Block · Sizes pending
Glass — indicative fig. M·60
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 0.70kgCO₂e/kg Low–mediumCompressive 6-45MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
Structural glass blocks for partition walls and decorative elements with thermal and acoustic insulation properties
01 Physical
Density 2400-2500kg/m3
Specific gravity 2.4-2.5
Porosity 0%
Water absorption 0%
Hardness 5.5-6.5Mohs
UV resistance Moderate-Good
Chemical resistance Excellent
pH tolerance 1-12pH
Surface roughness 1-50um
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 30-50MPa
Compressive strength 6-45MPa
Flexural strength 30-50MPa
Shear strength 5-15MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.22-0.24
Impact resistance Moderate-HighJ
Creep resistance Excellent
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.6-1.0W/mK
Specific heat 800-840J/kgK
Thermal expansion 0.008-0.009mm/m/degC
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class A1
Fire resistance level 0-90minutes
Ignition temp N/A - non-combustibledegC
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0kW/m2
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 0.70-1.20kg CO2-eq/kg
Carbon footprint 50-100kg CO2-eq/m2
Embodied energy 12-18MJ/kg
Water footprint 5-15L/kg
Recyclability 50-100%
Recycled content 15-50%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 5.0/10
VOC emissions 0ug/m3
Toxicity rating Non-toxic
LEED contribution 2-4points
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50-100+years
Maintenance interval 5-10years
Warranty period 10-25years
Material cost (range) 150-500AUD/m2
Material cost (per unit) 15-55AUD/block
Lead time 7-60days
Lifecycle cost 300-700AUD/m2
Annual maintenance 1.00-5.00AUD/m2/year
Market availability Moderate
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Excellent natural daylighting while maintaining visual privacy
- Good thermal insulation for a glazing product (U-value 1.1-2.8 W/m2K)
- Strong sound insulation (STC 35-53 depending on type)
- Non-combustible with fire-rated options up to 90 minutes
- Durable and low maintenance - glass surface resists staining and weathering
- Wide range of patterns, colours, and finishes for design flexibility
- Vandal and graffiti resistant (glass surface easily cleaned)
- Suitable for wet areas - impervious to moisture
Constraints
- Heavy self-weight (60-80 kg/m2) requiring adequate structural support
- Cannot carry structural loads beyond self-weight and in-plane loads
- No ventilation capacity - fixed glazing only
- High installed cost compared to conventional glazing or masonry
- Limited to non-loadbearing or infill panel applications
- Difficult to modify or create openings once installed
- Can create greenhouse effect in sun-exposed applications without solar control
08 Applications
A1 Interior partition walls Non-loadbearing partition walls that transmit natural daylight between spaces while maintaining visual privacy and sound insulation
A2 Bathroom and wet area walls Waterproof, low-maintenance wall construction for bathrooms, showers, and pool areas providing light and privacy
A3 Facade feature panels External building facade elements providing daylighting, thermal insulation, and distinctive architectural expression
A4 Stairwell and corridor daylighting Light-transmitting wall panels in circulation spaces reducing artificial lighting requirements and improving occupant experience
A5 Fire-rated assemblies UL-classified glass block assemblies for 45, 60, or 90-minute fire-rated wall and window applications where light transmission is required
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.