Effective bird protection in glass architecture

Austria sets benchmarks

The Austrian environmental ministry has supported research in recent years to achieve meaningful and reproducible test methods.

Environmental protection in Austria has a high priority. This is proven by the legislation – ON Regulation 191040 – Bird protection glass – testing of effectiveness. The scientific foundation has been established by the test methods provided by the Biological Station Hohenau-Ringelsdorf with its Flight Tunnel II. This reproducible method is suitable for reliable evaluation of collision risk. The birds are not harmed – they are used for one test and then immediately let free.

International recognition has been found in the USA – similar facilities are currently being built.

The Hohenauer experiments clearly indicate that only high effectiveness (9:1) as recommended by Rössler & Laube 2008, can bee seen as the target level of protection. This is possible today by using intelligent products.

The many propagated action mechanisms which are based on the theory of birds recognising UV light have not yet been documented by the Hohenauer Method.

1. Dimensions

4BIRD SECURIT-H	2800 x 6000 mm
4BIRD STADIP	2650 x 5200 mm
	2000 x 5600 mm
	1650 x 6000 mm

The carrier sheet of 4BIRD is typically made of monolithic toughened safety glass SECURIT-H [>]. In laminated safety glass versions, the individual sheets are typically made of heat-strengthened PLANIDUR with 0.76mm PvB interlayer. The 4BIRD marking is normally located on only one of the outer surfaces of the glass.

2. Application technical notes

The carrier sheet of 4BIRD is typically a monolithic Fully Tempered safety glass SECURIT-H [>]. Laminated compositions are normally comprised of individual sheets of Heat-Strengthened glass PLANIDUR with 0.76 mm PvB interlayer. The coatings are positioned on both of the outer surfaces.

The minimum glass thickness for the carrier sheet is 4mm but the actual required thickness needs to be checked for structural capacity and prevailing local technical regulations. The glass thickness has no influence on the bird-protection function. Reflective glass coatings are nor permitted. To improve the acoustic performance we recommend using STADIP SILENCE [>].

In contrast to adhesive films or plastics, the fused-in ceramic 4BIRD marking is a permanent and proven solution. We strongly advise against subsequent application of films onto Fully Tempered glass since this will compromise the safety function should the glass break (shatter into small pieces).

Installation

Generally the glass should be installed so the coating is facing the expected approach path of the birds. For free-standing structures such a noise barriers or waiting rooms, it is not possible to determine approach path. It is therefore recommended to use a double-sided 4BIRD marking. This is only possible using laminated safety glass.

To find the optimum project solution, many organisations are available for consultation. In Austria, the Vienna Environmantal ministry has a consultation service using actual research results. [Contact]

Our general Glazing guidelines are also applicable for 4BIRD [>].

3. Processing

3.1 Edge working

SECURIT-H and individual sheets for STADIP laminates of PLANIDUR up to 2140 x 2140 mm are normally processed with arrissed edges. For units > 2140 x 2140 mm edges can be only flat ground or polished.

3.2 Drilled holes

up to 12 mm glass thickness
The drilled hole diameter (D) cannot be smaller than the glass thickness (S).

Glass thickness 15 and 19 mm
Drilled hole diamater minimum of 18 respectively 25 mm

Production-determined minimum distances must be observed.

4. Marking

SECURIT-H

In accordance with EN 14179 all Fully Tempered glass is permanently and visibly marked.

STADIP

STADIP of 2 x Heat-Strengthened glass is marked as standard.