An Experimental Study of Transparent Concrete by Using Optical Fibers

Abstract

Abstract: Transparent concrete is the new type of concrete introduced in the modern era which carries special property of light transmitting due to presence of optical fibers & is also known as translucent concrete or light transmitting concrete. It is lighter than conventional concrete having special features such as low density and thermal conductivity with main advantage of reduction in dead weight, faster building rate in construction, lower haulage & handling cost. Light is transmitted from one surface of the brick wall to the other due to glass rods along the overall width of the wall which allows light to pass through. An optical glass fiber (or optical fibre) is a flexible, transparent fibre made of glass (silica)or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair & can function as waveguide, or “light pipe” to transmit light between the two ends. Main aim of the study is to design translucent concrete blocks with the use of glass rods with sand & cement then analyse their various physical & engineering properties with respect to conventional concrete blocks by adding glass rods of 1%, 2 %, 3 % 4 % 5% at 1.5 cm spacing