Prismatic glass panels scrapped for WTC tower

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has scrapped a plan to cover the concrete base of a World Trade Center tower with 2,000 clear prismatic glass panels due to technical problems.

The New York Times reports that manufacturing the panels at such a large scale has proved to be difficult. It says the refinishing process that gives the glass its prismatic effect makes prone to shatter.

Construction of 1 World Trade Center has already risen to 65 stories. The glass was to cover the skyscraper's 185-foot-tall concrete base, which was created to withstand a vehicular bomb. About $10 million had been spent on the glass.

The agency says traditional clear glass will likely be used instead. The building is expected to open as planned in January 2014.