U-shaped glass is a patterned glass with two flanges, made from waste glass by melting, drawing, and rolling. It transmits light while obscuring views, softening the light and providing privacy. It is also called channel glass and has mechanical properties and applications similar to channel steel.

Glass is commonly associated with windows and doors, so why is U-shaped glass considered a wall material? In response to this question, the interviewee explained: “First, its functions, uses, performance and practical applications make U-shaped glass a wall material. Second, under China’s definition of new wall materials in the 1980s, all wall materials other than solid clay bricks belong to that category. Third, U-shaped glass uses waste glass from buildings and everyday glass products, making it a recycled wall material whose development is encouraged.” Clarifying this classification matters because U-shaped glass is not yet widely understood by the public or architectural design organizations. It nevertheless has a place among new wall materials.

Filling the frame structure is one of the key points

The advantages of U-shaped glass over traditional wall materials extend beyond thermal conductivity. It is lightweight, offers bending strength, can be assembled on site, and is easy to install. It transmits light while preserving privacy, can reduce lighting energy use, and provides an attractive decorative finish. The examples observed by the reporter combine steel structures with U-shaped glass to create modern buildings. U-shaped glass changes the appearance of traditional exterior walls, adding beauty and variation. Its use as infill in framed structures should be a key application.