Fire-resistant Glass in specialised rail transportation
Over 30 years of expertise in transparent passive fire protection qualify us as a reliable provider of fire-resistant glass solutions for rail transportation. As pioneers in this area of application, we have continuously developed innovative products that meet the required safety standards as well as setting the standard for visual quality. Our extensive experience and close collaboration with companies and authorities in the rail industry have enabled us to offer tailormade solutions that meet the specific requirements and challenges of public transportation. From state-of-the-art high-speed trains to traditional trams and underground trains, you can rely on the quality and reliability of Pilkington fire-resistant Glass to provide fire safety and protect the passengers.
Weight plays an increasingly significant role in rail transportation, as lighter materials can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency. It is therefore essential that fire-resistant glasses are light in weight without compromising on safety. The challenge is to develop even lighter and thinner structures all the time.
Fire tests to the relevant standards are performed in our in-house testing facility. The certified fire test furnace with an opening of 4 m by 4 m in size, as well as external testing facilities worldwide, help to verify the highest level of application safety, functionality, and design versatility in fire protection systems.
Fire resistance requirements for fire barriers: EN 45545-3
The fire resistance requirements for fire barriers in railway vehicles can be specified according to EN 45545, Part 3. Engineers and designers are to select the appropriate fire-resistant glass based on the specific requirements of a railway vehicle. On page 7 of this document, you will find a table with the technical data for Pilkington’s range of products for the various fire resistance classes, along with a listing of the relevant standards and certifications.
Certifications for fire-resistant glass in railway applications – rolling stock equipment
Safety in rail transportation is of utmost importance, particularly when it comes to fire protection. It is crucial that the fire-resistant glass used in rolling stock equipment and other rail vehicles meets the specific certifications and standards. Below you will find an introduction to the relevant standards according to which Pilkington fire-resistant Glass products have been tested, depending on requirements:
BN 918 511:
This market-specific qualification certificate relates to German regulations and standards for the safety glass properties as well as the optical properties of laminated safety glass and monolithic toughened safety glass in rail vehicles for public transportation. The standard specifies which requirements have to be met by materials as well as design.
AFNOR NF F 31-129:2013:
This French standard for railway rolling stock – ensures that the monolithic toughened safety glass used meets the specific requirements regarding safety and optical quality applicable for use in trains and other rail vehicles.
Regulation ECE (Economic Commission for Europe)-R 43
– Uniform provisions concerning the approval of safety glazing materials:
This regulation applies to safety glazing materials and their installation on vehicles.
DIN EN 61373 Railway applications rolling stock equipment
– Shock and vibration tests:
This International Standard specifies the requirements for testing to gain assurance that the quality of the item is acceptable. Each item has to demonstrate in a test, which simulates the service conditions throughout its expected life, its fitness for purpose.