Window Glass Design 2002 performs all the calculations required to design glass according to ASTM E 1300-02. In addition the software performs the calculations ASTM E 1300-98/00.  The PGMC endorses the Window Glass Design 2002 Program as being the best tool available to aid in designing window glass to resist wind and long-term loadings.  Members of the PGMC technical council served in program development and each now uses a copy of the program.

A brief word on ASTM E 1300-02

ASTM E 1300, "Standard Practice for Determining the Load Resistance of Glass in  buildings." gives designers a comprehensive methodology to size windows glass to resist uniform loads.  ASTM E 1300 has a robust foundation in research and theory.  It currently provides the basis for window glass design in the International Building Code.  ASTM E 1300 requires the designer to use 42 basic glass strength charts along with numerous other charts and tables to achieve a window glass design in an iterative manner.  Achieving a suitable window glass design using ASTM E 1300 can require considerable time and effort.

Changes in ASTM E1300-02

• Glass strength charts are based on a 3-sec load (this matches ASCE7-98/02)

• New design procedures for 1, 2 and 3 side supported glass

• Asymmetric laminated glass design procedures

• Laminated-Laminated insulated glass units

• 4-side edge support designs for aspect ratios up to 10

• New laminated glass strength charts

• Allows the input of all the pertinent information for a window including, window glass construction, edge support,  dimensions, window glass thickness, long- and short-duration loading, window glass type, and more.

• Performs calculations for the following window glass types and constructions supported on 1, 2, 3 and 4 sides:

  • monolithic glass types

    • annealed

    • heat strengthened

    • fully tempered

  • symmetric and asymmetric laminated glass

    • annealed

    • heat strengthened

    • fully tempered

• Performs calculations for the following window glass types and constructions supported on  4 sides:

  • insulating glass units

    • monolithic - monolithic (including all glass types)

    • monolithic - laminated (including all glass types)

    • laminated - laminated (including all glass types)

• Performs calculations for aspect ratios from 1 to 10 for all window glass types and constructions supported on four sides

• Selects the appropriate values from the charts and tables and performs the computations specified in ASTM E 1300-94/98/00/02/03.

• Checks the resistance of the window glass to the loads and informs the designer whether the window glass configuration has sufficient load resistance for the specified loads.

• Provides center of glass deflection under design loading.

• When the designer uses annealed monolithic window glass, the program provides an approximate probability of breakage for the first occurrence of the design load.

• The program offers the designer the option of viewing the factors the program selects in performing the ASTM E1300-98/00/02 computations.

• Updating selected input to modify a proposed design is a simple task, allowing for rapid iterations. 

• Includes a calculator to convert load magnitude of a specified time duration to the equivalent load magnitude for a different specified time duration

• Includes a dimensioned sketch of the glass unit

When the designer achieves an optimum window glass design configuration, the program prints a report consistent with the requirements of ASTM E1300-98/00/02 suitable for presentation to a building official. In addition the program prints a details report which includes a dimensioned sketch of the glass unit and the factors used to calculate the load resistance. 

    Sample Report:  Glass Load Resistance Report

                           Details Report

Operating Systems:

     Microsoft Windows 95,98,ME  (With Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later)

     Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 SR 3

     Microsoft Windows 2000

     Microsoft Windows XP

Hardware:

     486 or faster

     16 M ram

     Windows compatible printer

Check out: 

Window Glass Design 2004