The transparent/light-transmitting concrete or translucent concrete is made with built-in optical fibers (about 4 percent). This Transparent Concrete is, strictly speaking, semi-transparent. Its formulation is a trade secret. It is a combination of optical fibers and fine concrete. Thousands of optical fibers run side by side transmitting light between the two surfaces of the concrete element. The fibers, due to their small size, blend into concrete forming a third, new material. In theory, a wall structure created out of translucent concrete blocks can be a couple of meters thick as the fibers work almost without any loss in light up till 20 meters. Moreover, the blocks are load-bearing and provide the same effect with both natural and artificial light. The shadows on the lighter side will appear with sharp outlines on the darker one. Even the colors remain the same! This special effect will transform the interior appearance of concrete buildings by making them feel light and airy rather than dark and heavy.
The translucent Concrete blocks are produced keeping aesthetics in view. In fact all sizes of pre-cast concrete are possible: from small bricks, to façade plates or passable paving stones. The diameter of the fiber can be chosen from 2 micro- to 2 millimeters. The technique of making translucent concrete blocks can differ according to the needs of the project: from a slight “diffuse” aesthetic to a certain grid or even a logo. Translucent concrete is a high density concrete – as the aggregates is chosen according to the extremely fine diameter of the fibers. Translucent concrete elements are joined together through splicing or agglutinating or in conjunction with any common framework. Structures of extraordinary beauty and innovation can thus be created. Translucent concrete is the first step to what might become the building material of the future.
A company known as SCHOTT in
Translucent Concrete: Watch a video
