Engineering Properties of Glass

Engineering Properties of Glass

• Transparency
• Strength
• Work-ability
• Transmittance
• U value
• Recycle property

Transparency of Glass

Transparency is the main property of glass which allows the vision of outside world through it. The transparency of glass can be from both sides or from one side only. In one side transparency, glass behaves like mirror from the other side.

Strength of Glass

Strength of glass depends on modulus of rupture value of glass. In general glass is a brittle material but by adding admixtures and laminates we can make it as more strong.

Workability of Glass

A glass can be molded into any shape or it can be blown during melting. So, work ability of glass is superior property of glass.

Transmittance

The visible fraction of light that passing through glass is the property of visible transmittance.

U value of Glass

U value represents the amount of heat transferred through glass. If a glass is said to be insulated unit then it should have lower u value.

Recycle Property of Glass

Any glass can be 100% recyclable. It can also be used as raw material in construction industry.

Types of Glass and their Uses in Construction Works

The types of glass used in construction are:

• Float glass
• Shatterproof glass
• Laminated glass
• Extra clean glass
• Chromatic glass
• Tinted glass
• Toughened glass
• Glass blocks
• Glass wool
• Insulated glazed units

Float Glass

Float glass is made of sodium silicate and calcium silicate so, it is also called as soda lime glass. It is clear and flat so, it causes glare. These glasses are available from 2mm to 20mm thickness ranges. They have a weight range of 6 to 36 kg/m². These are used as shop fronts, public places etc.

Shatterproof Glass

Shatterproof glass is used for windows, skylights, floors etc. Some type of plastic polyvinyl butyral is added in its making process. So, it cannot form sharp edged pieces when it breaks.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is the combination of layers of normal glass. So, it has more weight than normal glass. It has more thickness and is UV proof and soundproof. These are used for aquariums, bridges etc.

Extra Clean Glass

Extra clean glass has two special properties, photocatalytic and hydrophilic. Because of these properties, it acts as stain proof and gives beautiful appearance. Maintenance is also easy.

Chromatic Glass

Chromatic glass is used in ICU’s, meeting rooms etc. it can control the transparent efficiency of glass and protects the interior from daylight. The chromatic glass may be photochromic which has light sensitive lamination, thermos-chromatic which has heat sensitive lamination and electrochromic which has electric lamination over it.

                                                       GEETHA N

                                              ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

                                 DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECOR

Banni or Heer Bharat (Gujarat)

Banni or Heer Bharat (Gujarat)

The Banni or Heer Bharat embroidery originates in Gujarat, and is practiced mainly by the Lohana community. It is done with silk floss (Heer means "silk floss") and it is famous for its vibrancy and richness in color pallets & design patterns, which include shisha (mirror) work. Bagh and phulkari embroidery of the Punjab region has influenced Heer Bharat embroidery in its use of geometrical motifs and stitchery. Heer Bharat embroidery done in Rajasthan in India is widely acclaimed for its beautiful mirror work along with beads using red, yellow and pink as the predominant colors. It is also known as Banni embroidery in Gujarat, where it got its roots. Though there exists many forms of embroidery work in the state of Rajasthan, Heer Bharat embroidery gets a prominent place. Premium designs, richness of the fabric and the intricacies involved makes it stand out from the crowd. This embroidery got its name from the silk floss used for it, which is locally called as “Heer”. Hence, the name Heer Bharat Embroidery evolved.

The mirror work in these fabrics and dress materials make the heads turn, especially when they come in contact with the sun rays or lights. It starts to sparkle and gleam making all wonder for a minute at least looking at its preparation and design patterns. This mirror work is known as “Shisha”. Usually the different shapes and sizes of mirror are surrounded by the embroidery in the fabric. Even there are different types of mirror works, for very small and minute mirror works, Jats community people are expert for stitching colorful and shady threads around small pieces of mirrors. Not only has the Jats community practiced this, but also the Lohanas, Mutwas and Harijans communities too.

Heer Bharat is embroidery where design is filled with thread work. This filling is done either by button-hole stitch or long and short (double satin) stitch. It is being done on hand woven and hand spun cotton and woolen garments. Motifs of geometrical shapes, animals, flora and fauna can also be seen.

 Heer Bharat embroidery is spreading to length and breadth across the country and people are starting to apply their own innovative thoughts in the stitching work and design patters to make it look more vivid. In ancient days, this artwork is confined only to certain garments, but as time passed by, it is being worked on bridal and groom wears sherwanis and decorative household items.This art has resemblance to the embroidery works done in the Kutch and Kathiawar. Thread work is done to create designs in the fabric. The threads are filled and stitched using button hole and satin double stitch method.

Selling these Heer Bharat embroideries and improving the economy of that region where this kind of embroidery works is predominant is a normal course. But, it is not done only for money, but also looked up on seriously as a traditional art imbibed in the heart of those artists. The women of the Jats and Banni community take up these kinds of garments worked in Heer Bharat embroidery along with them, when they get married.There are still people who like these kinds of traditional art works and buy them without minding about the cost which may look little high compared to the modern dress. The devotion and the time they spend on creating this beautiful masterpiece should be taken into account. But what has to be seen underline is the hard work of the art community people which should be appreciated suitably.

                                                                                                SAGARA S G

                                                                                         ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

                                                                      DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECOR