Will my Glass Balustrade meet Building Regulation Requirements?

The wind resistance of glass balustrades is not rated as a single value. Instead, it's determined by various factors outlined in British Standards (BS) and other regulations. These standards ensure the balustrade can withstand a combination of different loads, including wind.

Key Load Requirements

The required strength of a glass balustrade depends on the building's use and location. The primary standard in the UK is BS 6180:2011 "Barriers in and about buildings - Code of practice" which defines three types of loads:

  • Line Load: This is a horizontal force applied to the top of the balustrade, simulating a person leaning on it. The value is measured in kN/m (kilonewtons per meter). For external balconies and light offices, this is typically rated to withstand at least 0.74 kN/m. This is roughly equivalent to 75 kg of pressure per meter of railing.

  • Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL): A horizontal pressure applied evenly across the entire face of the glass panel, measured in kN/m². This is the primary way wind loading is addressed.

  • Concentrated Load: A single, localized horizontal force applied to any point on the glass panel, simulating an impact.

For a balustrade to be compliant, it must be designed to withstand the most demanding combination of these loads.

Wind Load and Design Considerations

Wind loading is a key part of the UDL calculation and can be the most significant factor in high-rise or coastal locations.The required wind resistance is not a fixed number but is calculated based on:

  • Location: Wind speed and exposure vary across different parts of the country.

  • Building Height: Higher floors experience greater wind forces.

  • Terrain: Open areas like coasts or hilltops have higher wind exposure.

  • Glass Specification: The thickness and type of glass (e.g., toughened, laminated) directly affect its ability to resist wind pressure.

At Stileglass we will use these factors to calculate the specific wind load the system needs to withstand, ensuring it complies with the relevant building regulations.

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Stephen O'Higgins