ISO 16936-3:2005

Overview

ISO 16936-3:2005 - "Glass in building - Forced-entry security glazing - Part 3: Test and classification by manual attack" - specifies a physical test method and classification system for forced-entry security glazing subjected to deliberate manual attack. The standard evaluates how glazing delays access to a protected space against blunt and sharp tool impacts, thermal stress, and optional chemical attack. It is designed to assess short-term resistance to manually executed attacks (non-powered tools) and to provide comparative classifications of glazing constructions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and limits
  • Applies to manual attacks only; excludes powered tools, explosives, military ordnance and procedures needing more than two people.
  • Classification is comparative and depends on test personnel skill and procedure.
• Sample preparation
  • Typical test piece size: 1 100 mm × 900 mm (± tolerances). Edges must be free of visible chips and conditioned vertically before testing.
• Test environment & support
  • Specified room and sample conditioning temperatures are required.
  • Test piece is mounted in a rigid frame with defined edge clamping, rubber strips and setting blocks to ensure reproducible support.
• Tool set and procedures
  • Defined blunt-impact tools (e.g., 3.0 kg sledgehammer, steel pipe, 54 kg ram, ball-peen hammer) and sharp-impact tools (ripping bar, cold chisel, angle iron, axe, maul).
  • Thermal tools include CO2 extinguisher and propane torch; chemical agents (gasoline or acetone) are optional.
  • A prescribed sequence of impacts and actions is used to determine resistance class (Classes I–V).
• Test team
  • Laboratory personnel: test leader/director, timekeeper, and two operators conducting the manual attack.
• Reporting and classification
  • Results are recorded in a test report and the glazing is assigned a category of resistance based on performance during the prescribed sequence.

Applications and users

• Practical uses:
  • Selection, specification, and comparative evaluation of security glazing for storefronts, public buildings, detention facilities, banks, and other vulnerable façades.
  • Product development and quality control for manufacturers of laminated, multi-pane, or reinforced glazing systems.
• Typical users:
  • Architects, façade engineers, security consultants, glazing manufacturers, test laboratories, and building code authorities specifying forced-entry resistance.

Related standards

• ISO 16936 series:
  • Part 1: repetitive ball drop
  • Part 2: repetitive hammer and axe impact at room temperature
  • Part 4: pendulum impact under thermal/fire stress
• Other referenced documents cited in ISO 16936-3 include ISO 48 (rubber hardness) and relevant EN/ASTM/UL standards for tooling and extinguishers.

Keywords: ISO 16936-3, forced-entry security glazing, manual attack test, security glazing testing, glass in building, glazing classification.