IS 4948:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glazing in buildings. This code covers the guidelines for the selection of glass, glazing materials, and the execution of glazing work in buildings. It provides essential design considerations for wind loading on glass panels and specifies the required clearances and setting techniques to prevent stress concentrations and structural failure.
Provides recommendations for the selection and installation of glass and glazing systems in buildings.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis for Wind Load Calculation | Deterministic method based on IS 875 (Part 3) using specified pressure coefficients. | Probabilistic method based on a specified probability of breakage (e.g., 8 lites per 1000). | ASTM E1300-16 |
| Safety Glazing for 'Low-Level Glazing' | Required where the bottom of the glazing is less than 800 mm from the finished floor level. | Required where the bottom edge is less than 1000 mm from the floor in non-residential buildings or 500 mm in residential buildings. | AS 1288:2021 |
| Safety Glazing in Doors | Required for all glazing in doors if the bottom is within 800 mm of the floor. | Required for all glazing in doors, irrespective of size or height from the floor. | AS 1288:2021 |
| Minimum Edge Clearance (Typical for 1-2.5 m² pane) | 5 mm (from Table 3). | Typically 3 mm for metal frames, 5 mm for timber frames. | BS 6262-6:2017 |
| Design Stress Concept (Annealed Glass) | Implicit in thickness selection charts; no explicit allowable stress is provided for design. | No single value; stress is calculated based on load duration, surface condition, and a target probability of breakage. | ASTM E1300-16 |
| Consideration of Load Duration | Implicitly considered by using wind load (short duration) as the basis, but not explicitly factored for other loads. | Glass strength is explicitly de-rated for longer load durations (e.g., snow load vs. 3-second wind gust). | AS 1288:2021 |