Glass Floor
A glass floor is a transparent section of a floor, found most often in
buildings (usually in the observation decks of towers) or boats in order to facilitate viewing directly beneath where one is standing.
Usually made of a reinforced glass, the most common use is as a tourist attraction. Glass-bottom boats are popular for allowing a better view into the water. Glass as a flooring material is used in both residential and commercial structures. Special hollow glass blocks known as glass pavers are often used in combination with a metal frame.
At 4000 feet (1219 m), the highest glass floor above ground is the novel outdoor application of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, operated by the Hualapai Indian tribe. The highest above ground level in a freestanding structure is in the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario at 1122 feet (342 m).
A glass floor allows light to pass reducing the need for artificial lighting and providing a natural source of daylight. The introduction of light through the core of a building can transform what might otherwise be a dull claustrophobic interior. With the changing arc of the sun the effects of the light can add a welcome dimension to the interior.
Glass can be used as a floor panel or stair tread and even provide fire
protection. Safety is critical when glass is to be used in these situations and the Pilkington technical advisory service can help with calculations for the glass thickness and construction. A laminated glass is always recommended to ensure that the failure of one of the panes does not lead to catastrophic failure. The starting point for the design is to select the glass size and the loading for the application. BS 6399 provides floor loadings for domestic up to industrial buildings. You will need to provide this information when contacting Pilkington because we cannot guess the particular requirements of your building.
The glass tends to be relatively thick and heavy even with toughened
laminated constructions so the support system for the glass needs to
adequate to prevent distortion under load. The technical advisory service can help with four edge supported systems and stair treads supported along the long edges. For novel designs and bolted fixings you may need to employ the services of a structural engineer to ensure the glass is operating within its stress limits.
Care has to be taken with the finished surface to avoid slipping. An
etched or printed surface can improve grip and aid against slipping. Wet locations are particularly prone to slipping.
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