Translucent concrete is light transmitting concrete. It is based on the concept of nano optics.
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What Is Translucent Concrete?
The basic concept of “Nano Optics” forms the basis of translucent concrete, where optical fibers works as slits to transmit light from one side of the surface to another. Engineers evenly spread these optical fibers throughout the concrete, and they are visible on both sides of the block. Although patterns form on one side of the surface, they appear as shadowy outlines through the concrete.
Description
The integration of light optical elements, typically optical fibers, into the concrete matrix gives translucent concrete, also known as light-transmitting concrete, its light-transmissive properties.
The material allows light to travel through it from one end to the other, creating a unique light pattern on the opposite surface depending on the fiber structure. When shadows are cast onto one side of the material, they appear as silhouettes through the material, making it a popular choice for interior wall cladding and façade material in fine architecture.
To produce translucent concrete, one must add 5% light-conducting elements to a fine grain concrete mixture during the casting process. This results in a material with a light transmission rate of approximately 2%, considering the non-linear response of the human eye to light.
The potential for the fibers to carry light over a distance of tens of meters exists, although the rate of loss with increasing length depends on the type of fiber and how it is bent.
When working with translucent concrete, it is crucial to ensure that enough natural light is available. Wall mounting systems should be designed to achieve uniform illumination on the full plate surface, and some form of lighting should be integrated into the system. Mounting systems similar to those used for natural stone panels, such as perforated mounting with visible screws or façade anchors, are commonly used.
Translucent Concrete Properties
- Light Transmission: Translucent concrete is able to transmit varying degrees of light depending on its thickness, texture, and color. It can range from a soft glow to a bright light, and can be used to create stunning visual effects.
- Durability: Translucent concrete is highly durable and resistant to damage from weather, impact, and fire. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in outdoor environments.
- Thermal Insulation: Translucent concrete has good thermal insulation properties, which can help to reduce heating and cooling costs in buildings.
- Sound Insulation: Translucent concrete can also provide good sound insulation properties, making it suitable for use in soundproofing walls or for creating acoustic barriers.
- Customization: Translucent concrete can be customized to fit specific design requirements, such as color, texture, and level of light transmission.
- Environmental Friendliness: Translucent concrete can be made using sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, making it an environmentally friendly option.
- Cost: Translucent concrete can be more expensive than traditional concrete due to its unique properties and manufacturing process. However, it can be cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and energy-saving properties.
Translucent Concrete Mix Design
- The mix for translucent concrete incorporates traditional concrete materials like cement, sand, and water, as well as optical fibers or other translucent materials, and ensures even distribution of the fibers throughout the concrete.
- To achieve the desired level of translucency and meet the specific application needs, the amount and type of translucent material added to the mix for translucent concrete may vary.
- Designing the mix for translucent concrete requires a delicate balance between the traditional concrete materials and the translucent materials, to create a mix that is strong enough to support the structure’s weight and stresses, while allowing sufficient light to pass through for the desired effect.
- One of the main challenges in designing a mix for translucent concrete is to ensure the even distribution of optical fibers throughout the material, which can be achieved by using specialized equipment, careful mixing and pouring techniques.
Translucent Concrete Manufacturing Process
I have described the step by step manufacturing process of how to make translucent concrete.
- Concrete mix design: The first step in the manufacturing process is to determine the mix design of the concrete. The mix design will depend on the specific application and requirements of the project.
- Fiber optic layout: Once the concrete mix design is finalized, the next step is to design the layout of the optical fibers. The fibers are typically laid out in a specific pattern, such as a grid or a spiral, to achieve the desired level of translucency.
- Molding: The concrete mix is then poured into a mold, which is typically made of silicone or other flexible material. The mold is designed to hold the optical fibers in place and ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the concrete.
- Curing: After the concrete is poured into the mold, it is left to cure for a specified period of time. This allows the concrete to harden and develop the desired strength and durability.
- Demolding: Once the concrete has cured, the mold is removed to reveal the translucent concrete panel.
- Finishing: The surface of the translucent concrete panel may be finished with a variety of techniques, such as sandblasting or polishing, to achieve the desired appearance and texture.
- Installation: Finally, the translucent concrete panels are installed according to the project specifications, which may involve the use of specialized hardware or adhesives
Translucent Concrete Strength
Conventional concrete typically ranges in compressive strength from 20 to 40 MPa (3000 to 6000 psi), while translucent concrete generally exhibits compressive strength in this same range. However, the presence of voids created by embedded optical fibers or other transparent materials may lead to slightly lower compressive strength in translucent concrete compared to conventional concrete.
It’s worth noting that the primary purpose of translucent concrete is not to provide structural strength, but rather to enable the transmission of light through it. As a result, the design and application of translucent concrete typically prioritize factors such as light transmission and aesthetic considerations over compressive strength
Applications
- This type of concrete is used for facade.
- Translucent concrete blocks are suitable for use in floorings, pavements, staircases, and desks.
- It can also illuminate interior spaces during the day and enhance their beauty when used in partition walls, doors, and panels.
- This material can light up dark places or windowless areas such as basements and provide increased safety for pedestrians and roadside traffic when used to construct sidewalks and speed bumps that illuminate at night