ASTM C1564-04

Guidelines are provided for the use of silicone sealants in protective glazing. Protective glazing incorporates various forms of glazing that are not covered in Guides C 1401 and C 1193. The requirements for a sealant in protective glazing are similar to the requirements for structural sealant glazing but for certain applications such as missile impact and bomb blast glazing, sealant requirements may be greater. Modes of failure for bomb blast glazing can be different than the modes of failure for missile impact glazing.

Many types of protective glazing systems are relatively new and the test methods and standards for protective glazing are continually evolving. Because the demands on a sealant in protective glazing systems are changing, guidelines are necessarily general in many instances.

As a component of a glazing system, the sealant can be a factor in whether a glazing system meets the requirements of a specific test method but other factors such as the frame and glass type may be of greater influence.

The designer of a protective glazing system should consult with the various manufacturers of the component materials. The experience and judgment of the glazing system designer working with the sealant manufacturer and other component manufacturers can ultimately determine whether a specific glazing system will successfully meet a specific test requirement.

1.1 This guide covers the use of silicone sealants in protective glazing systems for building construction. Protective glazing includes systems designed for use in applications subject to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, windstorms and forms of forced entry such as blasts, burglary, and ballistic attack.

1.2 While other glazing accessories and components are used in protective glazing, this document specifically describes the use of silicone sealants for protective glazing systems.

1.3 This guide provides information useful to design professionals, architects, manufacturers, installers, and others for the design and installation of silicone sealants for protective glazing systems.

1.4 A silicone sealant is only one component of a glazing system. A glazing system that meets the testing and code requirement for impact glazing must successfully integrate the frame and its anchorage, glass, or other glazing materials, protective film or interlayer and silicone sealant into a high performance system. Compliance with code or other requirements can be determined through physical testing of the glazing system or through computer simulation.

1.5 Glazing systems using silicone sealants that have successfully met the test requirements for missile impact and bomb blast test requirements incorporate the use of silicone sealants specifically formulated, tested, and marketed for this application. Sealants that are commonly used today comply with Specifications C 920 and C 1184.

1.6 This guide does not discuss sealants intended to protect against radioactivity or provide biological containment.

1.7 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.