Shanghai has about 4,210 buildings with glass curtain walls, 475 of which have reported safety problems. Construction authorities have therefore drawn up a new regulation to restrict the use of reflective glass curtain walls to ensure public safety.
The Chinese city of Shanghai has, due to safety concerns, banned the use of reflective glass curtain walls in apartment, hospital, school, kindergarten and nursing home structures with two or more floors, according to a local construction official.
“Cracking and dropping glass curtain walls have become a hidden danger for urban residents. The problem of their reflection is also outstanding,” said Shen Xiaosu, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Urban-Rural Construction and Transportation Committee.
In Shanghai, there are about 4,210 buildings with glass curtain walls, 475 of which have reported safety problems.
“Some of the buildings have entered an aging period, with their ironware rusted and twisted, sealing strips cracked, and bearing carriers loosened. Accidents, like dropping glass curtain walls, have taken place many times over recent years, posing a prominent safety issue,” Shen said.
Construction authorities have therefore drawn up a new regulation to restrict the use of reflective glass curtain walls to ensure public safety, which has been approved by the municipal government and will take effect immediately.
According to the regulation, reflective glass curtain walls will not be allowed in buildings that directly face the straight section of “T-shaped” crossroads too.
Moreover, the use of such walls will be restricted in buildings that are situated beside a street or in areas with heavy human traffic.
“The construction and housing authorities will launch a general overhaul of the city’s glass curtain walls by the end of March to check their quality and ensure timely maintenance,” Shen said.