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BUILDING
SOLUTIONS
TOGETHER
Innovation and
sustainability
versatility
The versatility of fabricated glass with
high-end technology allows using a product
with different specifications in complex
multi-purpose projects.
GlassecViracon, a reference in
the glass market for building
construction, develops creative,
innovative solutions for contemporary
architecture. Soundness in corporate
management and business
transparency together with the
technical ability of our experts and
the continued improvement in the
production process are the pillars of
GlassecViracon’s performance.
GlassecViracon’s team is prepared
to cater to the different demands
of corporate, commercial and
residential projects, contemplating
expectations from developers
and builders alike. This expertise
comprises the command of technical
standards and requirements to obtain
green certifications such as LEED
and AQUA.
Boasting a broad product portfolio,
GlassecViracon fabricates and
supplies glass with technology that
allows us to add features such as
sustainability, safety, and
thermo-acoustic efficiency to
a differentiated design.
Our purpose is to turn glass into
solutions that promote life quality
and help conserve the environment.
Get to know GlassecViracon’s
high performance glass.
F.L 4300
São Paulo, SP
Project
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Gafisa and RFM
Consultant Arqmate
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Blue GA 119
GA 119
LT 35% SF 36%
Commercial
Imposing
Buildings
Innovation and sustainable practices are
differentials much prized in corporate
and commercial projects. GlassecViracon
is a leader in this market that demands
suppliers with the ability to develop
solutions which combine energyefficiency and sustainability with a variety
of aesthetic attributes. Glazings with
GlassecViracon technology are present in
façades, roofing and other glazed areas
of corporate and commercial buildings
throughout Brazil’s largest cities.
In order to maximize the effects
of the dynamic layout, the
energy-efficient glazing blends
its colors and REFLECTIONS in
harmony WITH the copper
patina texture and the
lines of the project.
Petrobras
Santos, SP
Project
Builder
Consultant
Product
GL Ins 2420
Siemens
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Project
Oliveira Cotta Arquitetura
Builder
BR Construtora
Product
Laminated Solar Control Green
GA 120C and Opaque GA 026
GA 120C
LT 43% SF 28%
GA 026
LT 65% SF 62%
4
Ruy Rezende Arquitetura
Construcap
QMD Consultoria and Aluparts
Solar Control Insulating Green
and Silk-screened GL Ins 242
LT 24% SF 20%
Vera Cruz II
São Paulo, SP
Project
Collaço e Monteiro Arquitetos
Builder
RFM Construtora
Consultant QMD Consultoria
Product
Insulating GA Ins 128, Solar
Control Laminated Neutral GA 128
GA Ins 128 LT 35% SF 27%
GA 128
LT 39% SF 36%
5
Iguaçu 2820
Curitiba, PR
Project
Baggio Schiavon Arquitetura
Builder
Laguna Administração e
Participações
Consultant Petinelli
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Blue GA 119
GA 119
LT 35% SF 36%
Infinity Tower
São Paulo, SP
Project
KPF Associates and
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Método Engenharia
Consultant IBA
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Blue GA 119
GA 119
LT 35% SF 36%
Morumbi Corporate
São Paulo, SP
Project
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Racional Engenharia
Consultant Crescêncio Petrucci Jr and
QMD Consultoria
Product
Laminated Solar Control Blue
GL 2932, Silver GA 128 and
White Laminated EXC
GL 2932
LT 29% SF 30%
GA 128
LT 39% SF 35%
Sustainability
Camargo Corporate Towers
São Paulo, SP
Project
Pelli Clark Pelli e
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Camargo Corrêa
Consultant Crescêncio Petrucci Jr
Product
Solar Control Insulating Neutral GA Ins 128
and Opaque Laminated
GA Ins 128 LT 41% SF 29%
6
Solutions in high-performance
glass were developed for these
office towers, adding lightness
to the free-flowing movement
of shapes in this compound
that anticipates the trends in
sustainable architecture.
7
Comfort
Balancing light, heat, and reflectance
while, PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT –
THIS IS THE ROLE OF WINDOW GLAZING
SPECIFIED TO OFFER HIGH PERFORMANCE
UNDER MANY REQUIREMENTS.
The Prime
Tamandaré Office
Goiânia, GO
Project
Königsberger
Vannucchi
Builder
MB Engenharia
Product
Insulating Solar Control
Blue GA Ins 127 and
Laminated Solar
Control Silver GA 016
GA Ins 127 LT 30% SF 25%
GA 016
LT 33% SF 39%
Edifício Odebrecht São Paulo
São Paulo, SP
Project
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Odebrecht Realizações
Consultant Paulo Duarte Consultores
Product
Laminated Solar Control Silver
GA 128 and Neutral GL 3334
GA 128
LT 39% SF 35%
GL 3334
LT 30% SF 35%
Corporate Jardim Botânico
Curitiba, PR
Project
Baggio Schiavon Arquitetura
Builder
THÁ
Consultant Engineering
Product
Insulating Tempered with Solar Control
Clear GA Ins 169 & Silk-screened
Brise-soleils
GA Ins 169 LT 36% SF 28%
8
Porto Brasilis
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Project
Pontual Arquitetura
Builder
Gafisa
Consultant Mário Newton Leme
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Blue GL 4061 and
Opaque Blue GA 3005
GL 4061
LT 31% SF 26%
9
Centro Empresarial
Senado - CES
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Project
Edo Rocha
Builder
WTorre
Consultant Paulo Duarte Consultores &
Crescêncio Petrucci Jr
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Green GL SVVE
GL SVVE LT 30% SF 25%
Tower Bridge Corporate - Cenu IV
São Paulo, SP
Project
Botti Rubin Arquitetos
Builder
Brookfield Construções
Consultant Paulo Duarte Consultores
Product
Laminated Solar Control Blue
GL 3228 e Laminated Extra Clear
GL 3228
LT 32% SF 28%
Torre Z
São Paulo, SP
Project
Pontual Arquitetura
Builder
Racional Engenharia
Consultant Mário Newton Leme
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Silver GA 156
GA 156
LT 21% SF 30%
Design
The originality of the project
gains further impact thanks to the
lightness and brightness of the
hi-tech glass combining design,
functionality and sustainability.
WTorre Plaza - Torres D e E
São Paulo, SP
Project
Arquitectonica
Builder
WTorre
Consultant Crescêncio Petrucci Jr
Product
Laminated Solar Control Silver
GL 1124
GL 1124
LT 11% SF 24%
10
Faria Lima 3500
São Paulo, SP
Project
KOM Arquitetura
Builder
Hochtief do Brasil
Consultant Paulo Duarte Consultores
Product
Laminated Solar Control Neutral
GL 3530
GL 3530
LT 33% SF 30%
11
Residential
buildings
Well-being
The transparency, safety, and
thermo-acoustic comfort offered
by glass are fundamental for
a welcoming and pleasant
home environment.
GlassecViracon works to raise the
quality standards in residential
construction, by supplying glass
that combines comfort and safety
to promote the well-being of
the occupants. The insulating,
laminated, and silk-screen glass
solutions, among others, contribute
to enhance the incidence of proper
daylight and help reduce heat
transfer and noise propagation.
Franz Schubert Residencial
São Paulo, SP
Project
Pablo Slemenson Arquitetura
Builder
São José
Product
Acoustic Laminated Clear
Clear
LT 89% SF 81%
12
Residencial 106 Seridó
São Paulo, SP
Project
William Simonato
Builder
São José
Product
Acoustic Laminated Clear
and Opaque GA 026
Clear
LT 87% SF 74%
GA 026
LT 65% SF 62%
13
Hospital
BUILDINGS
Hospital environments demand
solutions that achieve excellent energy
performance and environmental comfort.
GlassecViracon supplies this segment
with a technology that translates as
coziness and caring for patients. The
ample possibilities for use in façades
and interiors, contribute to a more
humane service, with the required
privacy and safety, as well as thermal
and acoustic insulation.
Hospital Alemão
Oswaldo Cruz - HAOC
São Paulo, SP
Project
Botti Rubin Arquitetos
Builder
Racional Engenharia
Consultant Igor Alvim / Paulo Duarte
Consultores
Product
Insulating and Laminated
Solar Control Green GL 3136
GL 3136
LT 31% SF 36%
Technology
Hospital Israelita Albert
Einstein - HIAE Perdizes
São Paulo, SP
Project
Levisky Arquitetos
Builder
Racional Engenharia
Consultant
QMD Consultoria
Product
Insulating Laminated Silk-screened
Solar Control Neutral GL Ins 63 Ser
GL Ins 63 Ser LT 23% SF 30%
Hospital GRAAC - New Unit
São Paulo, SP
Project
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Afonso França
Consultant Paulo Duarte Consultores
Product
Insulating with Blinds GA Ins 125,
Laminated Solar Control Green
GA 124 and White Extraclear
GA Ins 125 LT 40% SF 27%
GA 124
LT 41% SF 39%
14
HEALTH-ORIENTED SPACES REQUIRE SPECIFIC
Glass TECHNOLOGY TO COMBINE
energy efficiency, design and
convenience for
the patients.
Hospital Materdei - Contorno
Belo Horizonte, MG
Project
Zanettini Arquitetura
Consultant FS Consultores
Product
Insulating Laminated Solar Control
GA Ins 127 and Laminated Blue GA 127
GA Ins 127 LT 29% SF 24%
GA 127
LT 30% SF 34%
15
shopping
Visibility
malls
Shopping RioMar Fortaleza
Fortaleza, CE
Project
AFA - André Sá e Francisco Mota Arquitetos
Builder
JCPM Construtora
Consultant
QMD Consultoria
Product
Insulating Solar Control Silk-screened Green
GL Ins 5108 Ser and Laminated Solar Control
Green GA 3125
GL Ins 5108 Ser LT 17% SF 20%
GA 3125
LT 38% SF 35%
Shopping Iguatemi Ribeirão Preto
Ribeirão Preto, SP
Builder
Racional Engenharia
Consultant QMD Consultoria
Product
Insulating Solar Control
Grey GL Ins 2023
GL Ins 2023 LT 23% SF 22%
THE RIOMAR SHOPPING
BRINGS A NEW CONCEPT
TO THE ARCHITECTURE
OF SHOPPING MALLS.
CLEAR GLAZING
ALLOWS NATURAL
LIGHT, PROVIDING
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMFORT AND SAFETY
TO VISITORS WHO ENJOY
ITS AMPLE, INTEGRATED
SPACES OF CIRCULATION
AND CONVIVIALITY.
THE PROJECT ALSO
MEETS CONTEMPORARY
PREMISES IN TERMS OF
SUSTAINABILITY AND
ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
GlassecViracon’s expertise has been increasingly requested in projects for
shopping malls – spaces that must be pleasant and safe, where visitors
can stay for extended periods. For this purpose high-performance glass is
necessary. Wrapped in lightness and elegance, they integrate the indoor
and outdoor spaces, conveying to customers a feel of freedom and of being
in the open air.
Shopping Pátio Batel
Curitiba, PR
Project
Coutinho Diegues Cordeiro Arquitetos
Builder
EBR Engenharia Civil
Consultant QMD Consultoria and RCM
Product
Insulating Laminated Silk-screened
Solar Control Neutral GL Ins 3025 /
GL Ins 1625 and Laminated Extra Clear
GL Ins 3025 LT 30% SF 25%
GL Ins 1625 LT 16% SF 25%
16
Shopping Bosque dos Ipês
Campo Grande, MS
Project
RTKL
Builder
Calila Administração e Comércio
Consultant
QMD Consultoria
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Greenish Blue GA 120C
GA 120C
LT 43% SF 28%
Jundiaí Shopping
Jundiaí, SP
Project
Paulo Baruki Arquitetura
Builder
Construcap
Consultant QMD Consultoria
Product
Laminated Solar Control
Green GA 120V
GA 120V
LT 44% SF 31%
17
Miscellaneous
Guarulhos International Airport
GRU - São Paulo
Guarulhos, SP
Project
Engecorps e Grupo Typsa
Builder
OAS
Consultant Crescêncio Petrucci Jr and QMD Consultoria
Product
Solar Control Insulating and Acoustic Neutral
GA Ins 122
GA Ins 122 LT 43% SF 33% STC 40dB
buildings
Performance
insulating Laminated glass with solar control meets
the technical requirements of energy-efficiency, safety,
thermal and acoustic comfort, which are indispensable
factors at An airport with capacity to serve millions of
passengers each year.
Carrasco International Airport
Montevideo, Uruguay
Project
Rafael Viñoly
Builder
Porta del Sur
Consultant Hughes Associates
Product
Insulating Laminated with
Solar Control Grey GL Ins 3000
GL Ins 3000 LT 29% SF 37%
Projects aimed at different purposes
show diverse requirements in terms of
technology, performance, safety and
design. The solutions in high-tech glass
supplied by GlassecViracon meet all the
needs in large-scale projects, such as
airports, sports arenas, cultural spaces
and libraries, among others.
Arena Castelão sports arena
Fortaleza, CE
Project
Vigliecca & Associados
Builder
Galvão e Andrade Mendonça
Consultant Arqmate
Product
Laminated Tempered with
Solar Control Green GL 016V
GL 016V
LT 26% SF 29%
18
The Brasiliana Library - USP
São Paulo, SP
Project
Rodrigo Mindlin Loeb
& Eduardo de Almeida
Arquitetos
Builder
Scopus Construtora &
Incorporadora
Consultant Paulo Duarte
Consultores
Product
Laminated Green and
Anti-reflective
LT 74% SF 55%
Allianz Parque stadium
São Paulo, SP
Project Edo Rocha
Builder WTorre
Product Laminated Solar
Control Silver GA 156
GA 156 LT 21% SF 30%
Parque da Juventude / Sports and
culture complex
São Paulo, SP
Project
Aflalo | Gasperini Arquitetos
Builder
Engeform
Consultant Paulo Duarte Consultores
Product
Laminated Colorless
LT 89% SF 81%
19
GLASSECVIRACON PRODUCTS
A world of possibilities
Insulating
Glass
Insulatto® is double insulating glass from GlassecViracon. It has dozens of
options to meet green building requirements while keeping the product’s
aesthetic features. Solar control glazing – either reflective or low-E –
represents a key strategy for sustainable projects since it alows you to take
advantage of natural light without compromising the thermal comfort of
indoor environments, besides reducing energy consumption.
Monolithic
glass
GlassecViracon offers an ample variety of glass processing possibilities for
monolithic glass, which is regular clear or tinted flat glass, for construction
applications. Our company is prepared to provide customized glass solutions
with high levels of energy performance and design, either for facades or
indoor environments.
Insulating glass fabricated by GlassecViracon is compliant with Brazilian standard NBR 16015.
Silk-screened
Glass
Due to its great versatility, silk-screened glass is widely used in roofing and
façades, as well as wall-cladding and design features. GlassecViracon’s
silk-screened glass is heat-strengthened, which adds performance to its
aesthetic possibilities and confers superior strength when compared to
ordinary glass of the same thickness, type and size. When it is tempered its
resistance becomes even tougher.
Special
Glass
Tempered glass fabricated by GlassecViracon complies with the safety glazing requirements specified by
Brazilian standard NBR 14698.
laminated
Glass
Reflective
and Low-E
GLASS
GlassecViracon offers solutions in solar control glass, with several colors
and performances. The reflective coated glass reduces the incidence of
heat due to its high capacity for reflection and absorption of solar light,
providing the inner environment with thermal comfort and less intensive
light transmission. The low-e coated glass reflects long-wave infrared
radiation, which further reduces heat absorption by the building and saves
energy.
Reflective and Low-e glass fabricated by GlassecViracon complies with Brazilian standard NBR 16015.
20
PYRAN® S Fire-resistant glass
Fire-resistant PYRAN®S glass is a
borosilicate float that is heat-treated to
acquire its high strength and durability. Its
class-E (Integrity) rating is internationally
awarded to products that act like a
physical barrier against the passage of
flames and toxic fumes for a given period
of time.
PYRANOVA® fire-rated glass
The fire-rated PYRANOVA® glass is a
Laminated glass provides security and acoustic comfort. It is composed of
two or more glass plies intercalated with one or more PVB layers. In case of
breakage, the glass shards stick to the PVB film, thus reducing risk of bodily
injury and property damage.
It is also employed as sound barrier, since the PVB has good acoustic
performance due to its sound attenuation properties. When combined with
a coating, laminated glass effectively minimizes heat gain, thus providing a
reduction in the energy consumption for cooling the ambient air.
Laminated glass fabricated by GlassecViracon complies with Brazilian standards NBR 11706 and NBR
14697.
Extra Clear
Due to its lower iron content, Extra Clear
is clearer and more transparent than clear
glass. This technology allows to keep
the strength properties of the product,
so that it becomes ideal for applications
that demand higher light transmission.
Especially recommended for silk-screen
and other applications where the glass
edges are visible, the transparency of the
Extra Clear glass ensures that the paint
coat applied to it stays true to its color.
Certifications
for civil
construction
Self-Cleaning Glass
The self-cleaning technology represents
a huge progress in the history of glass
fabrication since it solves a problem
faced by many architects: how to keep
the original beauty of a work, which is
directly linked to its cleanliness. Since
self-cleaning properties are activated
by sunlight, its application is widely
recommended for facades and roofs.
PYRAN® S and PYRANOVA® are trademarks from
Bioclean® is a trademark from Cebrace.
Schott.
LEED® Certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) is an international
system of certification and environmental
directives for buildings, and is deployed
in more than 140 countries. Its purpose
is to promote sustainability all the way,
from the project and construction phase
until the buildings are fully operative.
It comprises aspects such as the
environmental impact, energy efficiency,
and water use, among others.
Quality) is a sustainability certification
multi-laminated composite glass
consisting of several panes of borofloat
glass with intumescent gel interlayers.
Its “EI’ (integrity and insulation) rating
is awarded to products that, besides
preventing flames and toxic fumes, also
provide insulation from heat during a
given period of time.
developed and adapted to the Brazilian
reality and to its construction market,
featuring environmental performance
criteria for projects and buildings.
PROCEL Edifica
This energy efficiency seal already
wellknown in the house appliance industry
is now also employed to certificate
buildings, ranking them according to a
five-point scale from A to E. It is based on
USGBC® and the related logo are trademarks
owned by the U.S. Green Building Council
Processo AQUA
Awarded by the Vanzolini Foundation,
AQUA (acronynm for - Environmental High
three sulsystems: the building envelope
(materials of the facade walls and roofs),
lighting, and air conditioning.
21
Terms and definitions
Visual Comfort
percent of solar energy is transmitted, 8 percent is
reflected, and 9 percent is absorbed by the glass.
From the amount of solar energy absorbed, some
portions are emitted back towards the exterior and
towards the building interior.
Light Transmission – LT
3 mm-thick clear glass
This is the portion of visible light (380 - 780 nm) that is
transmitted through glass.
Natural Lighting
Glass is usually specified to provide natural light for
the occupants of a building and/or to achieve a given
does not let in the most possible light, but the right
Transmission 83%
3%
6%
façade appearance. A well-succeeded natural lighting
Energy Transmission – ET
This is the portion of ultraviolet light, close to the
infrared energy wave length (300 to 3000 nm), which is
transmitted through glass.
Absorption 9%
100%
Reflexion 8%
Light Reflectance – LR
climates. In order to decrease this effect, a low-E
coating can be applied to the insulating unit.
This is the portion of light reflected by the glass surface.
Energy Reflectance – ER
This is the portion of solar energy reflected by the glass
surface.
amount of light.
Thermal Comfort
Solar Spectrum
The solar spectrum, commonly referred to as sunlight,
consists of ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, and infrared
(IR) light. The energy distribution within the solar
spectrum is approximately 2% UV light, 47% visible
light, and 51% IR light.
Solar Spectrum
Visible
47%
Infrared
51%
Ultraviolet 2%
One of the characteristics of the solar spectrum is its
Solar Control
Both visible and infrared light are an essential part of
solar energy since they represent almost 100 percent
of the solar spectrum. For this reason, each one plays
a key role when it comes to selecting the kind of glass
to be utilized for glazing a building. In order to enhance
the glass thermal performance, films or metallic coatings
can be applied on one or more surfaces of the glass
units.
A
UV light is invisible to the naked eye and its wavelength
R =Reflection
R
A =Absorption
T =Transmission
e =heat reemission or
indirect transmission
T
Its wavelength varies from 380 to 780 nm.
Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye. Its wavelength
measures from 790 to 3000 nm and produces a
sensation of penetrating heat. Its short wavelength
converts into heat when absorbed by an object.
22
Thermal Radiation
Condensation is formed on glass when the glass
temperature falls below air’s dew point. To prevent
condensation from forming, the glass temperature
should be higher than the dew point of the indoor air.
e
Visible light, as its name indicates, is the only portion of
the solar spectrum which is visible to the naked eye.
Convection &
Conduction
Condensation formation
Solar Energy
(1 nm = 10-9m).
discoloration and deterioration of plastics.
Heat Transfer
Solar Radiation
When the solar energy hits a sheet of glass, some
portions of it are reflected, some portions are absorbed,
and some portions are transmitted, according to the
RAT equation.
unit is equivalent to one billionth of a meter
by long term exposure to UV light include tissue
Heat is transferred from one point to another through
convection, conduction and radiation. Convection
occurs as a result of an upward movement of hot, light
currents of air. Conduction occurs when the energy is
transferred from one object to another. Radiation occurs
when heat is emitted through space and reaches a
distant object, where it can be reflected, absorbed or
transmitted.
Solar Energy
wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm) – one nm
ranges from 300 to 380 nm. The damages caused
Solar Factor – SF
Heat Transfer Methods
RAT Equation
The RAT equation accounts for 100 % of solar
energy which is equal to the sum of solar reflectance
absorption and transmittance. For example, with
a single pane of 1/8” (3mm) clear glass, about 83
Insulating glass units can lower the potential for
condensation forming on indoor glass surfaces
of enclosed areas by “insulating” the inner glass
ply against conductive/convective heat loss to the
outside.
This type of “insulation” using an air space between
two glass plies allows for a more stable inner glass
temperature. However, insulating glass alone does not
totally eliminate condensation forming under extreme
Solar factor (SC) is the portion of solar energy directly
transmitted and absorbed through the glazing, and
subsequently radiated inward. Thus, the solar factor
is the total amount of heat that comes in through the
glazing. The lower the SF, the higher the heat gain.
This concept is also known as SHGC (Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient).
Shading Coefficient – SC
Shading coefficient is the ratio between the solar heat
gain when the solar energy passes through a specific
type of glass and the solar heat gain passing through a
3 mm sheet of clear glass, under identical conditions.
As the shading coefficient decreases heat gain is
reduced, which indicates a better performing product.
Coefficient of Thermal Transmittance
(U Value)
This is the measure of heat loss or gain through glass
due to the difference between outdoor and indoor
temperatures. It is based on standards set by the NFRC
(National Fenestration Rating Council), the U.S. agency
responsible for the standardization in this industry
regarding winter nocturnal conditions and summer
diurnal conditions.
U-value is given by the equation BTU/(hr*ft2*°F) in the
British Imperial system, while in the decimal metric
system it is given by the equation W/ (m2*°K). To make
the conversion from the English system to the decimal
system, the U value should be multiplied by 5.6783.
23
The winter nocturnal U-value given by the NFRC is
based on the outdoor temperature of 0°F (-17,8°C) and
indoor temperature of 70°F (21°C), with an outdoor air
speed of 12.3 mph (19,8 km/h).
The summer diurnal U-value is based on outdoor
temperature of 89°F (32°C) and indoor temperature of
75°F (24°C), with an outdoor air speed of 6,2 mph (10,1
km/h), and a solar light intensity estimated as 248 BTU/
(hr*ft2*°F) (782 W/m2).
Selectivity Index – SI
This is the ratio of the light transmittance divided by the
solar factor. According to the specifications of the U.S.
Department for Energy, a glazing must have an SI equal
or superior to 1.25 in order to be considered “green”
or selective spectrum glass. This concept is known as
Light to Solar Gain (LSG) ratio.
Acoustic Comfort
The human ear is able to detect very weak and very
loud sounds. The differences among sounds may be
dramatic, and are described as intensity. The different
intensities between weak sounds and strong sounds
are similar to the difference in weight between a paper
airplane and a 747 jet plane.
However, our ear is not equally sensitive to every sound
pitch. For instance, the sound pressure level of two
different noises may be the same. One noise may be
perceived as loud if its sound power is concentrated in
one single pitch or in a range of pitches (frequencies)
to which the ear is more sensitive. Another noise might
have a single pitch (frequency) or a pitch range to which
the ear is less sensitive. Hearing sensitivity is generally
limited to a range from 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz, although
the human ear is more sensitive to sounds within a
range between 500 Hz and 8.000 Hz. Beyond this limit
our hearing ability gradually decreases.
In order to adapt to this sensitivity, sound meters have
a filter device able to set a correspondence regarding
the variation of the human hearing sensitivity to sounds
within an audible range of frequencies. The sound
pressure levels are then expressed in dBA (A-weighted
sound levels) -- decibels.
Sound Wave
Sound is produced when something vibrates. Trains,
airplanes, cars and other equipment in our modern
world produce sounds that might be undesirable both in
the workplace and domestic environments. The human
ear perceives sounds as being pleasant or unpleasant,
depending on the circumstances in which they are
produced.
Although a roaring airplane engine may sound
acceptable on vacation travel, it might be extremely
disturbing fo employees of an office located near an
airport – this is why glass selection is so important.
Understanding the nature of sound and that of glass will
allow you to maximize the glass acoustic performance
when constructing a building. The sound coming from
a certain source may be the result of a combination of
sounds issued in different pitches (frequencies). Thus,
it is essential to select a type of glass that is able to
reduce sounds within a wide range of frequencies.
Sound Intensity
Sound intensity is the amount of acoustic energy in a
sound wave, and is proportional to the sound pressure.
The most usual measurement unit of sound pressure is
the sound pressure level (SPL), which is expressed in
decibels (dBs).
24
Sound Pressure Levels
A sound pressure level of 0 dB does not mean there is
no sound – it only means there is no sound detectable
by a person with regular hearing. Whenever the sound
pressure level increases by 10 dB, the sound intensity is
multiplied by ten.
Under normal conditions, a person with normal hearing
cannot detect a change of 1-2 dB in sound pressure.
A difference of 3 dB in sound pressure is almost
imperceptible, while a 5 dB variation is clearly detected,
and a 10 dB change is perceived as having twice as
much intensity.
Sound Transmission Loss (STL)
In order to determine the acoustic performance of a
glass we should consider its application as much as
its framing system. For each sound frequency, the
decrease in the amount of sound due to a physical
barrier is called ‘sound transmission loss’ (STL). When
glazing is applied to an outer wall, its STL for different
sound frequencies is measured in order to determine
the glazing efficiency.
design. A key feature to be considered is the air
tight ability. Framing systems that allow for more air
penetration also let in more sound transmission.
Furthermore, sound pressure against the window frame
will make it vibrate, thus transmitting the sound to the
indoor space. Thus, glass performance is not the only
factor to be considered when it comes to reducing
sound transmission to the building interior. Sound
transmission through window frames will entail higher
levels of sound transmission through the glazing and the
wall.
Sound Transmission Classification – STC
STC (sound transmission classification) is a global index
for all pitch ranges, regarding the insulation offered
by sealing materials. This rating system developed by
the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
allows you to compare the acoustic performance
of different glazing materials. The STC index is also
adopted in Brazil by the local association of technical
standards (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas –
ABNT).
Outside-Inside Transmission Class – OITC
The OITC (outside-inside transmission class) is a rating
which indicates the rate of sound transmission between
outdoor an indoor spaces in a given structure. It is used
to assess glass performance for external applications.
This rating system is based on ASTM E-1332 standard
and employs a source spectrum that combines aerial,
railroad and road traffic.
Comfort and Safety
Insulating Glass
Insulating glass made of laminated and heatstrangthened glass can minimize the risk of body
injuries and substantial damages. When a coated glass
is added to the unit, it then combines thermal and safety
benefits.
Laminated Glass
In case of breakage, laminated glass keeps the opening
closed and retains the glass shards stuck to its polyvinyl
butyral (PVB) film, reducing the risk of bodily injuries
and substantial damages. It offers a wide variety of
choice and allows you to address several protection
levels comprising burglary, break-in, ballistic attacks and
bomb explosions.
Heat-strengthened Glass
Heat-treated glass is twice as resistant as an ordinary
glass of the same thickness, type and size. In case of
breakage, the shards of heat-strengthened glass will
present features similar to ordinary glass and will not fall
from the opening.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is 5 times more resistant than ordinary
glass, and 2.5 times more resistant than heattoughened glasses of the same thickness, type and
size. In case of breakage, the tempered glass will break
into relatively small pieces, thus reducing the chances of
injuries and making it easy to loosen it from its framing.
Anti-vandalism Glass
Usually, this kind of product is composed of thicker
glass plies with a larger number of PVB interlayers, also
combining the benefits of tempered glass. In case of
an attack, its performance allows it to cancel, retard
or discourage a forced entry without creating potential
risks to its users.
Armored Glass
Armors against ballistic impacts are ranked according
to the protection level (from I to IV, with intermediate
levels), which concern the shape, material, angle of
incidence, energy and area of impact, according to the
specifications from the Brazilian technical standard NBR
15000 – Armours for ballistic Impacts – Ranking and
Assessment Criteria.
Some framing systems may have an acoustic
performance better than others due to their project
25
Sky Corporate
CONFEA (corporate office)
WTorre Morumbi (office tower)
(Construction in progress)
Shopping Village Mall
Atrium Faria Lima (office tower)
São Paulo, SP
Brasília, DF
São Paulo, SP
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
São Paulo, SP
Barra Shopping
Prime Plaza (luxury condo)
Universidade Petrobras
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Santos, SP
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Greenwich Tower (office tower)
Global Tower (office tower)
Vitória, ES
Vitória, ES
Centro Administrativo de Minas Gerais - CAMG
(public administration building)
Shopping Iguatemi JK
Osasco Prime Center
Shopping Riomar Recife
Pátio Malzoni (office tower)
Belo Horizonte, MG
São Paulo, SP
Osasco, SP
Recife, PE
São Paulo, SP
LC Corporate Green Tower
Quadra Hungria (office tower)
Hospital Israelita Albert
Einstein - HIAE Morumbi
Eco Berrini (office tower)
Fortaleza, CE
São Paulo, SP
São Paulo, SP
São Paulo, SP
Glassec samples
GlassecViracon develops its own samples,
which are customized according to each
project specification. Please, contact our
Sales team. Our experts can advise on the
best glazing solution and specificate the ideal
samples for your project.
[email protected]
www.glassecviracon.com.br
PABX: +55 11 4597-8100
GV3 - JANUARY/ 2015
Nazaré Paulista/SP
Rod. Dom Pedro I - Km 58
Brasil - 12960-000