Information required urgently

I was wondering if anyone knows where I could find information about any of the following aspects of glass:

- Harvesting/mining/conversion (how to get the raw materials)
- Defects
- Testing (types of tests carried out and what they determine)
- Degradation + preservation
- Compatibiility with other materials
- Fire protection
- Installation
- Recyclability
- Costs comparisons with other materials that perform similar functions

ANY help at all would be GREATLY appreciated, thank you for your time.

- Mark Banks