![]() ![]() ![]() Safe to say, for translucent concrete to become a viable alternative, researches will have to find economical ways of manufacturing it. The infusion of optical fibers into the concrete mix requires skilled labor, but not many people are familiar with this technology. Since optical fibers are an expensive material, the production of translucent concrete is expensive compared to traditional concrete.Īnother reason why translucent concrete cannot fully replace traditional concrete is the lack of expertise. However, despite its various advantages, there are a few limitations to its usage in large scale projects. Other than its economic and environmental advantages, translucent concrete also makes architecture more visually appealing and increases the overall aesthetic value of a structure. Hence, it can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete in the near future. Translucent concrete lets just about enough light to pass through it to make it a viable material for reducing power consumption. The Future Of Translucent Concrete As A Building Material Designed by Yi Architects, the structure is popular around the world for its cube-shape and translucent roof that allows natural light to illuminate the area. The “European Gate,” built in 2004 as a monument to celebrate Hungary joining the European Union, is one of the most popular landmarks in the country due to its light transmitting quality.Īnother recent example is the Stuttgart City Library in Germany. Examples Of The Use Of Translucent ConcreteĪlthough the use of translucent concrete is not as widespread, there are a few projects that have used it to make remarkable structures. 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. 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. Translucent concrete blocks are suitable for floorings and pavements, and are also used in staircases and desks. However, it has been used in a number of fine architectural monuments and buildings as a façade material. Application Of Translucent Concrete In The Construction IndustryĬompared to traditional concrete, the use of light transmitting concrete is not as widespread. The thinner and smaller the layer is, the more light it allows to pass through.Īn important point to note is that translucent concrete does not contain coarse aggregates as they damage the fiber strands and stop light from passing through the concrete block.Īlso, fast setting cement is preferred when preparing the concrete mix craft clay is also added as a base for the optical fibers to set in the concrete.įurthermore, because translucent concrete is a form of pre-cast concrete, the material is cut into blocks or panels, polished, and sent for use. Specifically, the process includes adding a layer of fibers to the mold alternatively, on top of small layers of concrete at intervals of 2mm to 5mm. The process of manufacturing translucent concrete is similar to that of traditional concrete the only difference lies in the introduction of 4% - 5% optical fibers, based on volume, into the mixture. There are three different layers in the optical fibers – the buffer coating, cladding, and the core, and light is transmitted through the core. These optical fibers replace other concrete aggregates, and conduct light from artificial and natural sources even at an angle of incidence of more than 60 degrees. Translucent concrete is made by combining two major materials fine concrete (with cement and aggregates like sand) and optical fibers. How Is Translucent Concrete Manufactured? This new material was called LiTraCon (short for Light Transmitting Concrete), and soon became popular in countries including Italy, Germany, and even China. 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.Īlthough 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.Īs the pioneer of translucent concrete, Losonczi was able to successfully produce the first transparent concrete block within two years of pitching the idea. While patterns form on one side of the surface, they appear as shadowy outlines through the concrete. These optical fibers are spread evenly through the concrete and are visible on both sides of the block. Translucent 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. ![]()
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