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Light-Transmitting/Translucent Concrete
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> Light-Transmitting/Translucent Concrete
Casting Concrete in a Decorative Light
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| Thousands of optical fibers strands are
placed in concrete to transmit light, either natural or artificial,
into all spaces enclosed by the translucent concrete panels.
Photo courtesy of Schott North America. |
Light-transmitting concrete, known also as translucent concrete,
is literally the brightest concrete development in recent years.
Strands of optical fibers are cast by the thousands into concrete
to transmit light, either natural or artificial, into all spaces
surrounding the resulting translucent panels. The material can be
used in a variety of architectural and interior design applications,
such as wall cladding and dividers.
Originally developed by a Hungarian architect in 2001, light-transmitting
concrete is produced by adding 4% to 5% optical fibers (by volume)
into the concrete mixture.
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| Even colors can be seen through the concrete.
Photo courtesy of Heidelberg Cement. |
The fibers run parallel to each other, transmitting light between
two surfaces of the concrete element in which they are embedded.
Thickness of the optical fibers can be varied between 2 µm
and 2 mm to suit the particular requirements of light transmission.
Optical fibers transmit light so effectively that there is virtually
no loss of light conducted through the fibers; in fact, it’s
even possible to see colors through the concrete.
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| Translucent concrete achieves maximum effect
when used in an environment with a high degree of light contrast,
such as this illuminated table in a dimly lit room. Photo
courtesy of Heidelberg Cement. |
Originally, the fiber filaments were placed individually in the concrete,
making production time-consuming and costly. Newer, semi-automatic
production processes use woven fiber fabric instead of single filaments.
Fabric and concrete are alternately inserted into molds at intervals
of approximately 2 mm to 5 mm. Smaller or thinner layers allow an
increased amount of light to pass through the concrete. Following
casting, the material is cut into panels or blocks of the specified
thickness and the surface is then typically polished, resulting in
finishes ranging from semi-gloss to high-gloss.
The concrete mixture is made from fine materials only: it contains
no coarse aggregate. The compressive strength of greater than 70
MPa (over 10,000 psi) is comparable to that of high-strength concretes.
However, due to the manufacturing process, elements for structural
applications have not yet been produced.
A Glowing Future
Several years ago, the material was featured in the “Liquid
Stone” exhibit at the National Building Museum, and started
opening peoples’ eyes to all kinds of possibilities. While
the material has distinct architectural and interior design appeal,
some of the companies involved in light-transmitting concrete production
envision using the distinct looks and unique abilities of this concrete
for practical applications. Consider: one of the first demonstration
projects in Stockholm was to light sidewalks at night. Now people
are thinking about increasing visibility in dark subway stations
with the material. And there are several potential safety applications
being discussed, such as lighting indoor fire escapes in the event
of a power failure or illuminating speed bumps on roadways at night.
Surely, as more people see its potential, light-transmitting concrete
will become more and more visible.
References, Resources, and Manufacturers:
- Light Transmitting Concrete: www.litracon.hu
- Luccon - Translucent Concrete:
www.luccon.com
- Schott
North America
- Translucent Concrete: www.andreasbittis.de
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