Nyla Vaidya TRANSCLUCENT CONCRETE
B005
(REPORT)
Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. However,
researchers and manufacturers have been working together to produce different
types of concrete to improve the overall quality and the economic value of
construction.
As a result, translucent concrete has gained popularity in many industries across the
world. As an energy saving and eco-friendly building material, Light Transmitting or
translucent concrete is now increasingly used in fine architecture and cladding for
interiors
WHAT IS TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE?
⬗ Translucent concrete is based on the concept of ‘Nano Optics,’ where optical
fibres act as slits to transmit light from one side of the surface to another.
These optical fibres are spread evenly through the concrete and are visible on
both sides of the block. While patterns form on one side of the surface, they
appear as shadowy outlines through the concrete.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE
The concept of translucent concrete dates back to the early 1900s, when major
advancements in the field of polymer-based optical fibres led to its development.
Although the idea of light transmitting concrete had been in existence for years, the
actual concept of translucent concrete was introduced by Hungarian architect, Aron
Losonczi in 2001. As the pioneer of translucent concrete, Losonczi was able to
successfully produce the first transparent concrete block within two years of pitching the
idea. This new material was called LiTraCon (short for Light Transmitting Concrete), and
soon became popular in countries including Italy, Germany, and even China.
HOW IS TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE MANUFACTURED?
Translucent concrete is made by combining two major materials; fine concrete (with
cement and aggregates like sand) and optical fibres. These optical fibres replace
other concrete aggregates, and conduct light from artificial and natural sources even
at an angle of incidence of more than 60 degrees. There are three different layers in
the optical fibres – the buffer coating, cladding, and the core, and light is transmitted
through the core. The process of manufacturing translucent concrete is similar to that
of traditional concrete; the only difference lies in the introduction of 4% - 5% optical
fibres, based on volume, into the mixture. Specifically, the process includes adding
a layer of fibres to the mould alternatively, on top of small layers of concrete
at intervals of 2mm to 5mm. The thinner and smaller the layer is, the more light it
allows to pass through. An important point to note is that translucent concrete does
not contain coarse aggregates as they damage the fibre strands and stop light from
passing through the concrete block. Also, fast setting cement is preferred when
preparing the concrete mix; craft clay is also added as a base for the optical fibres to
set in the concrete. Furthermore, because translucent concrete is a form of pre-cast
concrete, the material is cut into blocks or panels, polished, and sent for use.
Aesthetic features
• It is lighter than conventional concrete having special features such as low
density and thermal conductivity with main advantage of reduction in dead
weight, faster building rate in construction, lower haulage & handling cost.
Light is transmitted from one surface of the brick wall to the other due to glass
rods along the overall width of the wall which allows light to pass through.
Another additional feature is its pleasing aesthetics that can change the image
of the concrete which is generally perceived as dull, pale, opaque grey
material.
Materials used in translucent concrete
The two basic materials used for making transparent concrete are:-
Fine concrete: Consists of cement and fine aggregates such as sand.
Optical fibres: There are 3 kinds of optical fibres
1. Multimode Graded- index fibres
2. Multimode step – index fibres
3. Single- mode step – index fibre
APPLICATION OF TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE IN THE CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
Compared to traditional concrete, the use of light transmitting concrete is not as
widespread. However, it has been used in a number of fine architectural monuments
and buildings as a façade material. Translucent concrete blocks are suitable for
floorings and pavements, and are also used in staircases and desks. Other than that,
translucent concrete is used in partition walls, doors, panels, etc., and adds to the
beauty of the interior by illuminating the area during day time. In addition to lighting
up dark places or windowless areas like basements, it is used to construct sidewalks
and speed bumps that illuminate at night and provide increased safety for
pedestrians and roadside traffic.
ADVANTAGES
⬗ Transparent concrete is an excellent source for the sunlight to reach the
interior of buildings and thereby reducing the power consumption during
daylight hours.
⬗ As the transparent concrete is composed of optical fibers which work as heat
insulators, thus becoming more effective on cold regions.
⬗ As the application of translucent concrete encompasses very wide area they
can also be used in the security and supervision in places like restaurants and
houses.
⬗ It has very good architectural view and is also aesthetically appealing.
⬗ Total environment friendly as it helps in reducing power consumption during
daylight hours and it also work on very less energy consuming LEDs, thereby
reducing energy consumption.
⬗ The manufacturing process of transparent concrete requires both skilled
supervision and skilled labor to perform the casting.
⬗ Energy saving can be done by utilization of transparent concrete in buildings.
⬗ It has very good architectural properties, for giving good aesthetical views to
the building.
Disadvantages
⬗ The concrete is very costly because of the optical fibres.
⬗ Casting of transparent concrete blocks is difficult for the labour, hence special
skilled workers are required which again increases cost.
⬗ Transparent concrete can be used in places where light cannot come properly
and thus illuminating the whole place by natural light.
⬗ The main disadvantage of transparent concrete is its high cost because of the
optical fibers.
EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE
Although the use of translucent concrete is not as widespread, there are a few
projects that have used it to make remarkable structures. The “European Gate,” built
in 2004 as a monument to celebrate Hungary joining the European Union, is one of
the most popular landmarks in the country due to its light transmitting quality.
Another recent example is the Stuttgart City Library in Germany. Designed by Yi
Architects, the structure is popular around the world for its cube-shape and
translucent roof that allows natural light to illuminate the area.
⬗ Another reason why translucent concrete cannot fully replace traditional
concrete is the lack of expertise. The infusion of optical fibres into the
concrete mix requires skilled labour, but not many people are familiar with this
technology.
⬗ Safe to say, for translucent concrete to become a viable alternative,
researches will have to find economical ways of manufacturing it.
⬗ Many experts have predicted that translucent concrete can bring about a
positive change in the overall market and become an economical and eco-
friendly alternative to traditional concrete.
⬗ As a result, manufacturers are now working hard to develop translucent
concrete at a lower cost, so it can become an affordable alternative for both
commercial and residential projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
When a solid wall is imbued with the ability to transmit light, it means that a home can use fewer
lights in their house during daylight hours. Since the insulating capacity of the wall is unchanged, the
result is a net energy gain.
Material Performance
• Concrete embedded with optical glass fibres running in a matrix while still retaining the strength
of concrete. • High density top layer concrete • Infused with optical fibres • Frost and salt resistant •
Fire protection classification A2 • Highest UV resistance
THE FUTURE OF TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE AS A BUILDING MATERIAL :
Translucent concrete let’s just about enough light to pass through it to make it a
viable material for reducing power consumption. Hence, it can be used as an eco-
friendly alternative to traditional concrete in the near future. Other than its economic
and environmental advantages, translucent concrete also makes architecture more
visually appealing and increases the overall aesthetic value of a structure. However,
despite its various advantages, there are a few limitations to its usage in large scale
projects. Since optical fibres are an expensive material, the production of translucent
concrete is expensive compared to traditional concrete. Another reason why translucent
concrete cannot fully replace traditional concrete is the lack of expertise. The infusion of
optical fibres into the concrete mix requires skilled labour, but not many people are familiar
with this technology.
Safe to say, for translucent concrete to become a viable alternative, researches will have to
find economical ways of manufacturing it.
Many experts have predicted that translucent concrete can bring about a positive change in
the overall market and become an economical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional
concrete. As a result, manufacturers are now working hard to develop translucent concrete at
a lower cost, so it can become an affordable alternative for both commercial and residential
projects.
Several years ago, the material was featured in the “Liquid Stone” exhibit at the National Building
Museum, and started opening peoples’ eyes to all kinds of possibilities. While the material has
distinct architectural and interior design appeal, some of the companies involved in light-
transmitting concrete production envision using the distinct looks and unique abilities of this
concrete for practical applications. Although translucent concrete has been used primarily as an
interior decoration, its creators have “visions of cities that glow from within, and buildings whose
windows need not be flat, rectangular panes, but can be arbitrary regions of transparency within
flowing, curving walls”. It can at the same time be building material and light source, can separate
and connect, can be wall or floor, ambient lighting or eye-catcher. Translucent concrete is also a
great insulating material that protects against outdoor extreme temperatures while also letting in
daylight. This makes it an excellent compromise for buildings in harsh climates, where it can shut out
heat or cold without shutting the building off from daylight. It can be used to illuminate underground
buildings and structures, such as subway stations. Translucent concrete could provide safety
applications in the future such as speed bumps that could be lit “from below to make them more
visible at night”, or to light indoor fire escapes in case of a power failure. It even has the potential to
be sustainable; the aggregate can be replaced with crushed recycled glass.
References
⬗ https://www.specifyconcrete.org/blog/a-brief-history-and-future-use-of-translucent-
concrete
⬗ https://sites.google.com/site/ungherianazionemagiara/home/inventori/aron-losonczi
Research papers:-
⬗ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327720126_Transparent_Concrete
⬗ http://www.ijscer.com/uploadfile/2015/0429/20150429075826314.pdf
⬗ Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzP53renR1A
