Materials Today: Proceedings 39 (2021) 1046–1050

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Materials Today: Proceedings

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Development of light-transmitting concrete – A review

Shing Mei Chiew a,⇑, Izni Syahrizal Ibrahim a, Noor Nabilah Sarbini a, Mohd Azree Mohd Ariffin a,
Han Seung Lee b, Jitendra Kumar Singh b
a
Forensic Engineering Centre (FEC), Institute of Smart Infrastructure & Innovative Construction (ISIIC), School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
b
Innovative Durable Building and Infrastructure Research Center, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: This paper provides an overview on the development of Light-transmitting Concrete (LTC). Concrete is
Received 28 November 2019 improved in terms of transparency by installing optical fibres into the concrete. The application of LTC
Received in revised form 6 May 2020 in building enables light transmission, which reduces light energy consumptions and carbon footprint,
Accepted 7 May 2020
providing a more sustainable living environment. This paper also discusses the current development
Available online 30 May 2020
and application of LTC. Some of the previous research regarding the microstructure and mechanical prop-
erties of LTC in terms of compressive strength and light transmittance properties are also discussed. LTC
Keywords:
has greater light transmittance with higher fibre volumetric fraction, smaller fibre diameter and spacing.
Light transmitting concrete
Optical fibre
However, the relationship between the factors and the light transmitting properties of LTC is yet to be
Green building investigated. Besides the fibre parameters, other environmental factors should also be considered to
Mechanical properties investigate the applicability and durability of LTC. There is still lack of investigation on the physical
Light transmitting properties and mechanical properties of LTC especially in the applications for structural performance. Further
Translucent research is required to investigate the fibre–matrix interfacial bond strength of LTC and measures should
be taken to improve the mechanical strength of LTC. Besides buildings, there is also a research potential
on the application of LTC on civil and infrastructure in terms of traffic safety.
Ó 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the SIE 2019: Sustainable &
Integrated Engineering International Conference.

1. Introduction In order to minimise the light energy consumption and promote

Global warming is always an issue to be concerned especially in
this rapidly-changing era. One of the main factors contributed to
global warming is the global energy consumption, due to urbaniza-
tion and increase in global population. Skyscrapers and tall build-
ings in urban area are usually constructed very close to each
other. The silhouette of the tall buildings create dark area which
hinder the transmittance of natural light to the adjacent building.
This leads to high energy consumptions through the usage of arti-
ficial lights, thus increases the carbon footprint. A large portion of
world’s energy consumptions are contributed by building sector
[1] which comprised of approximately 34% of global energy
demand [2]. In addition, 19% of the electricity consumed around
the world is contributed by lighting [3].
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: smchiew2@graduate.utm.my (S.M. Chiew).
sustainable development of building construction, new and inno-
vative advanced concrete materials such as light-transmitting con-
crete (LTC) or translucent concrete was invented and introduced to
the construction industry. Conventionally, glass, synthetic compos-
ites such as polymers and epoxy resin are used to transmit light in
buildings [4]. The invention of light transmitting concrete (LTC) or
translucent concrete is a great leap in advanced concrete develop-
ment which enables light transmitted through the concrete mate-
rial of the building to improve the lighting effect inside the
building [3,5,6].
LTC consists of light transmitting material such as glass [7,8]
and optic fibre [2,3,5,8–10] embedded in the concrete. The light
transmittance properties of LTC enables future development of
construction and infrastructure with less light energy consump-
tions. In addition, the development of LTC will also improve safety
and enhance the aesthetic value of the structure [8,11,12]. Cur-
rently, LTC is still unfamiliar and less applied in the construction
industry compared with other types of advanced concrete

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.05.166
2214-7853/Ó 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the SIE 2019: Sustainable & Integrated Engineering International Conference.
 S.M. Chiew et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 39 (2021) 1046–1050
materials. This is because of the lack of comprehensive and con-
vincing data and information regarding the mechanical properties,
light transmittance properties and the durability of LTC. The scien-
tific research on composition, material preparation and character-
istics of LTC are scarce and scattered despite of some commercial
reports [2,4,13]. This paper is aimed to discuss and review existing
references and database, and draw out the gaps of the research.
2. General background
The idea of light transmitting concrete was first introduced by a
Hungarian Architect named Aron Losonczi in 2001 [10–12]. The
architect used 4% optical fibre to invent the light transmitting con-
crete, named LiTraCon (Light Transmitting Concrete) [12]. LiTraCon
was invented primarily for the architectural and interior design
applications, illuminated the building by either natural light or
artificial light [14]. Fig. 1 shows the product of LiTraCon [8].
There are several types of LTC where concretes are embedded
by various translucent materials such as plastic, glass or optical
fibre [15]. Nevertheless, due to higher light transmittance ten-
dency, most of these LTC applied in the construction industry
was made from the combination of concrete and optical fibre.
Hence, this paper will only focus on the review of LTC incorporated
with optical fibre. Optical fibre comprised of core, cladding and
coating. Light is transmitted through the core whereas, cladding
is the outer optical material which refractive index is smaller than
the core to detent the total internal reflection in the core [16]. The
most common optical fibres used in producing LTC are glass fibre
and plastic fibre (or Polymethylmethacrylate fibre). Table 1 shows
the classification of LTC with glass fibre and plastic fibre [17] based
on the materials used, strength and weaknesses. In addition, both
types of optical fibres are efficient in light transmittance, however,
plastic fibre is more resilient to damage and requires lower cost
compared with glass fibre [18].
Light is transmitted through optical fibre by total internal
reflection. When the incident ray passes through a transparent
Fig. 1. LiTraCon [8].
Table 1
Classification of LTC with glass fibre and plastic fibre [17].
Type Materials Strength
LTC with Silica with small amount Transmit light
glass of dopants effectively over
optical large distances
fibre
LTC with Fibre cladding is made of Flexible
plastic silicone or Teflon Inexpensive
optical Easy to install
fibre Fibre core is made of Withstand greater
Polymethylmethacrylate stresses
or polystyrene Light weight
1047
object, refraction occurs. However, if the angle of the incident ray
exceeds the critical angle, light will be reflected instead of refrac-
tion. Total internal reflection in optical fibre can be classified into
three categories, which are multimode graded-index fibre, multi-
mode step-index fibre and single-mode step-index fibre [10] (refer
to Fig. 2). Single-mode optical fibre can only transmit light in one
mode, whereas multimode optical fibre can transmit multiple light
modes simultaneously [10].
Table 2 shows the advantages and disadvantages of LiTracon.
Despite the high cost which becomes the main drawback of utiliza-
tion of LTC in construction industry, LTC is actually an innovative
construction material which promotes green building and indi-
rectly reduces the carbon footprint especially in urban area where
high dependency of artificial light is required. Furthermore, LTC is
resistant to high UV, frost and de-icing salt [8]. Hence, it is durable
under harsh weather and is highly recommended in cold countries.
Since the main purpose of LTC is to transmit light and reduce
energy consumptions, there is a diverse range of applications
which LTC can be implemented, such as floors, facades, pavements,
cladding, staircase, partition walls and others [3]. For structural
performance, there are several buildings which had been success-
fully constructed with the application of LTC, as shown in Fig. 3.
In addition, LTC has potential to be implemented in infrastruc-
ture despite buildings to reduce the light energy consumptions
especially during night time. Garcia et al. [19] conducted experi-
ments to investigate the potential of LTC to be used in constructing
the pergolas of road tunnels. The experiments concluded that using
LTC as pergolas can direct sunlight to the road tunnel while main-
taining the homogeneity of light in the tunnel [19]. Saleem et al.
[20] proposed translucent concrete-based smart lane separator
by using optical fibre, which can transmit light and act as lane
marking to the road user, in addition to convey useful real-time
road conditions to the drivers, such as road accident and traffic
density. Besides that, speed bumps and dark sidewalks can also
be illuminated by LTC to increase visibility at night [8]. However,
these applications of LTC on traffic safety require further investiga-
tion and development.
3. Production of LTC
LTC is normally produced by mixing cement, sand and optical
fibre [17]. Some researchers [12,21] used coarse aggregates with
size not more than 10 mm for structural purpose. The volumetric
fraction of optical fibre normally embedded in LTC is 2.5–5% for
effective light transmission [15,17]. It is reported that LTC with
optical fibre more than 4% will reduce its compressive strength
drastically and affect its structural performance [12].
There are several methods for the installation of optical fibre
into the casting moulds. Altlomate et al. [3] cut the fibres into
specific length and inserted the fibres through holes in the form-
work which prefabricated specifically in the research work, as
shown in Fig. 4. The optical fibre used by Roye et al. [21] undergone
textile process to form a layered fabric before installing into the
formwork for casting. The concrete block was then demoulding
and cut to the specific size after concrete hardened. Li et al. [22]
introduced a preparation method where the fibres were embedded
Weakness
into the concrete matrix by means of parallel arrangement patterns
Heavy without textile manufacturing process.
weight
Expensive
4. Compressive strength of LTC
Only
practical in
short run Compressive strength is one of the important properties which
should be determined for a construction material to identify its
capacity of compressive resistance. Most of the compressive
strength tests conducted on LTC by previous research [4,9,22] were
1048 S.M. Chiew et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 39 (2021) 1046–1050

Fig. 2. Total internal reflection of optical fibre [10].

Table 2
Advantages and disadvantages of LiTraCon [15].

Advantages
 Compressive strength of
50 MPa and bending strength
of 7 MPa
 Different dimensional blocks
can be manufactured
 Aesthetic value for building
due to its light transmitting
properties
 A potential to be used as con-
struction material.
 Reduction of light energy
consumption
Disadvantages
 The inclusion of optical fibre will
lower the strength of concrete com-
pared to plain concrete
 Expensive. Around 800 euros per
meter square of thickness.
 Only available for prefabrication or
precast concrete. Casting in-situ is
not allowed

focused on the application in light transmitting in building. During

compressive strength test, the compressive load is applied perpen-
dicular to the direction of the optical fibre arrangement.
Li et al. [22] reported that the compressive strength of the light
transmitting cement mortar (LTCM) with volumetric fraction of 4%
optical fibre is 81% of that of plain cement mortar. Through Scan-
ning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis, they further concluded
that the reduction of compressive strength was contributed by
the existence of gaps between the fibre and mortar interface
[22]. Henriques et al. [4] also reported the similar result that the
compressive strength of concrete decreased due to the inclusion
of optical fibre. Through observation under SEM analysis and cap-
illary water absorption test, they found that voids existed between
the fibre–matrix interface due to the weak bond contributed by
extremely smooth and slippery surface of the optical fibre [4].
Sawant et al. [10] reported that with the increment of optical
fibre volumetric fraction, the compressive strength of LTC reduced.
On the other hand, Altlomate et al. [3] and Kumar et al. [12]
reported the adverse results where they suggested that the com-
pressive strength of LTC increased with the increment of the opti-
cal fibre volumetric fraction. However, the fibre volumetric fraction
in the study from Atlomate et al. [3] is only limited to less than 2%,
which the percentage is lower than the normal volumetric fraction
Fig. 4. Installation of optical fibre into the wood formwork [3].
used in LTC (2.5–5%), as mentioned in the previous section. When
the fibre volumetric fraction increases and greater than 2%, the
smaller fibre spacing results in smaller interconnecting distances
for microcracks propagation especially under compressive load.
This weakens the bond within the concrete matrix interface and
results in lower compressive strength. Hence, further research is
required to overcome this phenomena, which maintain the inten-
sity of light transmittance without compromising the compressive
strength of LTC.
Bashbash et al. [9] reported that the compressive strength of
LTC increased with the increment of the optical fibre diameter. This
is because fibre with bigger diameter is stiffer and able to aid in
withstanding the compressive load compared to fibre with smaller
diameter. Momin et al. [16] who studied the light transmittance of
concrete using optical fibres and glass rods reported that the com-
pressive strength with glass rod is higher than the specimen with
optical fibre. This is because the stiffness of glass rod is higher than
the optical fibre.

Fig. 3. Buildings with applications of LTC: (a) Al-Aziz Mosque in Abu Dhabi, (b) Italian pavilion at Shanghai World Expo, China, and (c) Radhous building in Erfurt, Germany
[3,14].
 S.M. Chiew et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 39 (2021) 1046–1050
Overall, most of the research revealed that the inclusion of opti-
cal fibre will decrease the concrete compressive strength. In addi-
tion, there are also few researchers after going through SEM
analysis discovered that the decrease in concrete compressive
strength [3,4,6,22] was due to the weaker fibre–matrix interfacial
bond. Among the existing research and previous references, only
Li et al. [6] took action to improve the fibre–matrix interfacial bond
by treating the fibre with silane coupling agent. In order to
enhance the mechanical strength of LTC, the research on fibre–ma-
trix interfacial bond and appropriate measures to improve the
bond strength should be further investigated.
5. Factors affecting light transmitting properties
The main purpose of the invention of LTC is to transmit light
through the concrete. Hence, light transmittance test is necessary
to determine the capability of LTC to transmit light. The apparatus
used are usually consisted of light source and light meter [4,12] (or
light-dependent resistor [3]). Previous research [2–4,10–12] sug-
gested that the light transmittance of LTC increased with the incre-
ment of optical fibre volumetric fraction. High occurrence of light
interference due to bigger amount of optical fibre results in higher
light transmittance of LTC. Tuaum et al. [2] reported that the light
transmittance of LTC decreased with the increment of fibre diam-
eter. This is because more fibre with smaller diameter can be
embedded within the same size of LTC specimen compared with
optical fibre with bigger diameter [2].
On the other hand, Momin et al. [16] stated that the increment
of fibre spacing will decrease both the concrete compressive
strength and the light transmittance. This is because the superpo-
sition of light wave with constructive interference reduced with
the increment of fibre spacing. The distance between the light
source and LTC specimen also affects the performance of LTC on
light transmittance. Tuaum et al. [2] stated that the increment of
distance between light source and LTC will decrease the light
transmittance of LTC.
Most of the research discussed previously only limited on the
investigations regarding the factors affecting the light transmit-
tance and compressive strength of LTC. Nevertheless, the relation-
ship among these factors and their effects on LTC is yet to be
discovered. Further investigation is required on the relationship
between fibre volumetric fraction, fibre diameter, fibre spacing
and the light transmittance properties of LTC. Besides the parame-
ters on fibres, other environmental factors such as visibility, light
intensity, angle of light incidence, and fibre degradation should
be considered for further investigation to confirm its applicability
and durability before it can be safely used in the construction
industry.
6. Conclusion
Light transmitting concrete (LTC) is an innovative construction
material which transmits light through the concrete and improves
the lighting effect inside the building. LTC can reduce the light
energy consumptions and carbon footprint produced, which pro-
motes green building construction especially in urban area. There
are a few countries have implemented LTC in their buildings which
promote aesthetic view and eventually drive the growth of
tourism.
The scientific research on LTC is still limited since it is a brand
new material introduced in construction industry recently. Most
of the research conducted on LTC is more focused on its utilization
in architecture and buildings rather than infrastructure. For the
mechanical properties of LTC, approaches should be taken and
investigated to minimise the problems arose from fibre-matrix
1049
interfacial bond strength. Furthermore, there is still lack of scien-
tific investigation on the relationship between fibre volumetric
fraction, fibre diameter, fibre spacing and the light transmittance
of LTC. Apart from that, other environmental parameters should
be considered to investigate the applicability and durability of
LTC so that the implementation of LTC can be more expansive
and comprehensive in the construction industry.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Shing Mei Chiew: Conceptualization, Writing - original draft,
Writing - review & editing, Resources, Visualization. Izni Syahrizal
Ibrahim: Conceptualization, Resources, Writing - review & editing,
Supervision. Noor Nabilah Sarbini: Supervision. Mohd Azree
Mohd Ariffin: Supervision. Han Seung Lee: Funding acquisition.
Jitendra Kumar Singh: Funding acquisition.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude for the finan-
cial support by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Hanyang Univer-
sity Korea of this project by Research Grant No. 4B358.
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