The Ontario Building Code | Reinforcing for Glass Block
9.20.9.6. Reinforcing for glass Block
(1) glass block shall have horizontal joint reinforcement of two corrosion-resistant bars of not less than 3.76 mm diam or expanded metal strips not less than 75 mm wide,
(a) spaced at vertical intervals of not more than 600 mm for units 190 mm or less in height, and
(b) installed in every horizontal joint for units higher than 190 mm.
(2) Reinforcement required in Sentence (1) shall be lapped not less than 150 mm.
9.20.10. Lateral support
In Plain Language
Glass block panels need reinforcing meeting the requirements set out in this article, since glass block doesn't have the same inherent strength as conventional masonry.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.