Architects’ Forum™ 2019 is headed to the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, N.Y., on March 28. The event is organized by Architects’ Guide to Glass & Metal magazine to provide continuing education courses for architects at no cost.

Valerie Block, currently an architectural marketing consultant for the PVB Division of Kuraray America, will present the need for “Designing Safer Glass Railings with Laminated Glass.” This session, presented by Silver Sponsor, Kuraray America Inc., offers attendees 1 LU/HSW credit hour and takes place from 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.

Block will examine the safety concerns around glass in railing systems and the new building code requirements that address the use of these systems. The results of impact testing will be presented, and the need to verify the compatibility of sealants and grouts will be discussed. The course will cover issues such as different glass types used in railing systems; laminated glass interlayers and the role they play in glass retention after breakage; building codes and standards that are directed toward glass railings in buildings; and the difference in post breakage performance of glass types in minimally supported glass systems, among others.

Block works with architects and specifiers, structural engineers, façade consultants and glass fabricators on the specification, design and use of laminated glass in buildings. She has chaired the Glazing Industry Code Committee and is a frequent speaker and author of articles about the use of glass in buildings. Block brings more than 30 years of experience in the glass and glazing industry.

The Long Island Marriott is offering a discounted room rate of $179 USD per night, king/double, plus tax until next Monday, March 4, 2019, on a first-come, first-served basis. To book your room, call 800/228-9290 and mention you are a part of Glass Expo Northeast ’19.

For more information, or to register online, please visit https://glassguides.com/forum/. Registered attendees of the Architects’ Forum also receive free entry to visit the Glass Expo Northeast™ tradeshow, where they can further their knowledge about the architectural glass and metal industry.