Transparent Concrete

As we welcome year 2016, material innovation, especially in the building and construction industry is blazing hot, with new discoveries from composites stronger and lighter than conventional steel to “green” and eco-friendly materials.

Now, when talking in the context of transparent or translucent material, what comes to the mind are definitely, glass, acrylics and perhaps some other light passable composites.

What about translucent concrete! Yes, we bet not many people even know its existence.

The components of such concrete is slightly different than conventional ones.

Here is what its made of;

a) Cement, this is the main building blocks for concrete, any ordinary type of cement can be used.

b) Sand, special type of fine sand is being utilised, it should be free of any impurities and fits the size of 1.18mm sieve and below.

c) Water, of crystal clear drinking quality, again must be free of any impurities.

d) Optical fibres, in the range of 4 - 5% by volume with thickness of around 2 µm and 2 mm adjusted to suit specific light transmission properties.

…and there you have it, concrete that can transmit light!

These kind of concrete allows natural or artificial light to pass through, therefore much lesser lighting is required in a building, resulting in significant savings on energy cost. Such advantages places translucent or transparent concrete among green materials of the future.

Besides, imagine how many new forms of interior and architectural design can spark from this single unique capability to manipulate light! Its truly inspirational.

Here is a short footage showing how this wonderful material innovation looks like.