Designing with Silicone Sealants: Structural and Protective Glazing Systems

Narelle Skinner

Direct and indirect damages caused by bomb blasts have forced authorities in all countries to become more conscious of the need to protect people. The events of 11th September 2001 accelerated concerns exponentially. Additionally, global changes in climate are increasing the number of exceptional weather conditions. Last but not least, the evolution of our societies is making security in commercial and residential buildings one of the most critical issues facing residents, insurance companies and police departments. Those issues have lead the construction industry to develop new products and systems that offer the required and deserved protection to people, significantly increasing the market of Protective, Safety and Security Glazing.

This paper reviews several cases where silicone sealants have been designed to play an active role in the performance of Protective, Safety and Security Glazing systems. This paper reviews new developments in Bomb-Blast resistant façades, where structural glazing sealants were used to improve the performance of the facade. It also explains how the use of silicone sealants have been further developed as structural adhesives in safety and security windows with laminated glass, and in a retrofit protective glazing application with protective film.

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