Light Transmitting Concrete: A Review

Buildings

Salmabanu Luhar¹  Michael F. Petrou²  Ismail Luhar³  Demetris Nicolaides⁴  Pericles Savva⁵  Antreas Theodosiou⁶ 

[1] Center of Excellence Geopolymer and Green Technology, School of Materials Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis 01000, Malaysia;Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1303, Cyprus;Department of Civil Engineering, Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Rajasthan 333001, India;Frederick Research Center, P.O. Box 24729, Nicosia 1303, Cyprus;Latomia Pharmakas, Nicosia 1303, Cyprus;Lumoscribe LTD, Paphos 8310, Cyprus;

关键词: light transmitting concrete (LTC) or translucent or transparent concrete (TC);    optical fibres (OFs);    strength;    energy-saving;    greener architecture;    nano-optics;   

DOI  :  10.3390/buildings11100480

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Recently, research attention has been drawn to the application of novel, unique, and innovative types of construction materials to fulfil diverse objectives associated with the ground-breaking concept of “Greener Architecture”, in order to improve the overall economic value and quality of construction. Among these revolutionary structural building materials is light-transmitting concrete, also referred to as translucent or transparent concrete. This material is based on the concept of nano-optics, which allows exterior light to transmit through internal spaces in which light elements, namely optical fibres, are incorporated during the material’s manufacture. The current review assesses earlier studies of translucent concrete, focusing on its applications, and the appropriate ratio and arrangement pattern of optical fibres. This study also investigated the light-transmitting, mechanical, thermal, and energy-saving properties of translucent concrete by analysing research conducted during the past decade. However, numerous material restrictions and research gaps were found in the earlier literature on this concrete. The principal restrictions relate to the material’s low material strength and the identification of the optimum ratio of fibres. The main gaps identified among the reviewed research investigations relate to tests aiming to identify the influence of dissimilar ratios of optical fibres on the material’s strength and energy-saving properties. In the current review, we also identify and recommend future areas of research, and provide suggestions to address the existing research gaps. Finally, we review the types of translucent materials, their properties, and their advantages and disadvantages, and provide illustrations and value-added applications. The aim is to promote translucent concrete as an attractive, promising, and innovative building material for the construction industry.

【 授权许可】

Unknown