Glass and Daylighting – Understanding Ground (Frosted) Glass in Building Use Which statements about ground (frosted) glass used in windows/partitions are correct with respect to manufacture and function?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction:
Ground (frosted) glass is specified in buildings when designers want ambient daylight while controlling privacy or glare. The question checks understanding of how such glass is produced and why it is chosen over clear glazing in certain rooms like bathrooms, stairwells, and office partitions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • 'Ground' means the surface is roughened to diffuse light.
  • Multiple production methods exist: grinding, sandblasting, acid etching.
  • The functional goal is light diffusion with visual obscurity, not opacity.


Concept / Approach:

Roughening a glass surface creates microfacets that scatter incident light. This diffusion maintains overall illuminance yet prevents clear imaging through the pane. Manufacturing routes vary, but the optical effect is similar: a matte, privacy-preserving finish that still transmits a substantial fraction of visible light.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Recognize that mechanical grinding/etching alters the surface finish.2) Note that sandblasting and acid-etching are standard industrial processes producing a frosted texture.3) Link the texture to function: transmit light, obscure detail.4) Therefore, all listed manufacturing and functional statements hold true for ground glass.


Verification / Alternative check:

Product datasheets specify light transmission percentages for frosted glass types, confirming that they are translucent (not opaque) and commonly used for privacy and glare control.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option (e) claims complete blocking of light—this is false; opaque panels are different products (e.g., enamelled/vision-block panels). Ground glass is translucent, not opaque.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing translucency with opacity; assuming frosted glass is a coating instead of a modified surface that can be on one side only.


Final Answer:

All of the above

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