I need a little clarification on the use of glass block in fire-rated assemblies. Back when I started in code enforcment under the UBC, my building official told me that fire-rated glass block was not allowed as an opening protection in fire-rated assemblies (other than on some atrium applications). He said the reason why is because there are no approved tested assemblies using glass block and that while glass block might have a rating, the mortar didn't.
Now it appears that as of the 2003 IBC, glass block is allowed in some fire barriers and partitions rated 1-hour or less (Section 2110.1.1). My question is this: if one is using glass block in a rated wall, is there an assembly design that needs to be followed, or can it just be put together in any manner using block and mortar?
Now it appears that as of the 2003 IBC, glass block is allowed in some fire barriers and partitions rated 1-hour or less (Section 2110.1.1). My question is this: if one is using glass block in a rated wall, is there an assembly design that needs to be followed, or can it just be put together in any manner using block and mortar?