Concrete is one of the world's widely used building material The introduction of fibre optics into the concrete mix has given it a new dimension Transparent Concrete or LiTraCon (Light Transmitting Concrete) or translucent concrete can be produced as prefabricated building blocks which is able to move light through the concrete upto 20m thickness

1. TRANSPARENT CONCRETE
By
SATHISHKUMAR G
(sathishsak111@gmail.com)

2. INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS USED
 PROPERTIES
COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL
CONCRETE
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
 CONCLUSION
CONTENT

3. Concrete is one of the world's widely used
building material
The introduction of fibre optics into the concrete
mix has given it a new dimension
Transparent Concrete or LiTraCon (Light
Transmitting Concrete) or translucent concrete can be
produced as prefabricated building blocks which is able
to move light through the concrete upto 20m thickness
INTRODUCTION

4. There are two basic materials used for
making transparent concrete
Concrete
Optical fibres
MATERIALS USED

5. MIXING OF CONCRETE
• COMPONENTS
Epoxy resins from 0% to 90%
Polycarbonate from 0% to 60%
Fiberglass from 0% to 10%
Colloidal silica sol from 0.5% to 5%(Binding agent)
Silica from 0.5% to 10%
Optical fibers from 0% to 3%
Portland cement from 0% to 15%

6. MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Mixing the cement with water according to various
proportions
Mixing the previous two mixtures with the other
components in the specific proportions
The mixing is done manually or mechanically
The ratio of the mortar is atleast 1.5:1
Diethylenetriamine(DETA) is used as setting agent

7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Form : prefabricated blocks / panels
Components : concrete, optical fibre
Cast material : Fibre ratio : 1.15 - 1.18
Compressive strength will vary
Bending strength : 7.7 N / mm2
Density : 2100 - 2400 kg / m3

8. PROPERTIES
• MATERIAL
PERFORMANCE
Concrete retains its
strength
High density top layer
concrete
Fire protection
Frost and highest UV
resistance
• ENVIRONMENT
IMPACT
one can use fewer
lights during daylight
hours

9.  Quantity of optical fiber is the rate influencing parameter.
 Life of LiTraCon depends on the optical fibers.
 Aesthetic view is comparably high.
 The parameters like bending strength, compressive strength,
density is similar to conventional concrete.
 They provide same structural performance
as conventional concrete.
COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL
CONCRETE

10.  We can use fewer lights in the house during daylight hours.
 It has very good aesthetical view to the building.
 Where light is not able to come properly at that place transparent concrete
can be used.
 Energy saving can be done by utilization of transparent concrete in building.
ADVANTAGES

11. DIASADVANTAGES
The main disadvantage is these concrete is costly
because of the use of optical fibre
Special skilled persons required

12. APPLICATIONS
Transparent Partition Wall
use of Litracon in pavement

13. It can be also applicable at:
Transparent concrete blocks suitable for floors,
pavements
It can be used in the partitions wall and where the
sunlight does not reach properly.
In furniture for the decorative and aesthetic
purpose.
Light sidewalks at night.
Increasing visibility in dark subway stations.

14.  A 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
 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
CONCLUSION