MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Profilated Glass (U-channel), various widths (6mm, 7mm)

Processed Glass
mineral › Glass › Processed Glass
mineralglassu-channelprofilatedself-supportingdaylightingtranslucentstructural-glazingcast-glassfacade-system
ATLAS CODE
MIN-GLA-PRO-004
Profilated Glass (U-channel), various widths (6mm, 7mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Glass
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
2500 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
10.3 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50+ years yrs
Description

Profilated glass (U-channel) is a continuously cast glass product with a distinctive U-shaped cross-section, originally developed in Austria and refined in Germany over 35+ years. The three-dimensional profile creates a self-supporting structural glass system capable of spanning up to 7 metres vertically without intermediate supports. Available in 6mm and 7mm thicknesses with various widths (232-498mm) and surface textures, it provides diffused natural daylighting while maintaining privacy. The system can be installed single or double-glazed, achieving U-values from 2.5 W/m²K (single) to 0.49 W/m²K (double with insulation).

Primary Sectors
[Industrial][Institutional][Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • Industrial building facades and clerestory glazing
  • Sports facility and gymnasium walls
  • Museum and gallery daylighting systems
  • Commercial building atriums and corridors
  • Parking structure screening
  • Privacy screens and partitions
  • Retail storefront systems
  • Educational facility corridors
  • Data centre envelope systems
  • Agricultural greenhouse applications
Recycled Content 20
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 10.3 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 155 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Self-supporting structure reduces framing requirementsExcellent daylight diffusion without glareLong spans possible (up to 7m vertical)Good thermal performance in double-glazed configurationNo vertical mullions required for continuous facadesCan achieve curved installationsProvides privacy while transmitting lightNon-combustible material suitable for fire-rated assemblies100% recyclable at end of lifeLow maintenance requirements
Cautions
Limited local availability in Australia - mostly importedLong lead times (8-16 weeks typical)Higher cost than conventional glazing systemsRequires specialised installation expertiseLimited to non-structural wind loadsCannot achieve full transparencyThermal movement requires careful detailingNot suitable for BAL-40 or BAL-FZ without additional protectionSize limitations for tempering (max 6m typical)Potential for thermal stress in exposed conditions
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-GLA-PRO-004
Density (Dry) 2500 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.5
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 6.5
Surface Roughness 0.5 μm
UV Resistance Excellent - blocks 99% UV when treated
Chemical Resistance Excellent - resistant to most chemicals except HF
pH Tolerance 3-11
Compressive Strength 1000 MPa
Tensile Strength 40 MPa
Flexural Strength 45 MPa
Shear Strength 20 MPa
Elastic Modulus 70000 GPa
Impact Resistance Grade B AS 2208 when tempered J/m
Bearing Capacity 1000 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.22
Creep Resistance Excellent - no creep at service temperatures
Abrasion Resistance Good - resistant to wind-borne particles
Thermal Conductivity 1 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.007 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 9 μm/m·K
Melting Point 600 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 31
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 75 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 8 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 0

U-channel glass originated in Austria in the 1960s and was refined in Germany where it has been manufactured for over 35 years. First introduced to Australia in the 1990s primarily for industrial applications. The product gained popularity in commercial architecture during the 2000s with improved thermal performance variants. Modern manufacturing uses computer-controlled continuous casting processes with oxygen-fired furnaces for improved quality and reduced emissions. Recent developments include Low-E coatings, colour tints, and improved thermal break systems for enhanced performance in Australian climates.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-GLA-PRO-004
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible per AS 1530.1 hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None - inert material
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 10.3 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 155 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 280 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 20%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 85 /100
Skill Level Specialist glazier required
Crew Size 3
Installation Time 20-30 m²/day/crew hr/m²
Curing Time 24 hours hours
Setting Time 2-4 hours min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 30-80% RH %
Required Tools
Glass suction liftersAluminium cutting toolsSilicone application equipmentLevel and plumb toolsSafety equipment (AS/NZS 1336)
Certifications Required
Glazier trade qualificationWorking at heights certificationWhite card (construction induction)
Weather Limitations
No installation in winds >40 km/hAvoid installation in rainTemperature range 5-35°C
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-GLA-PRO-004
Material Cost $180-350/m²
Installation Cost $150-250/m²
Annual Maintenance $5-10/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $15-20/m²/year over 30 years
Market Availability Limited - special order
Lead Time 8-16 weeks weeks
Design Life 50+ years years
Warranty Period 10 years typical years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection, 5-year reseal months
Service Temp Range -40 to +80°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent - unaffected
Dimensional Stability Excellent - thermal movement 2.7mm/m/30°C
Certifications Held
AS/NZS 4666 Insulating glass unitsAS 2208 Safety glazing when temperedGeneric glass EPD availableISO 14040 LCA compliantNon-toxic materialNo VOC emissions
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibleAS 1530.4 when required
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Section J complianceBCA glazing provisions Part 3.6ASTM E90 Sound transmissionASTM E1300 Wind load resistanceISO 10292 Thermal performanceISO 9050 Light transmittanceEN 572-7 Cast glass productsEN 673 Thermal transmittance

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-GLA-PRO-004 Schema: v3.0
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