Group 8 CEM ASS. 2

DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING MATERIALS
GROUP 8
MEMBERS
SUZA GATHONI T056-01-2127/2022
WICKLIFF MURIITHI T056-01-2434/2022
KEVIN MWEGA T056-01-2130/2022
VIVIAN C. WANJIRU T056-01-2408/2022
FRANKLIN NYANG’AU T056-01-2131/2022
GLASS
DEFINITION:
➢ Glass is a hard, brittle, transparent or translucent material typically formed by
cooling molten ingredients such as silica (sand), soda, and lime.
➢ It is commonly used in windows, containers, optics, and various decorative
applications due to its clarity, smoothness, and ability to transmit light.
Properties
Physical properties;
• Transparency: Glass is transparent, allowing light to pass through easily. This

property makes it ideal for use in windows, lenses, and other applications where
visibility is important.
• Hardness: While glass is not as hard as some other materials like metals or
diamonds, it is still relatively hard and can resist scratching and abrasion.
• Brittleness: Glass is a brittle material and it will break or shatter under stress
rather than bending or deforming. This property can be both a strength and a
weakness, depending on the application.
• Thermal resistance: Glass has relatively good thermal resistance, meaning it can
withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming.
• Insulating properties: Glass is a poor conductor of heat making it a good
insulating material. This property is utilized in the application where thermal
insulation is needed.
• Electrical properties: Glass is a good insulator of electricity, meaning it does not
conduct electrical current easily. This property is important for applications in
electrical insulation.
• Melting point: The melting point of glass varies depending on the type of glass,
but common soda-lime glass has a melting point around 1,400-1,600 degrees
Celsius.
Chemical properties
• Inertness: Glass is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most
substances. This property makes glass suitable for storing and transporting a
wide range of chemicals and liquids without contamination.
• Corrosion resistance: Glass is resistant to corrosion from acids, alkalis, and
other corrosive substances.
• Leaching: While glass is generally resistant to leaching, certain types of glass
may release small amounts of ions into the contents they hold. This is more
common with acidic or alkaline solutions and can be minimized through
proper glass selection.
• Recyclability: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be melted down and reformed
multiple times without losing its properties.
Raw materials used in the manufacturing of glass
The primary raw materials used in the manufacturing of glass include:
• Silica (silicon dioxide): This is the main component of glass and provides its basic
structure and strength.
• Soda ash (sodium carbonate): Used as a flux to lower the melting point of the
silica.
• Limestone (calcium carbonate): A stabilizer that helps prevent the glass from
becoming water-soluble.
• Dolomite: Another stabilizer that can help improve the chemical durability of the
glass.
• Alumina (aluminum oxide): Used in small amounts to increase the glass's
resistance to thermal shock.
• Feldspar: Contributes alumina which increases the glass's resistance to
weathering.
• Recycled Glass (Cullet): Used glass that is melted down and reintroduced to the
manufacturing process, reducing energy consumption and raw material use.
• Iron Oxides: Used to create green and brown glass by adding color.
• Chromium Oxides: Used for green tint in glass.
• Cobalt Oxides: Used to create blue glass.
• Sulfur Compounds: Used to create amber and other color variations.
• Potassium Carbonate(K₂CO₃): Used in specialty glasses to enhance clarity and
brightness.
Various types of glass in construction and their uses.
1. Float Glass: Float glass is a type of clear, flat glass that is manufactured using the
float glass process. It is commonly used for windows, doors, and curtain walls in
buildings due to its clarity and smooth surface.
2. Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been heat-treated
to increase its strength and resistance to breakage. It is used in applications where
safety is a concern, such as glass doors, shower enclosures, and glass railings.
3. Laminated Glass: Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded
together with an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). It
is used in applications where safety and security are important, such as skylights,
canopies, and glass facades.
4. Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): Insulated glass units consist of two or more panes of
glass separated by a spacer and sealed around the edges to create a hermetically sealed
air space. IGUs are used in windows and curtain walls to improve thermal insulation and
reduce heat loss or gain.
5. Low-E Glass: Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is coated with a thin layer of metallic
oxides to reduce the transfer of heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays while allowing visible
light to pass through. It is used to improve energy efficiency in buildings by reducing
heating and cooling costs.
6. Tinted Glass: Tinted glass is manufactured by adding colorants to the glass during
production to reduce glare and control the amount of sunlight entering a building. It is
commonly used in windows and façades to enhance privacy and reduce solar heat gain.
7. Reflective Glass: Reflective glass, also known as solar control glass, has a metallic
coating that reflects a significant portion of the solar radiation. It is used to minimize
heat gain and glare in buildings, especially in hot climates.

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DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

• Transparency: Glass is transparent, allowing light to pass through easily. This

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