person cannot pass*
* opening required for a person to pass = 40x40 cm
Ballistic protection
When people need to be protected from firearms (banks, service stations, military buildings etc.), the Sprimosafe range offers a variety of glazing solutions to suit different uses, offering protection against different types of weapons and munitions.
These windows have been tested according to the NBN EN 1063 standard.
