Commercial Track During FGIA Virtual Summer Summit Touches on Blast-resistant Fenestration, Site Inspections

This track included a presentation about blast-resistant fenestration and advice on conducting successful site inspections. The former provided a primer of applicable blast standards, design methodologies and the nuanced interplay of project-specific requirements, while the latter gave practical guidance for what to do before and after an inspection to avoid delays, added costs or performance issues.

Design Issues in Blast-resistant Fenestration

Lothar Erkens (Winco) gave an informative presentation entitled, “Blast-resistant Fenestration | What You Need to Know When Configuring Glazed Fenestration Products for Blast-resistant Applications.” Erkens began by defining hazard levels and levels of protection, which he stressed are related but not, in fact, interchangeable. “Level of Protection is the protection a fenestration system must provide to building occupants,” he said. “Hazard Level is the risk the glazing poses under blast design load.”

When configuring glazed products, a good rule when it comes to blast resistance is to ensure that the innermost lite is laminated, regardless of exterior lamination, said Erkens. “Establish glass configurations for blasts at the maximum hazard level,” he advised. “Then, verify against any additional requirements. The stronger glass controls the design.”

Complicating design issues can include:

• Heat stress: This is when the outboard lite must be heat strengthened or tempered.
• Safety glass code: In this, the exterior glass must be fully tempered or laminated.
• Sound abatement: The outboard lite must also be laminated, adding strength.
• Windborne debris/ballistic protection: this design option may further protect the insulating glass unit.

Finally, when it comes to testing, Erkens reminded participants that, just because products are tested, that does not mean they are certified. “It’s valid only if the specimen size matches the project and pressure or impulse meets or exceeds requirements,” he said. “Test reports demonstrate manufacturer expertise and product sustainability.”

Preparing for Site Inspections

David Vadocz (RDH) shared details in a presentation, “You Get What You Inspect, Not What You Expect: Preparing for Effective Site Inspections,” about why effective site inspections are critical to project success. He began by describing what he called “the reactive trap,” which is when miscommunication or a lack of focus on the correct issues can cause costly problems, delays or performance issues.

“There are real costs of getting it wrong,” said Vadocz. “And if they are not addressed until later, those higher costs and insurance claims can be substantial.”

He shared three steps for effective site visits as part of a methodology he recommended mastering:

1. Understand: Master assemblies, tools and conditions before testing.
2. Think: Analyze risk and plan a comprehensive plan.
3. Do: Execute investigation and reiterate until successful.

Before visiting the site, planning is everything, said Vadocz. This includes assembling tools: personal protection equipment, markers, tape measurers, a camera – anything you may need for an effective inspection. After a site visit, a post-visit debriefing is recommended to confirm observations and clarify content for the eventual report. Other tips included reaching out to senior staff on complex conditions, building collaborative contractor relationships and documenting everything.

Vadocz also advised having a Supplemental Information Process using Requests for Information (RFIs). “This creates two-way communication and sets in place efficient tracking methods to help everyone understand what’s expected,” said Vadocz.

For more information about FGIA and its events, visit FGIAonline.org/events.