Review façade glass thickness and pane build-up against loading criteria

The checklist

Documentation and Inputs

1. 1Obtain approved façade glass schedule and shop drawings; measure typical panel width/height with a calibrated laser; acceptance: dimensions within ±3 mm of drawings; evidence: photos and marked drawing with measurer’s initials and date.
2. 2Confirm glazing orientation (vertical) and system type (captured/SSG) from approved details; acceptance: orientation consistent across elevation; evidence: referenced detail numbers and architect confirmation email saved to record.
3. 3Collect supplier data sheets for each glass ply, interlayer, and coating; acceptance: nominal thicknesses match specification exactly; evidence: datasheet filenames, revision dates, and lot/batch numbers recorded.
4. 4Record EOR design load summary: ultimate/service wind pressures (Pa), barrier/impact loads (kN/m or N), and design temperature range (°C); acceptance: stamped document attached; evidence: document ID, author, and issue date logged.

Load Cases and Combinations

1. 5Assign wind pressure zones per elevation using the EOR zoning table; method: panel coordinate check; acceptance: correct zone applied to each panel; evidence: annotated elevation screenshot with panel IDs.
2. 6Confirm serviceability criteria for deflection and stress per approved project specifications and authority requirements; acceptance: criteria statement attached; evidence: spec excerpt or EOR email reference number.
3. 7Include human impact or barrier line loads where glazing forms a guard; method: review fall-risk lines on plans; acceptance: load case listed for affected panels; evidence: meeting minute reference and marked plan.
4. 8Check thermal differential assumption (ΔT, °C) for coated/partially shaded panes; method: compare with manufacturer limits; acceptance: ΔT ≤ published limit; evidence: highlighted datasheet page and note.

Glass Make-up and Thickness Selection

1. 9Verify proposed glass make-up (e.g., 10–16–10 IGU with laminated inner) against loads using supplier software or hand calculations; acceptance: utilisation ≤ 1.0; evidence: calculation report number and version.
2. 10Validate interlayer shear modulus at design temperature/duration for laminated plies; method: manufacturer curve selection; acceptance: values traceable to datasheet; evidence: screenshot of curve with inputs circled.
3. 11For IGUs, assess cavity pressure vs site altitude/temperature; method: manufacturer calculator; acceptance: predicted bow/edge tension within limits; evidence: calculator export saved and referenced.
4. 12Confirm heat-treatment level (annealed/heat-strengthened/fully tempered) from stress, impact, and thermal risk; acceptance: EOR sign-off specifying treatment; evidence: approval email or marked calc sheet.

Structural and Serviceability Checks

1. 13Compute pane bending stresses (MPa) for each ply under ultimate wind; method: plate theory/software; acceptance: design stress ≤ allowable; evidence: calc page with inputs and load case highlighted.
2. 14Check centre deflection under service wind; method: software output; acceptance: deflection ≤ allowable per spec; evidence: output screenshot showing result and limit side-by-side.
3. 15Verify edge stress at supported edges and around holes/notches; method: local stress check; acceptance: margin of safety ≥ 10%; evidence: detailed sketch and referenced equations page.
4. 16Confirm self-weight load path onto setting blocks and frame; method: reaction check; acceptance: bearing pressures within system limits; evidence: block reaction calc and detail reference.

Edge Support and Risk Controls

1. 17Confirm glass bite, edge clearance, and setting block locations from system details; method: dimension take-off; acceptance: meets system supplier requirements; evidence: marked detail and take-off sheet.
2. 18Review structural silicone (if SSG) thickness and joint geometry; method: manufacturer design tool; acceptance: stress and factor of safety within limits; evidence: design report and product ID.
3. 19Check gasket hardness/profile compatibility with coatings and interlayers; method: material compatibility memo; acceptance: manufacturer confirmation attached; evidence: datasheet and email log.
4. 20Evaluate risks from ceramic frit or partial shading causing local ΔT; method: sun-path/thermal review; acceptance: mitigation noted (treatment/heat-strengthen); evidence: review note and diagram.

Fabrication Records and Approvals

1. 21Cross-check purchase order against approved make-up and thickness; method: line-by-line review; acceptance: exact match of ply and thickness; evidence: PO copy with reviewer signature.
2. 22Assign unique panel IDs linking drawings, calcs, and PO; method: schedule update; acceptance: IDs consistent across documents; evidence: export of register and QR mapping file.
3. 23Capture certificates: heat soak, lamination batch, and coating batch; method: collect from supplier; acceptance: certificates per delivery batch; evidence: certificate numbers logged and filed.
4. 24Obtain final approval from EOR and main contractor; method: digital signature workflow; acceptance: signed cover sheet on record; evidence: archived PDFs with timestamp.

Preview the printable checklist

Preview page one below. Open the image or download the PDF for all pages.

At a glance

• Verify proposed glass panels against documented wind, barrier, and thermal loads before procurement. The checklist aligns shop drawings, EOR calculations, and supplier data, ensuring each glass ply, interlayer, and treatment satisfies ultimate strength and serviceability criteria with recorded evidence, minimizing risk of breakage, delays, and budget overruns.
• Standardize engineering inputs and checks across elevations and exposure zones. Users capture panel dimensions, load zones, interlayer properties, and stress/deflection outputs in SI units, creating a repeatable process that reduces interpretation errors, encourages consistent assumptions, and speeds up approvals by presenting clearly labeled, traceable calculation packages.
• Create an auditable record linking panel IDs to calculations, specifications, and certificates. The workflow stores photos, marked-up details, batch numbers, and digital signatures, enabling transparent handover and future maintenance queries while supporting project governance and rapid resolution of design coordination issues.
• Interactive online checklist with tick, comment, and export features secured by QR code.

How to use this interactive checklist

1. Preparation: Gather approved shop drawings, EOR load summaries, supplier datasheets, and calculation tools (vendor software or spreadsheets). Prepare a calibrated laser/tape for dimension checks and ensure SI units are set throughout.
2. Start interactive mode: Create or select the façade elevation, add panel IDs, and work through items. Tick completed tasks, attach photos/PDFs, and paste calculation outputs. Use comments to flag assumptions or request clarifications.
3. Collaborate and resolve: Mention the EOR or supplier in comments to confirm loads, interlayer properties, or treatment choices. Update items with responses, and maintain a clear audit trail of changes and approvals.
4. Sign-off and export: Apply digital signatures from responsible parties. Export the record as PDF/Excel and share. Archive the package with a QR-authenticated link so field teams can verify the latest approved version.

Define inputs and engineering boundaries before calculations

Reliable façade glass selection starts with clean inputs. Use the approved shop drawings to confirm panel sizes, aspect ratios, and glazing type, then capture the engineer-of-record’s (EOR) load summary for ultimate/service wind, any barrier or impact requirements, and the project’s design temperature range. Ensure units are SI (mm, Pa, kN/m, °C). Misapplied zoning or unverified dimensions can cascade into underestimated stresses and deflection. Manufacturer datasheets must define glass ply thicknesses, interlayer properties, and coating effects; verify document revisions, batch numbers, and that temperature-dependent values are taken at the project’s design conditions. Keep the scope strictly to vertical façade panels and the glass make-up—frame anchorage and structural steel are out of scope except where they affect bite, edge clearance, or load path onto setting blocks. Store every input with traceability so reviewers can recompute results quickly if assumptions change. A disciplined input stage avoids late redesigns and procurement delays.

• Use SI units consistently across drawings and calculations.
• Record panel IDs, elevations, and wind pressure zones.
• Attach stamped EOR load summaries and spec excerpts.
• Verify datasheet revisions and temperature conditions.

Select glass build-up to resist loads and limit deflection

Thickness and pane build-up choices are driven by bending stress, edge stress, and serviceability limits. For laminated plies, interlayer shear modulus varies with temperature and duration; select values that reflect the building’s climate and load duration. IGUs require attention to cavity pressure versus site altitude and temperature to control bowing and edge tension. Consider heat treatment based on stress levels, impact risk, and thermal differential, and specify heat soak for tempered panes where spontaneous breakage risk must be reduced. Run checks for centre deflection, edge stresses, and local features like holes or notches. Where the glazing forms a barrier, include horizontal line loads or impact as specified. Keep calculations transparent: list inputs, show governing load case, and present pass/fail versus allowable limits. When margins are tight, record alternatives, such as thicker plies or different interlayers, before releasing the purchase order.

• Select interlayer properties at project design temperatures.
• Assess IGU cavity pressure versus altitude and temperature.
• Check centre deflection and edge stress separately.
• Specify heat treatment and heat soak where risk warrants.

Evidence, traceability, and approvals to prevent rework

A strong paper trail is as important as the numbers. Link each panel ID to its calculation package, approved details, and supplier data. Capture photos of dimensions and detail references. Log batch numbers for laminated interlayers and coatings. Where structural silicone applies, file the manufacturer’s design report. Clearly note the acceptance limits used, referencing “per approved project specifications and authority requirements” rather than quoting clauses. Before ordering, cross-check the purchase order line-by-line against the approved make-up and thickness. Collect certificates for heat-soaked tempered panes and lamination batches upon delivery. Conclude with digital signatures from the EOR and contractor, and archive everything in a searchable repository. These habits compress review cycles, reduce disputes, and simplify maintenance inquiries years later when a pane replacement or load reassessment is needed.

• Link panel IDs to calcs, drawings, and PO lines.
• Store photos, emails, and certificates by batch.
• Record acceptance limits and governing load cases.
• Secure digital signatures before procurement release.