STUDY OF MATERIAL & MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE

Abstract

This project aims at the study of mechanical and material properties of translucent concrete. Concrete in itself, is considered a gloomy material, with a dull appearance. Mostly of grey color, it holds a reputation of a strong material for dead objects like walls, pavements and roofs etc. The goal was to produce a material that is strong, sustainable and architecturally alive. This is achieved by introducing light transmitting properties in conventional concrete, making it luminous. Taking an example of the exterior walls of a building, as the sunlight strikes the surface; it is either reflected or absorbed. Translucent concrete utilizes the sunlight and guides it to penetrate through the entire thickness of the wall, providing illumination on the inside. A research study and experimental production of translucent concrete is carried out as part of Term Project. This is accomplished by introducing end glow PMMA optical fibers in a self compacting cementitious grout. It is observed that such a concrete is able to transmit 9.32% of incident light with 4-5% fiber replacement.