Size of Glass Block Elements Calculation



Formula for calculating the minimum opening in masonry work  

B(H) = n_a x a + n_b x b + 2c
B/H = Width/Height
n_a = Number of Glass Blocks
n_b= Number of Joints (n_b = n_a -1)
a = Outside Dim. of Glass Blocks
b = Joint Width, 12 - 30 mm
c = Edge Strips, min 50 mm to max 100 mm

Largest possible individual size, please see Standards and Recommendations  

Design Dimensions

The manufacturing process currently in use is capable of producing glass blocks up to a maximum length per side of 30 cm. (about 1 foot). These are standardized construction materials and as such subject to ongoing quality controls.

Glass block walls are translucent walls for both indoor and outdoor areas. They should not be regarded either as windows or substitute windows, but rather as an autonomous achitectural element with a structural expression which figures significantly in the appearance of a building.

This is why the connection of the wall to the surrounding parts of the building as well as the determination of the relationship of the glass block surfaces to the surrounding building dimensions are of utmost importance.

Glass block walls are not supporting walls and cannot be expected to bear any loads from the building. This is why glass block walls should be connected to the rest of the building in a way which would not subject them to any restraining forces. For this reason, they should be surrounded by expansion and sliding joints, the functionality of which must not be encumbered by the use of other materials (e.g. plaster).