What are laminated glass windows likely to do when exposed to a fire?

Laminated glass windows are designed to enhance safety and security, as they consist of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, often made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). When exposed to high temperatures during a fire, laminated glass is likely to crack but typically does not shatter completely. This is because the interlayer holds the glass pieces together, preventing them from falling out of the frame or breaking into dangerous shards.

The tendency to crack and remain in place contributes to a certain level of safety, as it minimizes the risk of large pieces of glass causing injury. While the glass may become opaque or discolored due to the heat and the smoke, its structural integrity in terms of holding together is a critical feature that makes laminated glass different from standard, untreated glass.

In contrast, options that suggest the glass would shatter or break into irregular shards do not accurately reflect the behavior of laminated glass under fire conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding the physical properties of different materials used in construction.