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April 4, 2014

Architectural Glass Institute (AGI) sponsors Phila BEC presentation on enhancing safety with laminated glass

The Architectural Glass Institute (AGI) is sponsoring a Philadelphia Building Enclosure Council’s presentation on enhancing school security with laminated glass. The presentation will take place Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 12 noon at the Center For Architecture, 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia. All AGMA members are encouraged to attend.

Program Summary:

This free lunchtime presentation, by Valerie Block, CDT, LEED AP, a Specialist with DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions, will focus on the need for security glazing in schools to protect children, teachers, and staff, as well as the school building itself, from terrorist attacks and severe weather. Laminated glass can provide intrusion resistance, as well as protection from flying glass that occurs after a bomb blast. Bullet-resistant laminates are designed specifically to stop bullet penetration and fragmentation. Industry standards for testing and specifying security glazing will be reviewed, including ASTM and Underwriters Laboratories standards for physical attack, bomb blast, ballistics, and wind-borne debris protection. The physical and performance characteristics of PVB and iconoplast interlayers will be presented, including interlayer stiffness, strength, and thickness and color options. The use of high performance coatings and insulating glass units for energy performance will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the growing concern for school security

Understand how laminated glass provides intrusion, blast, ballistics, and wind-borne debris protection

Identify FEMA publications and applicable security glazing standards

Identify architectural applications where security glazing may be beneficial, including K-12 schools and daycare centers and a multitude of building types on college and university campuses

About the presenter:

Valerie Block is currently a senior marketing specialist for DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions business located in Wilmington, DE. She works with architects, structural engineers, façade consultants, and glass fabricators on the specification, design, and use of laminated glass in buildings. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College, and Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Before joining DuPont, she served as the Technical Director for the Primary Glass Manufacturers Council. Valerie currently serves as a the chair of the laminating division of the Glass Association of North America and the Glazing Industry Code Committee. She participates on numerous industry and standards committees, including ASTM’s F12 Committee on Security Systems. Additionally, she is a LEED® Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council.

CES LUs: 1 AIA/CES HSW

Cost: Free but registration is required for accurate lunch count – use link below to register.

REGISTER HERE