ASTM E998-12

This test method is a standard procedure to determine a stress pattern and estimate a probability of breakage of glass tested under uniform static loads.

Loads on glass in windows, curtain walls, and doors may vary greatly in magnitude, direction, and duration. An understanding of wind loads on the building is required for selection of test loads and interpretation of results with respect to expected exposure at a particular site.

The strength of glass varies with many different factors including surface condition, load duration, geometry, relative humidity, and temperature (1, 2, 3, 4).

A thorough understanding of the variations of the strength of glass and the nature of loading is required to interpret results of this test method.

The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure, deflection and strain measurement, stress/strain relationships, and statistical estimating techniques.

1.1 This test method is a nondestructive test procedure to establish the nature of stresses induced in glass subjected to uniform static loads. A procedure is provided for using this stress information to estimate the probability of breakage of the glass.

1.2 This test method is applicable to glass of various degrees of temper; for example, annealed, heat-strengthened, fully tempered, laminated, insulating, and combinations thereof.

1.3 This test method describes a process of applying specific test loads to glass. The test may be conducted using the standard test frame specified herein or a test frame of the user's design.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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 limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements see Section 7.