GB2203786A

GB2203786A - Glazing

Info

Publication number: GB2203786A
Application number: GB08807489A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger John Dobson; Frank C Adams
Original assignee: MITRA PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: MITRA PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1987-04-09
Filing date: 1988-03-29
Publication date: 1988-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2008-03-29
Also published as: GB2203786B; GB8708520D0; GB8807489D0

Abstract

The glazing structure comprises first metal strip frame members (4), bounding glass reinforced polyester resin glazing panel (6) secured within a framework (3) of a fire resistant door or the like. Second metal frame members (8) support the glazing panel and intumescent mastic material (7) is disposed around the edges of the glazing panel. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION VANDAL AND FIRE RESISTANT GLAZING STRUCTURE The present invention relates to glazing structures and, more particularly, to glazing structures which are designed to meet the British Standards requirements for half-hour fire resistance (currently BS476 part 8) whilst at the same time providing impact resistance against vandals or other intruders.

Where it is required to provide glazing in a fire door or other fire resistant partition or the like it is conventional to provide wire reinforced glass as the glazing structure, the glass being fitted into a timber frame formed within the door or the like. Unfortunately, such reinforced glass, whilst being tougher than non-reinforced glass, is not unbreakable so that fire doors or the like with such glazing are capable of being damaged by vandals or other intruders. Once the glass is broken or holed then the integrity of the fire door is damaged and the door no longer provides the intended measure of fire protection.

There is therefore a need for a system capable of overcoming this problem.

In accordance with the present invention, in a fire resistant door, partition or the like, which has an aperture providing an area to be glazed, the aperture having a timber or similar framework, a glazing structure is provided which comprises a plurality of first frame members each formed by a planar metal strip, each of the first frame members bounding one side of the glazing area and, in use, being secured, substantially along its centre line, within the timber or like framework; a glass reinforced polyester resin glazing panel of a size to fit within the frame formed by the first members; a plurality of second metal frame members secured directly to respective ones of the first frame members to support the glazing panel within the glazing area; and intumescent mastic material disposed around the edges of the glazing panel.

Although the two sets of frame members are mentioned above as being formed of metal, it is envisaged that frame members of other proprietary materials of suitable strength and fire resistance could be utilized as alternatives for the metal frame members.

If increased impact resistance is desired, the polyester glazing panel-may be reinforced with wire mesh of any suitable type.

By forming the effective frame of the glazing panel by means of two sets of members, an added measure of fire protection is provided. The first frame members are fixed in use substantially along their centre line directly to the frame of the aperture, by screws screwed into the frame member.

Thus, being secured substantially centrally, any charring effect of the timber around the screw is delayed as long as possible. By mounting the secondary frame members, which are preferably angle or like sections, directly to the first frame members in a position embracing respective edges of the glazing panel, the panel is securely attached to the plurality of first frame members.

Preferably, the second frame members are attached to the first frame members by means of self-tapping screws and thus the second frame members, which actually hold the glazing panel in position, do not attach directly to the frame of the aperture and thus any charring which occurs around the edges of the aperture framework, and thus around the self-tapping screws where they penetrate the timber after passing through the respective first frame members, will not weaken the fixing of the glazing panel within the aperture.

One example of a fire door provided with a glazing structure according to the present invention will now be described as reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of the door; and, Figure 2 is a section on the A-A of figure 1.

The fire door 1 is conventional and its internal structure will therefore not be described in further detail. The door 1 has an aperture 2 for glazing, the aperture being bounded by a solid timber frame 3. To the four sides of the frame 3 are attached respective planar steel strips 4, in the present example of 14 SWG steel. The steel strips 4 are screwed by conventional timber screws 5 along their centre line along substantially the centre line of the members of the timber frame 3. A wire/glass reinforced polyester resin glazing panel 6 which is liberally provided with an intumescent material 7 around its edges, is held in place within the aperture by means of plural 14 SWG mild steel angle strips 8, which are fixed by means of self-tapping screws 9, directly to the respective metal strips 4.

The itumescent material fills any gaps, particularly at the corners of the framework, and ensures the integrity of the glazing system in any fire. A hardwood fillet 10 may be positioned over the steel strips 8 in order to improve the appearance of the glazing structure. The glazing material may be provided with fire retardant additives and have a composition consistent with high performance in fire conditions.

The system as described above is capable of use wherever a combination of high impact resistance and fire resistance to British Standards (currently BS476 part 8) is required, such as partition glazing or elsewhere in buildings where such fire resistance is required and where existing glazing methods are inadequate due to low resistance to impact.

Claims

1. A glazing structure for use in a fire resistant door, partition or the like, which has an aperture providing an area to be glazed, the aperture having a timber or similar framework, the glazing structure comprising a plurality of first frame members each formed by a planar metal strip, each of the first frame members in use bounding one side of a glazing area and being secured, substantially along its centre line, within the timber or like framework; a glass reinforced polyester resin glazing panel of a size to fit within the frame formed by the first members; a plurality of second metal frame members secured directly to respective ones of the first frame members to support the glazing panel within the glazing area; and intumescent mastic material disposed around the edges of the glazing panel.

2. A glazing structure according to claim 1, wherein the glazing panel is reinforced with wire mesh.

3. A glazing structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the second frame members consists of a first portion, for attachment in use to respective ones of the first- frame members, and a second portion, substantially at right angles to the first portion, to support in use the glazing panel.

4. A fire resistant door, partition or like structure which has a glazing aperture, the aperture having a timber or similar framework, and a glazing structure according to any of the preceding claims.

5. A glazing structure substantially as described with reference to the drawings.