Globalization and economic development lead a rapid growth in infrastructure sector like high rising structure, underground structure and many more. These structures are mostly depend upon artificial sources for lighting purpose which directly depend upon non renewable sources. Thus there is need of some smart construction techniques like green building etc.
Transparent concrete is one of innovate construction material which leads to sustainable and green development. Transparent concrete is also know as Translucent concrete or light transmitting concrete. These type of concrete is achieved by replacing coarse aggregate with optical fibres. The transparent concrete mix consist of 5-6 percent of light conducting material like optical fibres by volume and rest is simple concrete. These transmitting material is placed in concrete during casting process. The concrete have high compressive strength around 70MPa.
There is no need of any type of special cement for concrete. We can use simply portland cement in construction.
Fine aggregate
Aggregate which passes through 1.18 mm sieve should be used in concrete like sand. The fine aggregate should be free of anytype of vegetation or large aggregate.
Optical fibre
Optical fibres should be used by 5-6 percent by volume. The main advantage of optical fibres is that it transmit light which strike at one end even at angle more than 60°.
The optical fibres consist various parts as per figure.
Water
Water should be free from impurities like acid, oils, akalies or other materials. Water perform two function in concrete: water react with cement chemically and secondly act as lubricant between cement and coarse particle. The water should be of drinking quality.
Casting of transparent concrete can be done by two ways:
First method
The mould of standard size is used in casting process. According to IS 456-2000, the minimum size of cube is 15×15×15 cm. Marking can be done properly such that perforated plates can be used. Then holes are punched on opposite side of mould and optical fibres are run through one end to other end. After that concrete is poured in the mould. The diameter and number of holes are entirely depend upon the amount of optical fibres used.
Second method
A layer of concrete is placed and then the layer of optical fibres is infused and then again concrete is placed over it.
While construction, sometime the fibres bends and roughnesses on the cut surfaces of the fibers, light transmission reduces to nearly half. So given five percent fibers, about two percent. As the human eye's response to light is non-linear, this can still give useful daylighting.
Advantage
Disadvantage
Application
Transparent concrete is one of innovate construction material which leads to sustainable and green development. Transparent concrete is also know as Translucent concrete or light transmitting concrete. These type of concrete is achieved by replacing coarse aggregate with optical fibres. The transparent concrete mix consist of 5-6 percent of light conducting material like optical fibres by volume and rest is simple concrete. These transmitting material is placed in concrete during casting process. The concrete have high compressive strength around 70MPa.
Material used in Translucent Concrete
CementThere is no need of any type of special cement for concrete. We can use simply portland cement in construction.
Fine aggregate
Aggregate which passes through 1.18 mm sieve should be used in concrete like sand. The fine aggregate should be free of anytype of vegetation or large aggregate.
Optical fibre
Optical fibres should be used by 5-6 percent by volume. The main advantage of optical fibres is that it transmit light which strike at one end even at angle more than 60°.
The optical fibres consist various parts as per figure.
Water
Water should be free from impurities like acid, oils, akalies or other materials. Water perform two function in concrete: water react with cement chemically and secondly act as lubricant between cement and coarse particle. The water should be of drinking quality.
Casting of transparent concrete can be done by two ways:
First method
The mould of standard size is used in casting process. According to IS 456-2000, the minimum size of cube is 15×15×15 cm. Marking can be done properly such that perforated plates can be used. Then holes are punched on opposite side of mould and optical fibres are run through one end to other end. After that concrete is poured in the mould. The diameter and number of holes are entirely depend upon the amount of optical fibres used.
Second method
A layer of concrete is placed and then the layer of optical fibres is infused and then again concrete is placed over it.
While construction, sometime the fibres bends and roughnesses on the cut surfaces of the fibers, light transmission reduces to nearly half. So given five percent fibers, about two percent. As the human eye's response to light is non-linear, this can still give useful daylighting.
Advantage
- Energy Efficient.
- Good architectural properties for giving good aesthetical view.
- Environment friendly.
Disadvantage
- Costly because of optical fibres.
- Person have some special skills as casting process is difficult.
Application
- Transparent block can be used in partition, load bearing walls.
- Used where sunlight does not reach properly.
- Used as pavement or flooring.
- In furniture for decorative and aesthetic purpose.
- Increase visibility in dark area.
- Lighting indoor fire escape in case of power failure.
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