Mechanical Functions of Glass

Glass can be used for its mechanical strength in a number of situations.

In architecture it can be designed to withstand the varied loads that the world's weather systems can throw at it. You cannot say that the glass will never break but the probability of it breaking can be minimized. Glass can also be designed so that if it does break the results are not necessarily catastrophic.

In addition to wind and snow loads glass can be used as a floor, roof or barrier to protect people. It can be designed to increase safety for building users, provide security or act as a structural member.

The properties and applications for glass are detailed in the following sections: