NCC 2019 Volume Two
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Part 3.6 Glazing
Part 3.6 Glazing
Appropriate Performance Requirements
Appropriate Performance Requirements
Where an alternative glazing system is proposed as a Performance Solution to that described in Part 3.6, that proposal must comply with—
- Performance RequirementP2.1.1; and
- Performance RequirementP2.2.2; and
- the relevant Performance Requirements determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable.
3.6.0 Application
(a)
Performance RequirementsP2.1.1 and P2.2.2 are satisfied for glazing and windows if designed and constructed in accordance with AS 2047 for the following glazed assemblies in an external wall:
(ii)
Sliding and swinging glazed doors with a frame, including french and bi-fold doors with a frame.
(iii)
Adjustable louvres.
(iv)
Window walls with one piece framing.
(b)
Performance RequirementP2.1.1 is satisfied for glazing if designed and constructed in accordance with AS 1288 for all glazed assemblies not covered by (a) and the following glazed assemblies:
(i)
All glazed assemblies not in an external wall.
(ii)
Revolving doors.
(iii)
Fixed louvres.
(iv)
Skylights, roof lights and windows in other than the vertical plane.
(v)
Sliding and swinging doors without a frame.
(vi)
(viii)
Heritage windows.
(ix)
Glazing used in balustrades and sloping overhead glazing.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
- The reference to heritage windows in 3.6.0(b)(viii) is intended to apply to windows in heritage buildings. The method of determining a heritage building is normally covered by the relevant State or Territory authority.
- When satisfying Performance Requirement P2.2.2 "Weatherproofing", Part 3.6 only contains the acceptable construction manual AS 2047 for windows. If AS 1288 is used as an acceptable construction manual for glazing in an external wall, it is still necessary to satisfy P2.2.2.
Acceptable Construction Practice
3.6.1 Application
Compliance with this acceptable construction practice satisfies Performance Requirement P2.1.1 for glazing, provided—
(a)
the building is located in an area with a design wind speed of not more than N3; and
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
- Information on design wind speed for particular areas may be available from the appropriate authority.
- For glazing in high wind areas refer to Part 3.0.
(b)
glass is of a type recognised by AS 1288; and
(c)
safety glazing is legibly marked in accordance with AS 1288; and
(d)
glazing used in barriers complies with AS 1288; and
(e)
safety glazing is made visible in accordance with 3.6.4.6; and
(f)
the glazing is not for the following assemblies in an external wall:
(ii)
Sliding and swinging doors with a frame, including french and bi-fold doors with a frame.
(iii)
Adjustable louvres.
(iv)
Window walls with one piece framing; and
(g)
the glazing is for all assemblies not covered by (f) and the following glazed assemblies:
(i)
All glazed assemblies not in an external wall.
(ii)
Revolving doors.
(iii)
Fixed louvres.
(iv)
Skylights, roof lights and windows in other than the vertical plane.
(v)
Sliding and swinging doors without a frame.
(vi)
(viii)
Heritage windows.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
This acceptable construction practice applies to the selection of glass only and does not include the installation of windows or framed glazed doors. This is due to window systems relying on the design and testing of structural system members to withstand wind loads (e.g. mullions, transoms, and meeting rails and stiles) and the perimeter frame design, sealants and gaskets to resist water penetration.
3.6.2 Glazing sizes and installation
Glazing used in buildings must comply with the following:
(a)
Glazing used in the perimeter of buildings and supported on all sides must comply with the appropriate provisions listed in 3.6.3.
(b)
Glazing used in areas where the potential for human impact could occur must comply with the appropriate provisions listed in 3.6.4.
(c)
For 3 mm monolithic annealed glass, the maximum area must not be more than 0.85 m2.
(d)
For 3 mm annealed glass used in Insulated Glass Units (IGU), the maximum area must not be more than 1.36 m2.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
An Insulated Glass Unit consists of two or more panes of glass spaced apart and factory sealed with dry air or special gases in the cavity. The term is often abbreviated to IGU.
(e)
All exposed edges must have sharp edges removed.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
The selection of glass thickness relies not just on limit state wind loads but on a number of geometric criteria that include the influence of aspect ratio and slenderness factors. These factors are taken into account in Tables 3.6.1 to 3.6.3.
3.6.3 Fully framed glazing installed in perimeter of buildings
Fully framed (supported on all sides) ordinary annealed glass (including annealed patterned glass) installed in the perimeter of buildings must comply with—
(a)
if the building is located in an area with a wind class not exceeding N1 – Table 3.6.1; or
(b)
if the building is located in an area with a wind class not exceeding N2 – Table 3.6.2; or
(c)
if the building is located in an area with a wind class not exceeding N3 – Table 3.6.3.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
- For other types of perimeter glazing including toughened, wired, laminated and unframed glazing refer to AS 1288.
- For ordinary annealed patterned glass thickness measurement refer to AS 1288.
Table 3.6.1 Glass thickness for wind class not exceeding N1: ordinary annealed glass (mm)
Edge 1
300 mm
Edge 1
450 mm
Edge 1
600 mm
Edge 1
750 mm
Edge 1
900 mm
Edge 1
1050 mm
Edge 1
1200 mm
Edge 1
1350 mm
Edge 1
1500 mm
Edge 1
1650 mm
Edge 2
300 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Edge 2
450 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Edge 2
600 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
Edge 2
750 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
900 mm
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1050 mm
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1200 mm
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1350 mm
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1500 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1650 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1800 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1950 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
2100 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
2250 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
2400 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
2550 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
2700 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Table 3.6.2 Glass thickness for wind class not exceeding N2: ordinary annealed glass (mm)
Edge 1
300 mm
Edge 1
450 mm
Edge 1
600 mm
Edge 1
750 mm
Edge 1
900 mm
Edge 1
1050 mm
Edge 1
1200 mm
Edge 1
1350 mm
Edge 1
1500 mm
Edge 1
1650 mm
Edge 2
300 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Edge 2
450 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Edge 2
600 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
Edge 2
750 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
900 mm
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1050 mm
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1200 mm
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1350 mm
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1500 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1650 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1800 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1950 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
2100 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
Edge 2
2250 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
Edge 2
2400 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
Edge 2
2550 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
Edge 2
2700 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
Table 3.6.3 Glass thickness for wind class not exceeding N3: ordinary annealed glass (mm)
Edge 1
300 mm
Edge 1
450 mm
Edge 1
600 mm
Edge 1
750 mm
Edge 1
900 mm
Edge 1
1050 mm
Edge 1
1200 mm
Edge 1
1350 mm
Edge 1
1500 mm
Edge 1
1650 mm
Edge 2
300 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Edge 2
450 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Edge 2
600 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
Edge 2
750 mm
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
900 mm
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1050 mm
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1200 mm
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Edge 2
1350 mm
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
Edge 2
1500 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
Edge 2
1650 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Edge 2
1800 mm
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Edge 2
1950 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
Edge 2
2100 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
Edge 2
2250 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
Edge 2
2400 mm
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
Edge 2
2550 mm
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
6
6
Edge 2
2700 mm
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
6
6
3.6.4 Human impact safety requirements
The thickness and type of glazing installed in areas of a building that have a high potential for human impact (an area of a building frequented by the occupants during everyday activities in which a person could fall into or against the glazed panel) must comply as follows:
(a)
Doors — in accordance with 3.6.4.1.
(b)
Door side panels — in accordance with 3.6.4.2.
(c)
Full height glass panels — in accordance with 3.6.4.3.
(d)
Glazed panels, other than doors or side panels, on the perimeter of rooms — in accordance with 3.6.4.4.
(e)
Bathrooms, ensuite and spa room glazing — in accordance with 3.6.4.5.
(f)
Visibility of glazing — in accordance with 3.6.4.6.
3.6.4.1 Doors
Glass in doors must be Grade A safety glazing material in accordance with Table 3.6.5 and Figure 3.6.1, except that—
(a)
unframed doors, other than those incorporated in shower screens or bath enclosures, must be glazed with toughened safety glass with a minimum nominal thickness of 10 mm or laminated toughened safety glass with a minimum total thickness of 10 mm; and
(b)
individual pieces of ordinary annealed glass incorporated in leadlights may be used, to a maximum area of 0.05 m2 with a minimum nominal thickness of 3 mm; and
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
Larger areas of ordinary annealed glass in leadlights are not permitted regardless of glass thickness.
(c)
for annealed and annealed decorated glass panels in doors—
(i)
for 3 mm and 4 mm annealed glass, the maximum area must not be more than 0.1 m2 with a maximum panel width of 125 mm; and
(ii)
for 5 mm and 6 mm annealed glass, the maximum area must not be more than 0.26 m2 with a maximum panel width of 300 mm; and
(d)
for annealed glass in fully framed panels with a thickness of 10 mm or more, with or without bevelled edges, the maximum area must not be more than 0.5 m2; and
(e)
doors in bathrooms, ensuites and spa rooms must be glazed in accordance with 3.6.4.5.
3.6.4.2 Door side panels
(a)
All framed glass (except leadlight panels) in side panels with their nearest vertical sight line less than 300 mm from the nearest edge of the doorway opening must be Grade A safety glazing material in accordance with Table 3.6.5 and Figure 3.6.1, except that—
(i)
where the lowest visible sight line is 1.2 m or more above the highest abutting finished floor level, ordinary annealed glass in accordance with Table 3.6.4 may be used; or
(ii)
where the lowest visible sight line is less than 1.2 m above the highest abutting finished floor level, ordinary annealed glass in accordance with Table 3.6.4, with an area of not more than 0.5 m2, may be used; or
(iii)
where the side panel consists of glass louvres with exposed edges or where the louvres are installed less than 500 mm above the highest abutting finished floor level—
(A)
for blade widths not more than 230 mm with blade lengths not more than 1 m, Grade A toughened safety glazing not less than 5 mm thick must be used; and
(B)
for blade widths more than 230 mm, Grade A toughened safety glazing not less than 10 mm thick must be used.
(b)
Framed glass panels with the nearest vertical sight line not less than 300 mm from the nearest edge of the door opening are not considered to be side panels for the purposes of (a).
Table 3.6.4 Maximum areas of ordinary annealed glass in side panels
Minimum nominal thickness (mm)
Maximum area of pane (m 2 )
3
0.8
4
1.4
5
2.2
6
3.3
3.6.4.3 Full height framed glazed panels
(a)
A glazed panel located in a building so that it is capable of being mistaken for an unobstructed opening must be glazed with—
(i)
Grade A safety glazing material in accordance with Table 3.6.5; or
(ii)
ordinary annealed glass complying with Table 3.6.5 provided the glazed area is not more than 0.9 m2.
(b)
Glazed panels are not considered an unobstructed opening where any of the following apply:
(i)
The clear opening width is not more than 500 mm.
(ii)
The lowest sight line of the opening is not less than 500 mm above the highest abutting finished floor level.
(iii)
The glass is made apparent by means of transoms, colonial bars, other components of the glazing system, permanent motifs or other decorative treatment on or etched into the glass, of sufficient magnitude to be readily apparent, or the glass is opaquely coloured or patterned to indicate its presence.
(iv)
A chair rail or handrail not less than 40 mm thick, or the like, is provided at a height of 865 mm above the adjoining ground level.
(v)
The difference in floor level on either side of the panel is greater than 500 mm.
Figure 3.6.1 Identification of glazing requirements for doors and side panels
Table 3.6.5 Maximum areas of glazing material for framed glass doors, framed glass side panels, and other framed glazed panels
Type of glass
Minimum nominal thickness (mm)
Maximum area of pane (m 2 )
Patterned or clear ordinary annealed glass
5
0.3
Patterned or clear ordinary annealed glass
6
0.9
Grade A toughened and toughened laminated safety glass
3
1
Grade A toughened and toughened laminated safety glass
4
2
Grade A toughened and toughened laminated safety glass
5
3
Grade A toughened and toughened laminated safety glass
6
4
Grade A laminated safety glass
5.38
2.2
Grade A laminated safety glass
6.38
3
Grade A laminated safety glass
8.38
5
3.6.4.4 Glazed panels, other than doors or side panels, on the perimeter of rooms
All framed glazing where the lowest sight line of the glazing panel is less than 500 mm from the highest abutting finished floor level (see Figure 3.6.2) must be—
(a)
Grade A safety glazing material in accordance with Table 3.6.5; or
(b)
ordinary annealed glass not less than 5 mm nominal thickness provided that the area of the glazing panel is not more than 1.2 m2.
Figure 3.6.2 Identification of glazing requirements for glazed panels
3.6.4.5 Bathroom, ensuite and spa room glazing
(a)
All glazing in bathrooms, ensuites, spa rooms or the like, including shower doors, shower screens, bath enclosures, and associated windows, where the lowest sight line is less than 2.0 m above the highest abutting finished level of the floor, bottom of the bath, or shower base, must—
(i)
for framed panels, be glazed with—
(A)
Grade A safety glazing material in accordance with Table 3.6.5; or
(B)
Grade B safety glazing material in accordance with Table 3.6.6 (see also Figure 3.6.3); or
(ii)
for panels or doors with any edge exposed, be toughened safety glass in accordance with Table 3.6.5 with a minimum nominal thickness of 6 mm.
(b)
(c)
Ordinary annealed glass, including mirror, may be used provided a fixed vanity or bench with a height of not less than 760 mm, depth of not less than 300 mm and extending the full width of the glass or mirror is located in front of the glass or mirror.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
Care should be taken when using showers fitted with safety wired glass, safety organic-coated glass, and laminated safety glass products that are liable to damage from thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs from hot water from the shower hitting the shower screen during cold weather.
Table 3.6.6 Maximum areas of grade B safety glazing materials for shower doors, shower screens and bath enclosures
Type of glass
Standard nominal thickness (mm)
Maximum area of pane (m 2 )
Area ( Figure 3.6.3 )
Safety wired glass
Greater than or equal to 6
2.5
A, B, C
Safety organic coated glass
3
1
A, B, C, D
Safety organic coated glass
4
1.5
A, B, C, D
Safety organic coated glass
5
2
A, B, C, D
Safety organic coated glass
Greater than or equal to 6
3
A, B, C, D
Figure 3.6.3 Identification of glazing requirements for bathrooms, ensuites and spa rooms
3.6.4.6 Visibility of glazing
(a)
If the presence of glazing in a door, side panel or panel capable of being mistaken for a doorway or opening is not made apparent in accordance with 3.6.4.3(b)(iii), the glass must be marked to make it readily visible in accordance with (b).
(b)
Marking must be in the form of an opaque band not less than 20 mm in height located so that—
(i)
the upper edge is not less than 700 mm above the floor; and
(ii)
the lower edge is not more than 1.2 m above the floor.
Explanatory information:
Explanatory information:
- Making the glass visible by marking is not a substitute for the use of safety glazing in accordance with this Part.
- A broken line or patterns may be an acceptable form of marking provided it meets the criteria set out in 3.6.4.6(b).
(c)
A band or marking is not required where any of the following applies:
(i)
The height of the glazing is not more than 1 m in any part.
(ii)
The width of the glazing panel is not more than 500 mm in any part.
(iii)
There is no glazing within 700 mm of the floor.
(iv)
The glazing is provided with not less than one fixed glazing bar which must—
(A)
be firmly attached to the styles to locate and protect each face of the glass; and
(B)
be located with its upper edge not less than 500 mm and its bottom edge not more than 1 m above the floor; and
(C)
have a face width not less than 40 mm.