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    ibz1492's Avatar
    ibz1492 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 24, 2008, 09:21 AM
    Strength of glass block wall
    We plan to have a glass block wall on one side of a new staircase. The stair treads will be free standing with no risers, 35cm x 100cm x 8cm thick solid wood with steel connectors under to attach to the concrete wall on one side and the glass block on the other side. Is there any problem with this design?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #2

    Feb 24, 2008, 10:16 AM
    I don't know about the strength issue but I do applaud your use of the glass blocks which are a definite design asset and very attractive incorporated into the right location.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Feb 24, 2008, 03:03 PM
    You will have a design issue if you tie your stairs to that galss block wall. If you let the stair case stand a fraction of an inch from the block you will be OK. Attach it and the wall will crack in short order.
    ibz1492's Avatar
    ibz1492 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Feb 24, 2008, 11:05 PM
    Maybe I didn't explain it right and maybe you are still right, but... we want to have weight the weight on one side of the treads applied directly ON the block, between the courses of the glass, not any anchoring to the side wall of the glass block... does that make it practical?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 25, 2008, 11:32 AM
    Lets look at your sentence again, "to have weight the weight on one side of the treads applied directly ON the block, between the courses of the glass" I'm having difficulty comprehending what you are saying, any chance of a drawing? If you allow the glass block wall to carry the load of the stairs it will eventually shatter the wall. Glass block is not a load bearing wall material and your stair stringers will move when you walk on them.
    amricca's Avatar
    amricca Posts: 851, Reputation: 92
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    #6

    Feb 25, 2008, 02:37 PM
    Ballenger is right, do not bear any weight on the glass blocks or they will break. You should add steel posts to support the stairs then infill between them with the blocks if that is the look you want.
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