Introduction of Transparent Concrete

• Transparent material means which can be seen from one part to another part.
• Light transmitting concrete also known as translucent concrete, is a concrete based building material having light-transmissive property.
• It is a new technique different from normal concrete. Translucent concrete allow more light and less weight compared to normal concrete.
• It is available as prefabricated building blocks and panels.
• It is used in floors, pavements, ceiling, load-bearing walls, partition walls, etc.

Materials which is used for Transparent Concrete

• The two basic materials are-

1. Fine concrete
2. Optical fibres

• Fine concrete: Cement & fine aggregate (sand).
• Optical fibres: There are 3 kinds

1. Multimode graded-index fibre
2. Multimode step-index fibre
3. Single-mode step-index fibres

Principles for Transparent Concrete

• Transparent concrete works based on “Nano-Optics”.
• Fibres are placed directly on top of each other.
• Fibres acts like silts & carry light throughout.

Manufacturing Process of Transparent Concrete

• Almost same as regular concrete
• Concrete are poured into the mould in layers.
• On top of each layers, a layer of fibres is infused.
• Fibre & concrete are alternately inserted into moulds at intervals of approx. 2mm to 5mm.
• Adding 4% to 5% optical fibres by volume into the concrete mixture.
• The concrete mixture is made from fine aggregate & cement.
• 1000’s of strands of optical fibres are cast into concrete.
• Smaller or thinner layers allow an increased amount of light to pass through the concrete.
• The casted material is cut into panels or blocks & polished.

Experimental Setup which is used to find the Transparent Concrete

• Choosing a desired mould.
• Make a needed design.
• Attach clay on the bottom of the mould.
• Induce optical fibre cables at desired shape.
• After that pour fine concrete at its approximate ratio.
• Set to dry and allow to curing.

Applications of Transparent Concrete

• Floors, pavements and load-bearing walls.
• Facades, interior wall cladding & dividing walls.
• Partitions wall.
• In furniture.
• Light sidewalks at night.
• Illuminating speed bumps.

Advantages of Transparent Concrete

• Energy saving can be done by utilization of transparent concrete in building.
• It has very good architectural properties for giving good aesthetical view to the building.
• Highest UV resistance.

Disadvantages of Transparent Concrete

• Concrete is very costly
• Skilled  labour needed

Conclusion

• Developed by adding optical fibre or large diameter glass fibre.
• Good light guiding property.
• It doesn’t loose the strength parameter also it has very vital property from the aesthetic point of view.
• Concept of green energy saving.
• Its initial cost is high. But, routine maintenance is not required and in long run it may be advantageous.
• In future the it’s cost is expected to decrease.