light transmitting concrete

1. LIGHT
TRANSMITTING
CONCRETE
Darsh Shah
(22000976)
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2. CONTENTS
• Introduction
• What Is Light Transmitting Concrete ?
• History
• Manufacture Process
• Applications
• Comparisons
• Advantages & Disadvantage
• What is Optical Fibres ?
• How Does Optical Fibres Work ?
• Case Studies
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3. INTRODUCTION
• 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, LIGHT TRANSMITTING 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.
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4. WHAT IS LIGHT TRANSMITTING CONCRETE ?
• Light Transmitting Concrete is based on the concept of ‘Nano Optics,’ where
optical fibers act as slits to transmit light from one side of the surface to another.
• These optical fibers 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.
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5. HISTORY
• The concept of translucent concrete dates back to the early 1900s, when major
advancements in the field of polymer-based optical fibers 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.
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6. MANUFACTURE PROCESS
• The process of manufacturing translucent concrete is very similar to that of
traditional concrete, with an additional introduction of 4% – 5% optical fibers into
the blend.
• The fibers and small layers of concrete are added alternatively into the mold at
intervals of 2mm to 5mm. The thinner and smaller the layer more is the light
allowed to pass through.
• A rectangular mold of steel or wood is prepared into which clay or mud is placed
along the sides for easily demolding the exposed optical fibers, that are cut in
such a way that they can be placed perfectly inside the mold.
• The fibers are placed layer-wise and holes are driven on the steel or wooden plate
to allow those fibers to pass through. The concrete mixture is then cautiously
poured so that no disturbance is created to the optical fibers beneath while
vibrating tables are used to avoid the accumulation of voids.
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7. • The mold and the mud are removed after 24 hours and the excess length of the
fibers is cut to the same size as the thickness of the pane.
• As this is a form of pre-cast concrete, the material is finally cut into blocks or
panels, polished to finishes ranging from semi-gloss to high-gloss, and sent for
use.
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8. APPLICATIONS
• 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.
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9. COMPARISONS
CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE
• Traditional building material made of
cement, aggregates, and water.
• Conventional concrete is opaque,
blocking light transmission.
• Conventional concrete primarily used
for structural purposes.
• Conventional concrete relies on
artificial lighting for illumination.
LIGHT TRANSMITTING CONCRETE
• Specialized concrete containing
embedded optical fibers or translucent
materials.
• Light-transmitting concrete allows light
to pass through, creating visual effects.
• Light-transmitting concrete used for
architectural and decorative applications.
• Light-transmitting concrete enhances
natural daylighting, reducing reliance on
artificial lighting..
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10. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
• ADAVANTAGES :
i. Less energy consumption.
ii. Illuminated pavements.
iii. Homogeneous structure.
iv. Finishing structure.
v. Routine maintenance not required.
vi. Saves electricity by emitting light
during day.
• DISADVANTAGES :
i. In india, transparent concrete cost
between Rs. 7000 to Rs. 14000 per
square foot, which is approx $100
to $200.
ii. Labours with technical skills are
needed to use it.
iii. It’s a factory product.
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11. WHAT IS OPTICAL FIBERS ?
• Optical fibers embedded in light-transmitting concrete serve as a means to
transmit light within the material.
• These fibers are typically made of plastic or glass and are designed to carry light
over distances within the concrete.
• Light-transmitting concrete, also known as translucent concrete or transparent
concrete, allows light to pass through it, providing aesthetic and functional
benefits.
• Optical fibers in light-transmitting concrete can be arranged in various patterns
or densities to achieve different lighting effects.
• Applications of light-transmitting concrete include architectural elements,
decorative panels, pavements, and safety features in buildings and infrastructure.
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12. HOW DOES OPTICAL FIBRES WORKS ?
• Optical fibers are embedded within light-transmitting concrete.
• Light enters one end of the fiber and travels through its core via total internal
reflection.
• The fiber's core has a higher refractive index than its cladding, ensuring minimal
light loss.
• Light travels along the fiber, illuminating the concrete and creating visually
appealing effects.
• Optical fibers enable the transmission of light within the concrete, enhancing its
aesthetic and functional properties.
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13. TYPES OF OPTICAL FIBERS
i. The classification based on the refractive index is as follows :
• Step Index Fibres: It consists of a core surrounded by the cladding, which has a single
uniform index of refraction.
• Graded Index Fibres: The refractive index of the optical fibre decreases as the radial
distance from the fibre axis increases.
ii. The classification based on the materials used is as follows :
• Plastic Optical Fibres: The polymethylmethacrylate is used as a core material for the
transmission of light.
• Glass Fibres: It consists of extremely fine glass fibres
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14. iii. The classification based on the mode of propagation of light is as follows:
• Single-Mode Fibres: These fibres are used for long-distance transmission of signals.
• Multimode Fibres: These fibres are used for short-distance transmission of signals.
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15. Europe Gate :
The Europe Gate is a sculpture made out
of LiTraCon, or Light Transmitting
Concrete. It is a wall 3.5 meters squared
and commemorates Hungary joining
the European Union. It was built in 2004
in Fort Monostor in the town
of Komárom by Áron Losonczi and Orsolya
Vadász.
Artist : Áron Losonczi and Orsolya Vadász
Year : 2004
Medium : LiTraCon
Dimensions : 3.5m x 3.5m (140in x 140in)
Location : Fort Monostor, Komárom,
Hungary
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16. Stuttgart City Library
The Stuttgart City Library in Germany
is known for its translucent roof that
allows natural light to enter the cube-
shaped building. The library's
outermost skin is an 80 mm thick
concrete wall with translucent glass
blocks. The central roof light illuminates
the cube-shaped room in the middle of
the building, which is surrounded by a
secondary façade.
Architect : Yi Architect
Area : 3201𝑚2
Year : 2011
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17. ITALIAN PAVALION
The exhibition structure is 18 m high, with
an area of about 3,600 m2, and is configured
as a system of separate parts forming a
geometrically unitary object. The cross cuts,
clear as razor-slashes, are the inside/outside
connecting elements of a structure that
reproduces the topographic morphology of
Italian towns. The building was built with
transparent cement i.light, a newly
developed cement-based material by
Italcementi. 3,774 transparent panels made
of i.light cover a total area of 1,887 m2, the
equivalent of about 40 % of the whole
architectural structure, generating in the
building a sequence of lights and shadows
that change constantly throughout the day.
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