What makes glass walkable?
An ordinary pane of glass does not become suitable for flooring simply by increasing its thickness. Walkable glazing must be considered as a complete structural element.
At Glas Marte, walkable glazing is generally manufactured as a multi-layer laminated safety glass assembly. A typical configuration consists of three appropriately dimensioned glass panes, including heat-strengthened glass where required, combined to form laminated safety glass.
The required glass thickness depends on the individual project. Key factors include:
- Dimensions and shape of the glass element
- Intended use and expected loads
- Type of support and fixing system
- Structural installation conditions
- Surface finish and slip resistance requirements
For this reason, walkable glass is not selected solely on the basis of a standard thickness but is dimensioned specifically for each project.
Large glass surfaces are possible
Depending on the glass composition and installation conditions, Glas Marte can manufacture walkable glazing in a wide range of dimensions.
Technical specifications:
- Glass thicknesses from 25 to 85 mm
- Glass dimensions from 250 × 400 mm to 2,500 × 5,900 mm
- Maximum element weight of 800 kg
This allows both compact glass stair treads and expansive glass surfaces to be realised. The technically feasible and appropriate dimensions and glass configurations are assessed individually for each project.
The substructure is part of the system
With walkable glass, the functionality of the structural element depends not only on the glazing itself but also on the supporting structure.
The substructure must be level, free from torsional deformation and sufficiently resistant to bending. At the same time, the glass requires suitable, compression-resistant support that can accommodate existing construction tolerances and prevent direct contact between the glass and the rigid substructure.
For linearly supported glass panes, sufficient edge bearing is essential. Depending on the design, a minimum bearing width of 30 mm is required. The construction must also prevent the glass element from shifting or lifting out of position.
Particularly with larger glass surfaces, one principle becomes clear: Glazing, support conditions and substructure must be planned together.
Structural analysis
A small glass staircase has different structural requirements from a glass floor covering several square metres. Different support conditions, geometries and loading scenarios also influence the requirements for the glass composition.
A project-specific structural assessment is therefore particularly important for walkable glazing. Glas Marte evaluates the proposed glazing in relation to its intended application and can provide structural recommendations based on the specific requirements of the project. Depending on the project and installation location, the relevant national standards and regulations are taken into account, such as DIN 18008, ÖNORM B 3716 or SIA 2057.
Early coordination is particularly recommended for large dimensions, special shapes or unusual support configurations.
Slip resistance for glass floors
Glass can be smooth – but a walkable glass floor must provide an appropriate level of slip resistance. Depending on the application, a suitable slip-resistant surface must therefore be incorporated.
This is applied to the uppermost cover or protective glass pane. Various solutions are available.
Slip resistance with screen printing
One option is to create a slip-resistant surface using ceramic screen printing. In addition to its technical function, this process offers considerable design flexibility.
Patterns, designs and colours can be tailored to the architectural and design concept. This means that the required slip resistance is not merely a functional addition but can be deliberately integrated into the visual appearance of the glass surface. Muted colours are particularly recommended, as visible wear is less noticeable.
GM ICE-H®: Textured surfaces for demanding walking areas
Another option is GM ICE-H® textured glass. Its distinctive surface structure, with texture depths of up to 0.8 mm, provides displacement space and contributes to slip resistance, even in areas exposed to more intensive use.
Long-term studies on heavily used stair treads show that the characteristic surface texture remains intact even after several years of use.
GM ICE-H® achieves:
- R11 according to DIN 51130
- Rating group A according to DIN 51097
- Wear resistance class III according to DIN EN ISO 10545-7
This makes the surface suitable for applications where enhanced slip resistance is required alongside a transparent appearance.
Designing with light, colour and texture
The particular strength of walkable glazing lies in its combination of functionality and spatial impact. A glass floor, for example, can allow daylight to pass through a floor slab, naturally illuminating the spaces below. Glass staircases preserve sightlines, visually reduce the presence of solid structural elements and create a greater sense of openness throughout the space.
However, walkable glass does not necessarily have to be completely transparent.
Its visual appearance can be deliberately modified through the glass composition. Possible options include:
- Clear and transparent designs
- Matt interlayers for increased privacy
- Coloured PVB interlayers for targeted colour accents
- Screen printing with customised colours or patterns
- Textured surfaces
- Combinations of transparency and decorative elements
Depending on the architectural concept, a glass surface can appear almost invisible, create striking visual accents or combine privacy with light transmission.
Applications
Walkable glass can be used for everything from individual architectural features to large-scale constructions. Typical applications include:
- Glass floors in residential, commercial and public buildings
- Glass staircases and stair treads
- Landings and mezzanine levels
- Walkways and connecting passages
- Walkable glass floor slabs
- Light well covers
- Transparent surfaces above rooms or exhibition areas
Glass is particularly advantageous wherever a structurally necessary surface should have as little impact as possible on natural light and sightlines.