Red Seal Glazier Practice Exam

For which purpose is laminated glass primarily designed?

1. To enhance aesthetic appeal

2. To provide increased strength

3. To improve sound insulation

4. To enhance safety by holding shards together when broken

The correct answer is: To enhance safety by holding shards together when broken

Laminated glass is primarily designed to enhance safety by holding shards together when broken. This type of glass consists of two or more layers of glass interlayered with a plastic material, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB). When the glass is subjected to impact or shattering, the interlayer keeps the glass fragments bonded, preventing them from falling apart and potentially causing injury. This characteristic greatly reduces the risk of cuts from flying glass, making laminated glass particularly suitable for applications in safety glass, such as in vehicle windshields and buildings. While laminated glass can also provide some benefits related to aesthetic appeal, strength, and sound insulation, these functions are secondary to its primary purpose of ensuring safety. Its ability to provide sound insulation is mainly due to the damping properties of the interlayer, but again, this is not the main function it serves. The enhancement of strength in terms of structural support is also not the primary goal, as other glass types and treatments focus specifically on increasing strength. Thus, the key attribute defining laminated glass is its role in safety by keeping glass pieces intact upon breakage.