Abstract
This research aims to investigate the efficiency of using plexiglass material as an alternative to optical fibers in the production of transparent concrete through studying the mechanical properties of transparent cement mortar. The importance of the current study comes to introduce innovative structural material with high aesthetic and structural specifications and meets the needs of the new concepts of sustainable buildings as well. The novelty of the proposed material lies in innovating a new type of transparent concrete using plexiglass material that allows light to cross through different directions, where such a polymer material can be embedded into the concrete as well-designed distributed bars. The proposed composite performance was evaluated by conducting relevant laboratory experiments on prepared mortar specimens to investigate compressive strength, flexural strength, and bond strength. The plexiglass bars were represented 6% and 16% of the specimen cross-section area, and volume respectively. Experiments were conducted in two time stages, after 7 days and after 28 days of preparing the mortar with plexiglass and fiberglass. Results show that the composite does not harm the mechanical specifications comparing with the conventional mortar, and obtaining new features of concrete with an emphasis on consistency to the requirements of environmental sustainability in the field of architectural construction.
Highlights
The search for methods and techniques to reduce energy consumption, reduce environmental pollution and minimize construction costs has become necessary
In 2001 a new concept of transparent concrete was introduced by Aron Losonzi as a patent where he innovated a new type of concrete known as LiTraCon by mixing a large amount of optical fiber with concrete and the composite was characterized to be produced as a rigid and transparent block and suitable for floors, sidewalks and load-bearing walls [3]
The current research work assumes that transparent concrete using plexiglass material innovative structure can be implemented in several architectural and structural purposes such as the architectural facades, floors, ceilings, partitions, ... etc, to achieve an interactive architectural environment
Summary
The search for methods and techniques to reduce energy consumption, reduce environmental pollution and minimize construction costs has become necessary. Transparent concrete (TC) focuses on green technology and is characterized as being a potentially sustainable material. Transparent concrete innovation was initiated in 1935 and was registered as a patent in Canada which was later improved by adding optical fiberglass [1]. Lowe from Britain introduced concrete wall panels that allow the light to penetrate using pieces of stained glass with the concrete mix and was applied to churches walls to allow light to cross into the building [2]. In 2001 a new concept of transparent concrete was introduced by Aron Losonzi as a patent where he innovated a new type of concrete known as LiTraCon by mixing a large amount of optical fiber with concrete and the composite was characterized to be produced as a rigid and transparent block and suitable for floors, sidewalks and load-bearing walls [3]
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