Seminar Report on Transparent Concrete 1

INTRODUCTION:-

Due to economic development and space utilization requirements, high- rise buildings and
skyscrapers are mostly built downtown in metropolitan areas around the world, especially
countries with great population. This arises one of the problem in deriving natural light in
building, due to obstruction of nearby structures. Due to this problem use of artificial sources
for illumination of building is increased by great amount. So, it is very essential to reduce the
artificial light consumption in structure.
It is considered to be one of the best sensor materials available and has been used widely
since the 1990s. Hungarian architect, AronLosonczi, first introduced the idea of light
transmitting concrete in 2001 and then successfully produced the first transparent concrete
block in 2003, named LiTraCon. However, his light transmitting concrete did not have smart
sensing properties.

Transparent concrete also known as Light transmitting concrete is a novel construction

material manufactured with optical fiber by drilling through the cement and mortar in order to
utilize the light guiding ability of optical fiber. The main purpose was to use sunlight as a
light source in order to reduce the power consumption of illumination. Light transmitting
concrete are available as prefabricated blocks / panels. Litracon rooms will be brightened and
proximal objects situated on the brighter side of a transparent wall will be revealed as
silhouettes on the other side.

Though the optical fibers compose only 4% of the concrete, some light is transmitted because
of their parallel arrangement in a matrix between to the two outer surfaces of each block.
Load-bearing structures can also be built from these blocks, since optical fibers have no
negative effect on the strength of the concrete. The blocks come in various sizes and option
of embedded heat-isolation. Since not everyone appreciates the look of exposed concrete.

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General Properties of Transparent Concrete:

(from International Journal of Innovation Research in Science, Engineering & Technology)
 Table 1General properties

Specimens by Litracon Company Product Translucent Concrete

1. Form Prefabricated
2. Ingredients 96% concrete, 4% optical fiber
3. Density 2100-2400 Kg/m 2
4. Block size 150 x 150 x 150mm
5. Thickness 25-500mm
6. Colour White, Grey or Black
7. Fiber distribution Organic, Patterned
8. Finished Polished
9. Compressive strength 50 N/mm 2
10. Bending Tensile strength 7 N/mm 2

WORKING PRINCIPLE:-

Total Internal Reflection In A Fiber

The principle behind the transmission of light waves in an optical fiber is total internal
reflection. The total internal reflection in the walls of the fiber can occur only by the
following two conditions:
I. The glass around the centre of the fiber (core) should have higher refractive index (n1)
than that of the material (cladding) surrounding the fiber.
II. The light should incident at an angle (between the path of the ray and normal to the fiber
wall) greater than the critical angle.

Transparent concrete or translucent concrete is work based on “Nano- Optics”. Optical fibers
passes as much light when tiny slits are placed directly on top of each other as when they are
staggered. It is because optical fibers in the concrete act like the slits and carry the light

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across throughout the concrete. Thousands of optical glass fibers form a matrix and run
parallel to each other between the two main surfaces of each block. The fibers mingle in the
concrete because of their insignificant size and they become a structural component as a kind
of modest aggregate. The blocks can be produced in various sizes and with embedded heat-
isolation. Light transmitting concrete is a combination of optical fibers and fine concrete. It
can be produced as prefabricated building blocks and panels. Due to the small size of the
fibers, they blend into concrete becoming a component of the material like small pieces of
aggregate. By arranging high numerical aperture Plastic Optical Fibers (POF) or big diameter
glass optical fiber into concrete, it transmits light so effectively that there is virtually no loss
of light conducted through the fibers. The glass fibers lead light by points between the two
sides of the blocks. Because of their parallel position, the light-information on the brighter
side of such a wall appears unchanged on the darker side. The most interesting form of this
phenomenon is probably the sharp display of shadows on the opposing side of the wall.
Moreover, the colour of the light also remains the same.

Fig 1Total internal reflection

INGRIEDIENTS OF TRANSPARENT CONCRETE

· Cement
Cement is a binder, a substance that sets and hardens as the cement dries and also
reacts with carbon dioxide in the air dependently, and can bind other materials together.
Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use around the world, used as
a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco, and most nonspecialty grout. The OPC was
classified into three grades namely, 33 grade, 43 grade and 53 grade depending upon the
strength of the cement at 28 days when tested as per IS 4031-1988. The cement used in this
experimental works is “Koromandal King 53 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement”. The specific
gravity of cement was 3.14. The initial and final setting times were found as 51 minutes and
546 minutes respectively. Standard consistency of cement was 40%.

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· Fine aggregate:
Fine aggregate is the inert or chemically inactive material, most of which passes
through a 4.75 mm IS sieve and contains not more than 5 per cent coarser material. The
specific gravity 2.75 and fineness modulus of 2.80 were used as fine aggregate. The loose and
compacted bulk Density values of sand are1600 and 1688 kg/m3 respectively, the water
absorption of 1.1%.
The fine aggregates serve the purpose of filling all the open spaces in between the
coarse particles. Thus, it reduces the porosity of the final mass and considerably increases its
strength. Usually, natural river sand is used as a fine aggregate. However, at places, where
natural sand is not available economically, finely crushed stone may be used as a fine
aggregate.

· Coarse aggregate:
Crush granite aggregate available from local sources has been used. The coarse
aggregate with maximum size of 10mm having the specific gravity value of 2.6 and fineness
modulus of 5.60 were used as a coarse aggregate. The loose and compacted bulk density
values of coarse aggregate are 1437 and 1556 kg/m3 respectively, the water absorption of
0.4%.
· Optical Fibers Elements:
Core - The thin glass center of the fiber where the light travels is called core.
Cladding - The outer optical material surrounding the core that reflects the light back into the
core. To confine the reflection in the core, the refractive index of the core must be greater
than that of the cladding.
Buffer Coating – This is the Plastic coating that protects the fiber from damage and
moisture.

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Fig2 Elements of a optical fibre

· Water: Water should be free from acids, oils, alkalies vegetables or other organic
impurities. Soft waters also produce weaker concrete. Water has two functions in a concrete
mix. Firstly, it reacts chemically with the cement to form the cement paste in which the inert
aggregates are held in suspension until the cement paste has hardened. Secondly, it serves as
a lubricant in the mixture of fine aggregates and cement.

OPTICAL FIBERS:
Optical fiber is a wave guide, made of transparent dielectric (glass or plastics) in
cylindrical form through which light is transmitted by total internal reflection. It guides light
waves to travel over long distances without much loss of energy. Optical fiber consists of an
inner cylinder made of glass or plastic called core of very high refractive index. The core is
surrounded by a cylindrical shell of glass or plastic of lower refractive index called cladding.
The cladding is covered by a jacket which protects the fiber from moisture and abrasion.
3.1. Types of Optical Fibers
Based on the refractive index profile and the number of modes, optical fibers are
divided into three types. They are:
1) Step index single mode fiber
2) Step index multimodefiber
3) Graded index multimode fiber
A step index single mode fiber may have very small core diameter (i.e. 5- 10µm). Due
to its small core diameter, only a single mode of light ray transmission is possible. About
80% of the fibers that are manufactured in the world today are of this type.

Fig3Step index single mode fiber

A step index multimode fiber has a core diameter of 50 to 200µm and an external
diameter of cladding 125 to 300µm. Since the core material is of uniform refractive index and
the cladding material of lesser refractive index than that of core, there is a sudden increase in

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the value of refractive index from cladding to core. Since the core has larger diameter,
propagation of many modes within the fiber is allowed.

Fig 4 Step index multimode fiber

In a graded index multimode fiber, the refractive index of the core is maximum at the
axis of the fiber and it gradually decreases towards the cladding. Since there is a gradual
decrease in the refractive index of the core the modal dispersion can be minimized.

Fig 5 Graded index multimode fibre

Benefits of optical fiber

Following are the benefits of optical fiber:

 It can be bend in different shapes.

 It has a less bending radius.
 It is resilient to damage.
 It is abuse than glass.
 Cutting, wiring, bonding, connecting and processes are easier.
 It does not produce radiation.

 It is immune to radio magnetic interference, radio frequency interference and noise.

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Material Specification:-
{derived from IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE)}
The basic material used for manufacture of transparent concrete are cement, aggregate and
optical fibre. Table below shows the important specifications of this materials.

Table2Material Specification

Sr. Material Specifications

01. Cement 53 Grade
02. Coarse aggregate Less than 10mm
03. Fine aggregate Passing through 2.36mm sieve
04. Concrete M 20 Grade
05. Optical fibre 2% - 4%

Properties of Materials

 Cement:

Ordinary Portland cement was used for casting all the specimens. The important features
required in translucent concrete are shown in Table below.

Table 3Properties of Cement:

Sr. Properties of Cement Values obtained

01. Fineness of cement as retained on 90 micron sieve 3%
02. Grade of cement 53
03. Specific Gravity 3.15
04. Initial Setting time 30min

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 Fine Aggregate:

Clean and dry river sand available locally is used. Sand passing through IS 4.75mm Sieve is
used for casting all the specimens. The values of specific gravity and fineness modulus are
shown in Table below.

Table 4Properties of Fine Aggregate

Sr. Properties Values obtained

01. Specific Gravity 2.53
02. Fineness Modulus 2.64

 Coarse Aggregate:

Coarse aggregate passing through 10mm sieve is used for casting all specimens. Table below
indicates the important values of properties of coarse aggregate.

Table5Properties of Coarse Aggregate

Sr. Properties Values

01. Size of Aggregates 10mm
02. Fineness Modulus 5.01
03. Specific Gravity 2.35

 Water:

Ordinary potable water of normally pH 7 is used for mixing and curing the concrete
specimen.

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MANUFACTURING OF TRANSPARENT CONCRETE

A. Preparation of mould:

In the process of making light transmitting concrete, the first step involved is preparation of
mould. The mould required for the prototype can be made with different materials which can
be of either tin or wood. In the mould preparation, it is important to fix the basic dimensions
of mould. The standard minimum size of the cube according to IS 456-2000 is
15cmx15cmx15cm for concrete. In the mould, markings are made exactly according to the
size of the cube so that the perforated plates can be used. Plates made of sheets which are
used in electrical switch boards is used which will be helpful in making perforations and give
a smooth texture to the mould, holes are drilled in to the plates as shown in Figure below. The
diameter of the holes and number of holes mainly depends on percentage of fiber used.

Fig.6Preparation of mould

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B. Procedure of making translucent panel:

Step 1-Preparation of the Mould:

A mould of rectangular cross section of size 150mm*150mm*150mm is made with

wood or steel. Make the required size of rectangular mould from wood or tin. Place the clay
or mud in the sides where the optical fibers are exposed to the mould for the easy demoulding
after the concreting.

Fig. 7Preparation of panel.

Step 2- Optical Fiber:

The optical fibers are cut carefully to the required size of mould. The commonly
available diameters of optical fibers are .25 mm, .5 mm, .75 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm.

Fig. 8 Optical Fibers

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Step 3- Fixing the Fibers:

Fibers are placed either in organic distribution or in layered distribution. Holes are
driven on the wooden or steel plates through which optical fibers are allowed to pass through.

Fig. 9Fixing of fibers.

Step 4- Concreting:

The thoroughly mixed concrete is poured carefully and slowly without causing much
disturbances to the previously laid optical fibers. The concrete is filled in smaller or thinner
layers and is agitated with the help of vibrating tables to avoid the void formation.

Fig. 10Concreting.

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Mix proportion:

In present work Indian standard method (IS 10262-2009) is used for mix design, mix
proportion are as table given below.

Table 6Mix proportion used for testing.

Table 6(i) For Mortar Mix-

Cement Sand Water
1 3 0.44

Table 6(ii) For Concrete Mix-

Cement Sand Coarse Aggregate Water
1 1.25 2.9 0.4

Step 5- Removing the Mould:

After 24 hrs, remove the mould and pull off the mud. The casted mould was kept
undisturbed on the leveled platform. Then it was de-moulded carefully after 24 hours from
casting. Immediately after de-moulding, the cube specimens were marked by their respective
identification mark/numbers (ID).

Step 6- Cutting and polishing:

Cut the extra-long fibers same as thickness of panel. Polish the panel surface by using
polishing paper or using sand paper as shown in figure givenbelow.

Fig. 11Trimming and polishing of the surface

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TESTS CONDUCTED ON TRANSPARENT CONCRETE

(International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT)
Volume 2, Issue 8, February 2013)
Several experiments were conducted on transparent concrete to study about its various
properties. They are as follows:

 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

By definition, the compressive strength of a material is that value of uniaxial compressive

stress reached when the material fails completely. The compressive strength is usually
obtained experimentally by means of a compressive test. The compressive strength of the
concrete is determined by cast the cubes of size 150mm x150mm x 150mm.

Compressive strength = load/area.

The compressive strength of the conventional concrete and light transmitting concrete in 7,
14 and 28 days is shown in figure.The compressive strength of light transmitting concrete
was compared with ordinary plain cement concrete and result showed that the compressive
strength of LiTraCon was similar to that of ordinary plain cement concrete. Hence it is
suitable for load bearing structures also.

(Fig: 12Compressive strength of concrete)

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 FLEXURAL STRENGTH

The flexural strength of the concrete is determined by conducting the test on prism by two
points loading.

Flexural strength = Pl/bd2

Where, P – Load

l – Length of the specimen

b – Width of the prism

d – Depth of the prism

The flexural strength of the conventional concrete and light

transmitting concrete having mix proportion as above in 7, 14 and 28 days is shown in figure
below.The flexural strength is determined by conducting two-point loading test on the
concrete sample. The results evidently show that the performance of LiTraCon based on the
strength aspect is also considerably high. Hence the application of optical fiber will make the
concrete decorative as well as can make the concrete structural efficient. Thus, the study
concludes that the transparency of light is possible in concrete without affecting its
compressive strength, as the optical fibers act as fiber reinforcement thereby enhancing the
strength and also enhances appearance.

(Fig 13 Flexural strength of concrete)

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APPLICATION:-
 ILLUMINATION OF WALL:

Transparent Concrete can be used as building material for interior and exterior walls. If
sunshine illuminates the wall structure, then eastern or western placement is
recommended; the rays of the rising or setting sun will hit the optical glass fibers in a
lower angle and the intensity of the light will be bigger. Besides the traditional
applications of a wall, the light transmitting concrete can also be used as wall covering
illuminated from the back. Fig: below shows illuminated walls using light transmitting
concrete.

Fig. 14- Walls illuminated by transparent concrete

 PAVEMENT:
Light transmitting concrete can be used as flooring a passable surface illuminated from
below. During the day it looks like typical concrete pavement but at sunset the paving
blocks begin to shine and in different colours.

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Fig:15 the pavement illuminated by transparent concrete.

 STAIRS
Litracon can also be used in stairs. With impact lighting of linear LED fixtures
translucent concrete can be used in horizontal and vertical applications such as feature
stairs, walls, flooring, tables and counter tops. Fig: below shows transparent concrete
stairs.

Fig 16: Transparent concrete stairs

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 RECEPTION DESK
Using transparent concrete reception desks can be light up in the front and the sides.
Fig:below shows reception desk light up by transparent concrete.

Fig.17Reception Desk made of transparent concrete

 A Lighting fixture and Conversational Piece

The transparent concrete cube is, without a doubt, a great conversation piece. The new
cube line consists of four identical pieces of concrete and, due to its special geometry; the
pieces form a stable structure without fixing them together.

Fig: 18 Litracon cube

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ADVANTAGE: -
Following are the advantages of light transmitting concrete:

 The main advantage of these product is that on large scale objects the textiles is still
visible- the texture of finer transparent concrete becomes indistinct at distance.
 It has very good architectural properties for giving good aesthetical view to the building.
 Translucent concrete can be used at the place where light is not able to come properly.
 Energy saving can be done by utilization of translucent concrete in building.
 Totally environment friendly because of its light transmitting characteristics, so energy
consumption can be reduced.
 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.

DISADVANTAGE: -
Following are the disadvantages of transparent concrete:

 The main disadvantage is that these concretes has a very high initial cost because of
the optical fibers.
 Casting of translucent concrete block is difficult for the labour, so special skilled
person is required.
 Natural or any artificial light passes through in the direction of fibers laid, only at this
condition shadow image appears on dark side.

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CONCLUSION: -
A novel architectural material called transparent concrete can be developed by adding optical
fibre or large diameter glass fibre in the concrete mixture. The transparent concrete has good
light guiding property and the ratio of optical fibre volume to concrete is proportion to
transmission. The transparent concrete not looses the strength parameter when compared to
regular concrete and also it has very vital property for the aesthetical point of view. It can be
used for the best architectural appearance of the building. Also used where the light cannot
reach with appropriate intensity.

A transparent concrete is aesthetically pleasing. Optical fiber based transparent concrete

could be regarded as an art which could be used in museums and specific exhibitions rather
than just a construction material. Although ease of construction is to be compromised, the
material is bound to be accepted universally due to its advantages. With the concept of green
technology catching up, electrical supply, being supplemented by natural sources, it becomes
absolutely necessary to utilize the natural resource. Although litracon has yet to be made
available for commercial use, it has already been suggested that buildings made with the
material could save electricity that would otherwise be required for daytime lighting.
Moreover, this light transmitting concrete can be utilized in the production of special types of
home furniture. In future, the cost of light transmitting concrete is expected to decrease with
the advancement in technology, manufacturers and as well as the users. Translucent concrete
is the future. It is the smart way of optimizing and utilizing light, a smart way of living

 It is concluded that, on usage of 4% of optical fibres the compressive strength

increased. The compressive strength of concrete cube depends on diameter of the
holes in the mould and the diameter of the optical fibre and it is directly proportion to
its compressive strength.
 The compressive strength of Light Transmitting Concrete was found to be ranging
between 20 – 23 N/mm2 with optical fibre specimen and with glass rods specimen the
compressive strength was found to be ranging between 24-26 N/mm2, which indicates
that the concrete satisfies the compressive strength requirement for M20 grade
concrete. The study concludes that the transparency of light is possible in concrete
without affecting its compressive strength, as the optical fibres and glass rods act as
fibre reinforcement thereby enhancing the strength and also enhances appearance.

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REFERENCE: -
 Soumyajit Paul, AvikDutta"Translucent Concrete", International Journal of Scientific and
Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 10, 2013, pp.
 Prof.Sonali, M.Kankriya “Translucent Concrete By using Optical fiber and Glass rods”
International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 6, Issue 10,
October 2016, ISSN 2250-3153
 AbhishekTiwari, Parmod Saharan, “Study of Behavior of Translucent Concrete using
Rice Husk and and Steel fiber” SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (SSRG-
IJCE) – volume 3 Issue 7 – July 2016.
 AbhishekPathade, Karthik Nair, NishadTharwal, Ravi Tiwarekar, “Light Transmitting
Concrete ” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
Volume 03 Issue 03, Mar-2016, e-ISSN: 2395 -0056, p-ISSN: 2395-0072
 Basma F. Bashbash, Roaa M. Hajrus, Doaa F. Wafi, Mamoun A. Alqedra “Basics of
Light Transmitting Concrete”: Global Advanced Research Journal of Engineering,
Technology and Innovation (ISSN: 2315-5124) Vol. 2(3) pp. 076-083, March, 2013

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