What Is The Meaning Of Translucent Concrete?
What Is The Meaning Of Translucent Concrete?
Translucent concrete is a building material with embedded light optical elements (usually optical fibers) that allow light to pass through.
The fibers run through the entire object, creating a light pattern on the opposite surface. This results in shadows appearing as silhouettes through the material.
It is commonly used in architecture as a façade material or for interior wall cladding, and has also been applied to design products.
It is made by mixing 5% light conducting elements with a fine grain concrete, then cutting it into plates or stones.
Light transmission is typically less than half the incident light due to bends in fibers and roughness on cut surfaces, but can still provide useful daylighting.
How Do You Make Translucent Concrete?
Translucent concrete is made by mixing fine concrete and optical fibers. The optical fibers conduct light from both natural and artificial sources even at an angle greater than 60 degrees.
The fibers have three layers: buffer coating, cladding, and core, with light transmitted through the core.
The production process is similar to traditional concrete, but with the addition of 4-5% optical fibers by volume.
The fibers are placed in layers on top of concrete in the mold at intervals of 2mm to 5mm, with thinner layers allowing more light to pass through.
Coarse aggregates are avoided as they damage the fibers and block light transmission. Fast-setting cement and craft clay are used to set the fibers in the concrete. Translucent concrete is pre-cast into blocks or panels, polished, and used.
What Is The Purpose Of Translucent Concrete?
Translucent concrete is utilized in architectural design as a facade material and for interior wall cladding. It has also been incorporated into various design products.
There are several methods for producing translucent concrete, all of which involve mixing 95% fine grain concrete with 5% light conducting elements during the casting process.
Once set, the concrete is cut into plates or stones using standard machinery for cutting stone materials.
What Are The Application Of Translucent Concrete In The Construction Industry?
Light transmitting concrete is not as common as traditional concrete, but has been employed in some notable architectural structures as a facade material.
It is suitable for flooring, paving, stairs, and desks. Additionally, it can be used in partition walls, doors, panels, and more to enhance the interior’s beauty by providing natural light during the day.
It also serves to brighten up dark spaces or windowless areas such as basements and is used to build sidewalks and speed bumps that glow at night for improved pedestrian and road safety.
What Are Examples Of Translucent Concrete?
A few structures have utilized translucent concrete to create remarkable designs, although it’s not a common material.
One notable example is the “European Gate,” a 2004 monument in Hungary celebrating their EU membership, known for its light-transmitting quality.
Another is the Stuttgart City Library in Germany, designed by Yi Architects, known for its cube shape and translucent roof that brings in natural light.
Is Translucent Concrete Sustainable?
Translucent concrete is a sustainable material due to its energy-saving properties, attractive appearance, and eco-friendliness.
Despite the name, the concrete itself is not see-through and is similar to regular concrete.
What sets it apart is the presence of optical fibers that transmit light, making it appear translucent. It can also be referred to as transparent or light-transmitting concrete.
Is Translucent Concrete A Composite Material?
Translucent concrete is created by mixing fine concrete (consisting of cement and aggregates like sand) with optical fibers.
The fibers replace traditional concrete aggregates and allow light to pass through, even at angles greater than 60 degrees, from both artificial and natural sources.
The optical fibers have three layers: the buffer coating, cladding, and core, with light transmission occurring through the core.
