In contemporary office interior design, sliding glass partitions are quite popular because of their beauty, multifunctional use, and improved illumination. Regardless of the appeal, however, there is always concern surrounding their safety in case of natural disasters like earthquakes or fires. Is there a risk posed if sliding glass partitions are used during such emergencies, or can they withstand such situations?
This guide will investigate the effectiveness of sliding glass office partitions in the case of a disaster. And what factors can be incorporated in the design to enhance their safety and strength?
Recognizing the Threats
In regions prone to earthquakes or susceptible to fire, construction materials should have certain safety standards that are enforced to aid in protecting lives and reducing property damage.
Glass is beautiful, but harshly fragile, which makes it prone to shattering under a lot of pressure or high heat. There are also additional worries about how these systems will stand up during movements or emergency retreats when carved into sliding systems that work on tracks.
Will Sliding Glass Walls Resist an Earthquake?
- The problem:
Buildings can shift, sway, or vibrate significantly during an earthquake. If not reinforced, non-reinforced glass can crack or shatter, resulting in dangerous falling shards.
- What attributes make them safer?
Tempered or Laminated Glass:
These are specific types of safety glass that can be put under stress, or tempered shock, unlike standard glass. While tempered glass breaks into blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, laminated glass retains its shape because of the inner plastic layer, which further reduces injury.
Flexible Mounting Systems:
Sliding glass wall systems can be mounted using shock-absorbing tracks and flexible hardware that permit slight movements without detachment or breakage.
Proper Framing:
Sturdy aluminum or steel framing as constructive materials aids in maintaining the partition’s structural integrity during an earthquake because the frame’s flexing ability during seismic activity offers support.
- Best Practice Tip:
If partitioned with sliding glass walls in seismic regions, such walls should satisfy local seismic building codes and be executed by qualified contractors who are well versed with the region’s policies.
Are Sliding Glass Walls Fire-Safe?
- The case at hand:
Heat transmission through the medium allows glass to conduct heat. High temperature exposure can break the glass through which flames or smoke permeate spaces meant to be contained.
- Recommended options include:
Fire-Rated Glass Systems:
Like all other glass partitions, these specially engineered ones are designed to resist fire, smoke, and heat for period intervals, whether it is 30, 60, or even 90 minutes. Doing so allows more time for evacuation.
Check for Smoke Seals and gaskets:
The application of proper seals at the edges of sliding glass systems can help to limit the smoke from spreading rapidly and can be more detrimental than flames in the early stages of a fire.
Automatically Closing:
Some sliding systems can be connected to fire alarm systems that will automatically close and hold closed when a fire alarm signal is sent. Guests can be held back from being too close to the danger, and the sliding glass can act as a barrier.
Conclusion
Sliding glass office walls can enhance a disaster-resilient workspace when they are built and installed with safety in mind. Ultimately, it is about the planning and installation by professionals to ensure that style does not come at the cost of avoiding safety.
