What is the consequence of not supporting a pane of glass firmly when unusual loads are present?

Not supporting a pane of glass firmly when unusual loads are present can lead to both structural instability and cracking of the glass.

When glass is not adequately supported in a situation where it may experience additional or unexpected loads—such as wind pressure, impacts, or other environmental factors—it can struggle to maintain its integrity. The lack of proper support can result in uneven stress distribution across the glass surface. This uneven distribution can lead to stresses that exceed the material's strength limits, causing cracking.

Additionally, if the glass is part of a larger structural system and is not properly secured, the overall stability of the structure may be compromised. This means that the pane of glass might not only fail on its own but could also negatively impact the surrounding framework and other elements of the building's structure.

In essence, an inadequate support system significantly increases the risks of failure for both the glass itself and the overall integrity of the building.