Scope and preparation of light-conducting concrete

Concrete that conducts light is an amazing invention in the field of building materials. This unique kind of concrete, in contrast to regular concrete, lets light through, enabling the construction of both functional and eye-catching structures. This special quality gives architects and builders who want to give their projects an extra layer of complexity a lot of options.

Beyond only being aesthetically pleasing, light-conducting concrete has other applications. It can be applied to many different projects, such as building eye-catching facades and creative flooring or improving the atmosphere of indoor areas. Because lighting can be integrated right into the concrete, it can be used for both structural and aesthetic reasons, combining functionality and beauty.

To guarantee light-conducting concrete’s efficacy and longevity, certain procedures must be followed during preparation. Comprehending the appropriate combination and methods of application is essential to attaining the intended result. Making the most of this adaptable material will depend on how well you prepare it, whether you’re using it for a residential or commercial project.

Scope of Light-Conducting Concrete Preparation Steps
Used for creating visually appealing floors and walls that can glow or transmit light. 1. Choose a mix that includes light-conducting aggregates.
2. Prepare the surface by cleaning and leveling.
3. Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer"s instructions.
4. Pour and spread the concrete evenly.
5. Allow it to cure properly to achieve optimal light transmission.

What is transparent concrete

Aron Losonczy, a Hungarian architect who experimented with different building materials, created this modification. Fifteen years ago, light-conducting concrete was created with his light hand. It is composed of:

  • cement;
  • fine-grained sand;
  • fiber optic fibers (thread diameter 0.5-2.5 mm), which act as a light-transmitting filler;
  • specialized additives that improve the formability of low-mobility mortar.

Transparent concrete is made without the use of large-fraction fillers.

To receive certification, fiber-optic glass threads must be used. The papers attest to the material’s environmental friendliness.

It is important to note up front that premium transparent concrete is highly expensive; if possible, it is preferable to purchase your materials from Europe. However, local producers have already started to become proficient in the technology required to create this exclusive blend. It is true that there hasn’t been much of a price drop since.

Cost of transparent concrete

These days, the Russian market is served by two businesses selling this rare material: Lucem and Litracon. It is important to remember, though, that these businesses are not producers. These are middlemen for legitimate European manufacturers of luminescent concrete. Delivery expenses are therefore not included in the price.

Nevertheless, any size, shape, or color of decorative panel can be ordered. You can even get panels with the fiberglass fibers arranged to resemble a product or logo, as well as blocks with LED backlighting. Naturally, the price in this instance will be significantly higher.

Regarding the cost of "standard" transparent-material panels, then:

  • A prefabricated Litracon Classic panel measuring 1200 x 400 mm and 25 mm thick will cost at least 90,000 rubles. If the thickness is increased to 200 mm, then it will cost 320,000 rubles.
  • A Litracube Lamp block measuring 221 x 175 x 175 mm and 25 mm thick will cost a little less. You can pay from 54,000 rubles for it.
  • A slab of lightweight concrete from Lucem (1250 x 650 mm) with a thickness of 15-50 mm will cost no less than 90,000 rubles.
  • A luminous Lucem countertop measuring 1200 x 600 mm will cost 89,500 rubles.

All prices are subject to shipping charges.

Many people think that this kind of concrete has very low strength and other qualities because of its transparent structure. Let’s examine them in more detail.

Properties of transparent concrete

This material has the same characteristics as regular concrete, despite being transparent. Furthermore, it even excels in some areas over its "gray brother." The fact that it contains fiberglass, a superior reinforcing material, explains this.

The glowing substance possesses the following qualities:

  • strength: compressive strength in the range of 20-35 MPa, bending strength 30 Ptb, and tensile strength not less than 2;
  • density – 2300 kg/cm 3 ;
  • thermal conductivity – 2.1 W/(m∙K);
  • frost resistance up to F75;
  • water resistance – W4-W8;
  • sound insulation properties – 46 dB;
  • water absorption within 6%.

However, the material is unaffected by UV radiation and can freely transmit a light beam. In the event of significant rainfall, there is a chance of mild alkali-silicate reactions. Consequently, it is preferable to select products with a thinner thread cross-section because the damage will be less severe.

Transparent concrete slabs are typically no thicker than 20 cm. Nonetheless, the material’s ability to transmit light is unaffected by this indicator. Light can still freely flow through a wall that is two meters thick.

The slabs allow for the transmission of artificial light at night and natural light during the day, which allows for the creation of very unique design solutions for both country home construction and apartment interiors.

Scope of transparent concrete

The blocks’ range of applications is unlimited because they can be made in any size, color, and finish—matt or polished. These kinds of products can be utilized in building. They are ideal for building as well as interior decoration, such as:

  • partitions;
  • stairs;
  • inserts and much more.

The luminous panel is comparable to products constructed from regular concrete. Transparent building materials are only utilized in the construction of exceptionally significant architectural structures due to their high cost.

When discussing common people, they frequently utilize this unique composite in the production of:

  • benches;
  • countertops;
  • sinks;
  • decorative fountains;
  • illuminated niches in the walls.

You can use inexpensive panels to create a cube that can hold a lamp inside of it. You will therefore receive a highly unique lamp.

Additionally, a transparent concrete bar counter can be used to divide a studio apartment’s kitchen and bedroom.

Naturally, nobody wishes to spend 90,000 rubles on panels for a standard night light. You could attempt to create a transparent composite on your own in this situation.

Concrete that conducts light provides creative ways to improve a variety of spaces’ visual appeal and usability. Because of its ability to transmit light, this particular type of concrete is perfect for energy-efficient designs, decorative elements, and illuminated pathways. To achieve the best results, preparation is essential. Careful mixing, placing, and curing are required to guarantee that the light-transmitting properties are fully realized. Light-conducting concrete can be used to give your projects a distinctive and useful touch if you know what it entails and how to prepare for it.

How to make transparent concrete

It is important to note that specific machinery is needed in order to create this kind of composite. Because the composition’s components are arranged in layers, processing is needed after each layer. However, you can make a substance that looks like transparent concrete with your hands using artisanal techniques.

This calls for:

  • 1 part PC;
  • 2.5-3 parts sand (it should not contain loam and dust);
  • light-conducting filler – (no more than 5% of the total mass of the mixture);
  • modifying additives.
  • 0.5 parts running water.

A forced mixer is used to mix the solution (it is best to prepare concrete in small portions). Sand and cement must first be combined. Water is then added to the mixture, and the mixture is stirred for a minimum of six minutes. The sliding formwork is ready in the subsequent stages, and the following tasks are completed:

  1. A layer of concrete about 0.5-1 cm high is laid in the formwork.
  2. A layer of fibers is placed on it (they need to be pressed a little into the solution).
  3. After this, you need to wait until the layer “sets”.
  4. The procedure is repeated until the formwork structure is completely filled.

Following that, you must wait for roughly 72 hours before removing the formwork. The workpiece needs to be kept at +20 degrees with at least 95% air humidity for a week. When the concrete reaches its peak strength after seven days, grinding the surfaces will be feasible. Diamond discs work best for finishing.

Bricks that are completed are mounted with common masonry mixtures. You can use epoxy resin and quartz filler to glue products together.

Concrete that conducts light presents intriguing options for both practical and decorative uses. It is a popular option for avant-garde architectural projects because of its exceptional capacity to transmit light, which can improve the aesthetic appeal of a variety of structures.

To get the best results out of this material, preparation is essential. Maintaining the concrete’s light-conducting qualities and durability can be achieved by making sure the mix is properly mixed and that the installation procedure is meticulously followed.

Light-conducting concrete has the power to turn drab spaces into breathtaking settings when applied properly and with meticulous attention to detail. It adds a contemporary touch that can enliven any space, whether it is used for walls, flooring, or other purposes.

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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