The Pilkington Mechanical Strength online calculator provides you with a way of determining the types of glass suitable to resist mechanical loads and is based on typical UK design methodologies. It includes a calculator for determining the type and thickness of glass to withstand wind and snow loads, taking into account stress and deflection. The calculator also helps with glass specifications for three types of barriers: free standing glass protective barriers (balustrades), infill panels and full height barriers (including windows in walls).  
 
Please note that there are other considerations to take into account when determining the suitability of glass for any application. These include manufacturing capability, availability, transportation, handling and installation and project-specific considerations such as location, type of building, public access, etc. 

Any deviations from the provided specification are likely to invalidate the results provided.  Results are not transferrable to products from other glass manufacturers. 

Any final determination as to the suitability of the glazing specification should be based on relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes of practice, as well as project specific requirements where applicable. This final determination is the responsibility of the Principal Designer. 
 
Please also note that regulatory requirements may be different in other countries, so the glass design approach adopted by the calculator may not be applicable outside of UK. 

If you need any assistance with the use of the Mechanical Strength calculator, please contact our Customer Contact Centre by email: enquiries@pilkington.com

This calculator should not be used to determine load resistance of glass in accordance with EN 16612. Although EN 16612 was published as a national standard by BSI in 2019, the nationally-determined parameters have yet to be agreed for the UK. It is anticipated that these will be confirmed in the forthcoming revision of BS 6262-3. On this basis, it is still possible to apply the traditional UK methodology for load calculations ahead of publication of the revised BS 6262-3, unless the project specification explicitly requires calculations to EN 16612. Where load resistance calculations based on EN 16612 are requested, please contact our Customer Contact Centre.