Research papers week 1 –

References:

Gite, R., & Kewate, S. (2017). Critical study on transparent concrete. Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res, 8(3), 276.

Altlomate, A., Alatshan, F., Mashiri, F., & Jadan, M. (2016). Experimental study of light-transmitting
concrete. International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development, 7(3-4), 133-139.

Understanding transparent concrete

The concept of translucent concrete is relatively simple, and it may be regarded an environmentally
benign, aesthetically pleasing, and energy-saving technology. Translucent concrete is produced by
incorporating transparent materials into concrete, which alters some of its qualities. This alternate
material is transparent or translucent, allowing light to travel through the concrete. This concrete's
performance is comparable to that of slits, allowing light to pass through a concrete body. Today, green
construction focuses mostly on conserving energy via the use of interior thermal systems. Therefore, it is
essential to introduce a new working material to fulfill the structure's purpose in terms of safety (such as
damage detection and fire warning), environmental protection, energy efficiency, and creative
modelling.

Translucent concrete (Transparent concrete) is an innovative kind of concrete that differs from
conventional concrete. Translucent concrete allows light to enter through it and is lighter than standard
concrete. The primary objective of transparent concrete is to utilise sunlight as a light source in lieu of
electrical energy in order to reduce the usage of nonrenewable sources. This method reduces energy
consumption. Optical fibres are a detecting or transmission element. To limit the usage of artificial light,
conventional concrete is replaced with transparent concrete, which has natural illumination and artistic
design. By incorporating optical glass fibres into the concrete, light may pass from the outside to the
inside or vice versa. Transparent concrete has the same strength as conventional concrete and can
transmit light through barriers up to 20 metres (66 ft) thick. It is anticipated that the new material would
make the interiors of concrete structures seem light and airy as opposed to dark and heavy.

Fine concrete and a light-transmitting substance are the two primary components utilised to generate
transparent concrete. Fine concrete comprises of cement, fine aggregate, and water. To generate
translucent concrete, several materials, such as optical fibre, glass, and plastic fibre, may be used.
Commonly utilised to manufacture this concrete, optical fibre consists of three components: core,
cladding, and coating. The light passes through the glass core while the cladding reflects light into the
core. The coating protects the fibre from moisture and damage. 2% to 6% of the volume of transparent
concrete is comprised of optical fibre. The spacing between the fibre rows varies between 5 and 10
millimetres.
Research Paper week 2-

Reference: Strength and light transmitting characteristics of translucent concrete using plastic optic
fibers S. P. Sangeetha1  · P. Subathra1  · R. Divahar1  · P. S. Aravind Raj1

This paper investigated the water absorption, water permeability, bulk density, compressive strength,
light transmittance, cost analysis, power consumption by artificial lighting, and payback period of LTC
produced by incorporating 0.5,0.75, 1 and 2 mm diameter Plastic optical fiber (POF) with two different
spacing’s in a concrete cube specimens. At 7, 14, and 28 days of curing, the spacing between the POF,
the diameter of the fiber, and the diversity of light sources that affect the optical power of LTC were
analyzed in this research. The experimental findings demonstrated that the addition of fibers to
concrete does not reduce the specimen's strength. The compressive strength at 28 days with 10 mm
spacing, PFLTC 0.5, PFLTC 0.75, PFLTC 1 and PFLTC 2 increased from 5.5% to 18.7%. Comparatively, the
strength of 20 mm-spaced specimens PFLTC 0.5, PFLTC 0.75, PFLTC 1 and PFLTC 2 has grown from 6.5%
to 22%. The improvement in strength is attributable to the incorporation of fibers and improved bonding
between the fibers and concrete. Comparing fibers with a 1 mm and 2 mm diameter, fibers with a
smaller diameter have a larger fiber volume ratio, resulting in lower compressive strength. This research
also evaluated the light transmission ability of concrete utilizing an LED mini-kit light source and a lux
metre calibrated in lumens. On the basis of the results of the light transmission tests, it was determined
that the insertion of plastic optical fibers (POF) with a diameter of 2 mm and a spacing of 10 mm
provides maximum lighting and may be employed in the production of light transmitting concrete.

Observations that were made :

1) Optical fibers increased water absorption proportionally to diameter. 10 mm spacing has more water
absorption than 20 mm spacing. Leading to the fiber/matrix in the transition zone, the volumetric
percentage of fibers increased concrete water absorption due to larger PFLTC quantities in the
specimens.
2) Transparent concrete with 0.5% plastic optic fibers had better permeability than controlled and other
PFLTC specimens. Due to its fiber homogeneity and concrete bonding, the PFLTC 0.5 specimen is the
most durable.

3) The cable diameter does not affect density, but the plastic fibers’ larger volume ratio affects concrete
density by affecting the cement matrix.

4) Specimens with 0.5% and 0.75% fibers have lower compressive strength than those with 1% and 2%
PFLTC. Due to the shorter cement matrix-POF distance and higher fiber volume ratio, Compressive
strength depends on POF volumetric ratio and fiber diameter, according to tests. Each specimen fulfilled
the 30 N/mm2 tensile strength requirements.

5) Optical fibre width and spacing affect light transmission. Illumination increases when fbers are moved
closer together. When optical fibres were closer, PFLTC-81 illuminated more light. PFLTC 81 outperforms
PFLTC 49 in illumination.

6)Artificial lighting electricity It was confirmed that light transmitting block PFLTC 81 recovers in 2.5
years and PFLTC 49 in 1.5 years for residential building and 0.6 years and 1.1 years for commercial use.
Light-transmitting tangible benefits outweigh healing time.

7) PFLTC-81 cost eight times more than controlled concrete, but its expected rates and payback period
grew dramatically. Payback studies showed that a wall panel made from 16 cubes might save Rs. 288 on
electricity. Thus, PFLTC-81 and PFLTC-49 blocks for residential constructions need 2.5 and 1.1 years to
recover extra expenditures. Commercial buildings may save Rs. 504 in 1.1 years. To protect the earth,
carbon emissions will be reduced.