TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE

Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. However, researchers and manufacturers have been working together to produce different types of concrete to improve the overall quality and the economic value of construction.

As a result, translucent concrete has gained popularity in many industries across the world. As an energy-saving and eco-friendly building material, Light Transmitting or translucent concrete is now increasingly used in fine architecture and on cladding for interiors.

Translucent concrete is based on the concept of ‘Nano-Optics,’ where optical fibers act as slits to transmit light from one side of the surface to another. These optical fibers are spread evenly through the concrete and are visible on both sides of the block. While patterns form on one side of the surface, they appear as shadowy outlines through the concrete.

Translucent concrete is made by combining two major materials; fine concrete (with cement and aggregates like sand) and optical fibers. These optical fibers replace other concrete aggregates and conduct light from artificial and natural sources.

Translucent concrete lets just about enough light pass through it to make it a viable material for reducing power consumption. Hence, it can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete in the near future. Other than its economic and environmental advantages, translucent concrete also makes architecture more visually appealing and increases the overall aesthetic value of a structure.