What is ISO 21690 - Specifications and test methods for glass blocks about?
ISO 21690 is one of a series of standards regarding glass in buildings.
ISO 21690 specifies requirements for the properties of glass blocks used for the construction of non-load-bearing walls and horizontally spanning panels. ISO 21690 also specifies test methods used to verify these properties for square, rectangular and circular glass blocks.
Who is ISO 21690 - Specifications and test methods for glass blocks for?
ISO 21690 on the specifications and test methods for glass blocks is useful for:
- Architects
- Manufacturers of glass blocks used in buildings
- Real estate developers
- Quality control personnel
- Testing and inspection personnel
Why should you use ISO 21690 - Specifications and test methods for glass blocks?
Light transmitting glass blocks are used for the construction of building elements both in non-load-bearing walls and load-bearing horizontally spanning panels. Glass blocks need to meet physical performance requirements as they contribute to the building’s visual appearance and structural integrity.
ISO 21690 improves your knowledge of glass blocks used in buildings by informing you about the types of glass blocks, their dimensions and the irregularities that can occur while producing them.
ISO 21690 also provides you with the test methods that can help you to verify the physical capabilities of the hollow glass blocks.
Overall, the guidelines of help you to produce or install hollow glass blocks in buildings that meet the necessary requirements.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 21690:2021 supersedes ISO 21690:2006, which has been technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
- Clause 5 in the previous edition on materials has been deleted
- The external dimensions has been changed to one value ±1,5 mm in 6.3
- The dimensional irregularities twisting Δt or misalignment Δm have been changed to not exceed 1,5 mm in 7.2
- Subclause 6.2.2 in the previous edition on visual irregularities has been changed to Clause 8 on the appearance for hollow glass blocks, including its test method and requirement
- The compressive strength minimum value in the previous edition subclause 6.3.1 has been changed from 6,0 N/mm2 to 4,4 N/mm2 in 9.1