Light Transmitting Concrete (LTC)

Future Trends in concrete industry

1. Lig ht Transmitting Concrete (LTC) S.Sudha Velan B.E (Civil)

2. Light transmitting concrete is a mixture of optical glass fibres and fine concrete. It can be used as prefabricated blocks or panels. Thousands of optical glass fibres form a matrix and run parallel to each other between the two main surfaces of every block. The glass fibres lead light through the two sides of the concrete. The fibres work with minimal loss of light up to 20m The main reason for using optical fiber in concrete is that it can transmit light even an incident angle greater than 60

3. Cross-Section (Optical Fibre)

4. Materials Cement:  Ordinary Portland cement is used for transparent concrete.   Sand:  Since the transparent concrete is manufactured only using fine materials, the size of sand should pass through 1.18mm sieve. The sand should be free from any impurities such as vegetation, large stones etc.   Water:  Water to be used for transparent concrete should be of drinking water quality, free from any impurities.  Optical fibers:  Optical fibers in the range of 4 to 5% by volume is used for transparent concrete. Thickness of the optical fibers can be varied between 2 µm and 2 mm to suit the requirements of light transmission

5. Thanks & Regards S.Sudha Velan