U-Shaped Glass: Technical Specifications and Applications

 

1. Definition & Production Process

U-shaped glass, also known as channel glass, is a building glass material manufactured from recycled glass and quartz sand. Key production stages include:

• Melting at 1470°C

• Forming via continuous rolling process

• Annealing treatment
  Optional enhancements:

• Embedded wire mesh for reinforcement

• Textured surfaces using patterned rollers

2. Classification Systems

Category	Types/Parameters
Surface Finish	Standard fine pattern, Wave pattern, Fine stripe, Thick stipple, Transparent
Mechanical Strength	Standard (≥70MPa flexural strength), Tempered (≥150MPa), Film-reinforced
Color Treatment	Clear, Color-glazed, Filmed, Sandblasted/Frosted

3. Key Technical Properties

Property	Performance Data
Optical	85% light transmission (single layer); <50% transmission (double U-section with air gap); Reduces light pollution via diffuse reflection
Thermal	U-value down to 1.84 W/(m²·K); 30% improved insulation when filled with thermal materials
Mechanical	Withstands structural deformation stresses; Vertical span up to 6 meters

4. Architectural Applications

• Facades:

  • Double-skin curtain wall at Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base

  • Curved facade at Shanghai Expo Chile Pavilion

• Interiors:

  • Light-transmitting partitions at Wanho Haomei Art Hotel

  • Landscape screens at Ningbo Jiuzhuli Project

• Special Structures:

  • Airport terminal skylights (designed to DIN-1249)

  • Illuminated art walls at Shanghai Glass Museum

5. Installation Requirements

• Joint Design:

  • Elastic gaskets + flexible sealants

  • ±15mm joint width for thermal expansion

• Geometric Limits:

  • Max. height: 6m

  • Min. curvature radius: 500mm

  • Vertical tolerance: ≤5mm (≤5m height), ≤7mm (5-7m height)

• Structural Compliance:

  • Transfers loads to main structure via aluminum frames

  • Non-load-bearing use only

  • 10-20mm air layer mandatory in double-layer installations