Fire-rated glass block flooring
Fire-resistance classification for floor panels works identically to glass block walling; two ratings have to be considered. G category is fire integrity and F category relates to the fire thermal isolation value.
Integrity is the length of time a structure will remain stable in the event of a fire. Thermal isolation relates to the period of time it takes for heat to transfer from the side of the fire through the glass blocks, for the purpose of an escape corridor. This plays a major role in heat coming into contact with people evacuating a building.
Fire-rated glass block flooring panels can only be precast under licence by the glass block manufacturer and are therefore produced in exact accordance with test certification. Glass Block Technology exclusively represents factories for UK and Eire.
G60, fire integrity is achieved by the majority of glass floor blocks. For thermal isolation certified blocks are available which achieve F-categorisation (15 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes).
When carrying out fire tests the results for both integrity and thermal isolation are measured in 15-minute increments. Certification is available for 15, 30, and 60 minutes. If a test fails at 28 minutes, this is classified as passing at 15 minutes, not upgraded to 30 minutes.