1. 1
Development and Study on Behavior of Light Transmitting
Concrete Using Optical & Glass Fibers
Presented By
Vasipalli Vamsi Krishna Reddy
M.Tech-4th semester
4AI15CSE23
ADICHUNCHANAGIRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

2. CONTENTS
2
History
Introduction
Literature Review
Objectives of Present Study
Methodology
Results and Discussions
Conclusions and Future scope of study
References

3. HISTORY
3
 Light Transmitting concrete was invented by an architect from
Hungry named Aron Losonczy when he saw an art at
Budapest, which was made up of ordinary concrete and glass.
 This gave thought of combining the two materials together. In
2001, successfully a light transmitting block was produced.
 Aron Losonczy named his invention as “LITRACON”, which
said as light transmitting concrete, in 2004, he started a
German company named Litracon. and started producing
Litracon commercially.

4. INTRODUCTION
4
 Light transmitting concrete (Litracon) also known as
translucent concrete, it is a concrete based building
material having light-transmissive property.
 Light-transmissive property is mainly due to uniform
distribution Optical Fibers throughout its body. It is
also known to be transparent concrete.
 It is available as prefabricated building blocks and
panels

5. 5
ADVANTAGES
1. Ability of light transmittance.
2. Betterment in strength than
conventional concrete.
3. Good aesthetical & architectural
properties.
DISADVANTAGES
1. Cost-effective due to the optical fibres.
2. Casting of concrete block is very difficult for labours,
so special skilled person is required.
Fig.1 Sunlight passing through the
transparent concrete wall

6. 6
APPLICATIONS
1. These fibre reinforced concrete blocks
suitable for floors, stairs, pavements, both
interior & exterior walls.
2. For construction of underground buildings &
improving visibility for subway stations.
3. Illuminating speed bumps on roadways &
also in light sidewalks at night.
4. In furniture & tiles for the decorative and
aesthetic purpose.
FIG.2 Stairs

7. 7
1)THE EUROPE GATE
 It is located in Fortress Monostor in the
Hungarian town, Komarom
 The sun illuminates the 37.6ft large Litracon
piece of the statue in the mornings and late
afternoons
 In night an even more impressive view can be
seen because of the embedded light sources.
EXISTING STRUCTURES
Fig.3 Day view
Fig.4 Night view

8. 8
2) CELLA SEPTICHORA , PECS, HUNGARY
It has a door made of Litracon Panels set in a steel frame.
Fig.5 Night view Fig.6 Day view
Contd.,

9. 9
Fig.7 BANK OF GEORGIA:
3) NEW HEADQUARTERS OF BANK OF GEORGIA:
Walls, walks, receptions, offices and consultation desks are illuminated by transparent concrete
Contd…

10. LITERATURE REVIEW
10
The following are the literature review of present investigation.
 SATHISH et.al (2015) Experiment on Study Of Behaviour Of Light Transmitting Concrete Using
Optical Fibre According to Sathish the results obtained from the compressive & tensile test shows
that the increases in both compressive & tensile strength of the concrete with reinforcement of
optical fibre. Gradual increase in the Mechanical properties of the concrete by increasing the
optical fiber up to 0.25% and on further addition of the optical fiber decreases the strength
parameters.
 AA.MOMIN et.al (2014) A Study On Light Transmittance Of Concrete Using Optical Fiber And
Glass Rods have done an experiment aiming to produce concrete specimens by enforcing glass
rods and optical fibers with different percentages and observed that compressive strength obtained
for the specimen with optical fiber is almost same and transparency of concrete specimen with
optical fiber was found more than glass rods and proved that without affecting the strength
,transmission of light is possible in concrete and enhance architectural view.

11. 11
 SAWANT et.al (2014) Present study on Light Transmitting Concrete By Using Optical
Fiber”, said that the compressive strength of concrete block reduces with the increase the
percentage of fibers. (i.e. percentage of surface area of concrete block) used in concrete
block. As per observation and comments discuss in previous points further project work
was carried out on 4% and 5% of fibers.(i.e. percentage of surface area of concrete
block),because for 5% fiber the compressive strength is slightly reduced than target
strength and for 4% it is slightly higher than target strength.
 Soumyajit et.al (2013) An experiment on Translucent Concrete, adding optical fibre or
large diameter glass fibre in the concrete mixture has vital property for aesthetic point of
view & also the concrete doesn't loses the strength parameter when compared to regular
concrete. The concrete can be used for architectural appearance of the building also can be
used where the light cannot reach with appropriate intensity.
Contd…

12. 12
 BHAVIN K. et.al (2013) Study On Transparent Concrete, according to him, the light
transmitting concrete does not decreases in its strength when made its comparison with
ordinary (conventional) concrete and additionally it has also have many vital assets in
term of its aesthetical applications. It is used for attaining awesome architectural view
in the construction. And also it is used where light can’t reach with suitable intensity.
 PADMA BHUSHAN et.al (2013) Investigation on Optical Fibers In The Modeling Of
Translucent Concrete Blocks, said that apart from the aesthetic appearance, it also
includes security and supervision. If outside walls of building are outfitted with light
transmit concrete blocks, it can be easily observed and understand if there was anyone
seeking or willing to enter into premises without permissions. Guards in the prisons
can easily recognize if prisoners are trying to escape or fighting with each other.
Electricity savings is addition to the list of its splendid applications.
Contd…

13. 13
s/no Name
Grade of
Concrete
Material Percentage fck REMARKS
1
M.Kankirya
et.al
M 20 OF/GR 4%/0.8% 26.66 >target strength
2
K. MOORTHY
et.al
M 20 OF 4% 27.2 >target strength
3 Swanth et.al M 25 OF 4% 32.4 >target strength
4 S Swanth et.al M 25 OF 5% 29.6 <target strength
5 Akshyaet.al M 20 OF 4% 26.57
=taget
strength
*GF=Glass Fiber *OF= Optical Fiber
ADOPTED GUIDELINES
Optimum Results of Light transmitting concrete using different percentages
of optical fibers and glass fibers are adopted as guide lines from the journals in terms
compressive strength tensile strength and light transmitting ability.

14. 14
RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE
 To Make the Concrete decorative by
illuminating on the surface.
 To Check whether the introduction of fiber
wire introduced into concrete will help or
influence to change engineering properties of
the member.
Fig.8 Light transmitting panel

15. OBJECTIVES OF PRESENT STUDY
15
The following are the objective of present study.
Development of Light Transmitting Concrete by
using Optical fiber and Glass fibers.
 To Study fresh and hardened properties of
developed Concrete mix in laboratory.

16. METHODOLOGY
16
Material Required
1. Cement
2. Fine Aggregate
3. Coarse Aggregate
4. Water
5. Optical Fiber
6. Glass Fiber
Tests on Materials
Cement
1. Fineness Test
2. Specific Gravity
3. Standard Consistency
4. Initial Stetting Time
Fine & Coarse Aggregate
1. Sieve Analysis
2. Specific Gravity
3. Moisture Content
4. Water Content
Concrete Mix Design
As Per IS: 10262-2009
Preparation of Mould &
Method of Casting
Fresh Concrete Tests
1. Slump Test
2. Compaction Factor
Test
Hardened Concrete Tests
1. Compressive Test
2. Split Tensile Test
3. Light Transmittance
Test
Fig 9. Flowchart of Methodology

17. 17
cement :- standard ordinary Portland cement of 43 grade (chettinad) was used in this
experiment conforming to IS-8112-1989
B. Fine Aggregate:- A river sand passing through 1.18mm is used such that where all the
components are of micro-metric size and reacts with even a very small amount of water, when it
is mixed the paste when it is wet it looks like clay and when sets it becomes stronger than
conventional concrete. conforming to IS-383-1970
C. Coarse aggregates: Crush granite aggregate available from local sources has been used with
16mm down size aggregates. conforming to IS-383-1970
D. Optical Fiber:- Duplex Zipcord Cable (GJFJV) are used with approximate insulating 1mm.
layers of single mode is used
Fig.10 Single mode optical fiber
Materials Required

18. MECHANISM OF OPTICAL FIBRE
Fig.11 The propagation of light through a optical fiber.
cladding
• An optical fibre is a cylindrical dielectrical wave that transmit light along it by the process
of Total internal reflection.
• It consists of a core surrounded by cladding layer.
18

19. 19
Cem-Fil ,HD-12mm, Alkali Resistant
glass fibres were used throughout the
experimental work. From the micro to
the macro fibre range, these fibers
control the cracking processes that
can take place during the life-span of
concrete.
Glass Fibre
Physical Properties Recommended Values By Supplier
Specific Gravity 2.68
Elastic Modules (Gpa) 72
Tensile Strength (Mpa) 1700
Fig.12 Glass Fiber

20. 20*GF=Glass Fiber ,*OF=OpticalFiber
ESTIMATION OF CUBE AND CYLNDERS
Mix Proportion
NUMBER OF SPECIMENS
CUBES
CYLINDER
7
Days
28
Days
56
Days
90
Days
7
Days
28
Days
56
Days
90
Days
Conventional 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
0.75(OF)+0.5(GF) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
1.25(OF)+ 0.5 (GF) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
1.75(OF)+0.5(GF) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
0.75(OF)+1(GF) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
1.25(OF)+1(GF) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
1.75(OF)+1(GF) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Total 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21
Over all 84 84

21. Construction Of Blocks Using Fiber
 First step is to make a mould using tin
of desired shape like a cuboid
 Many holes are punched on the walls
and optical fibres are made to pass
through it on both ends.
 Then the concrete is poured in to the
mould. The concrete then undergoes a
curing process and then excess of
fibre is cut and polishing is done on
the material.
Fig.13 Alignment of fibres in a
transparent concrete cube
21

22. 22
Sl.
no
Material Property Result obtained Requirement as per
IS: 8112 – 1989
1 Specific gravity 3.10 3.15
2 Fineness(%) 8 Not more than 10
3 Normal consistency(%) 33 -
4 Initial setting time(min) 62 Not less than 30 min
5 Final setting time(min) 348 Not more than 600
Results and discussions
Cement

23. Aggregates
23
Type of Fine aggregate: River sand passing through 1.18 mm is taken
SL .No Characteristics Values Obtained
1 Type of aggregate -
2 Specific gravity 2.54
3 Grading zone -
4 Water absorbtion 1.2
Type of Coarse aggregate: 16 mm Downsize Aggregate
Characteristics Value Obtained
Specific gravity 2.69
Water absorption 0.3

24. 24
Tests on Fresh Concrete
Slump and Compaction Test
w/c ratio slump(mm) Compaction
factor
0.44 29 0.46
0.45 42 0.49
0.46 58 0.56
0.47 64 0.67
0.48 72 0.78

25. 25
The following are the mix proportions conforming IS-10262-
2009
Cement = 449.3 Kg/m3
Water = 206.7 Kg/m3
Fine aggregate = 727.1 Kg/m3
Coarse aggregates = 968.61 Kg/m3
Water cement ratio = 0.48
Mix proportion for M25 Grade = C: FA: CA: W = 1: 1.6: 2.15: 0.48
Mix Proportion

26. 26
MIX
PROPERTIONS
Compressive strength in Mpa
7
DAYS
28
DAYS
56
DAYS
90
DAYS
Conventional 18.50 29.95 38.8 40.60
0.75(OF)+0.5(GF) 20.80 31.85 43.65 43.90
1.25(OF)+0.5(GF) 24.80 32.85 51.80 54.10
1.75(OF)+0.5(GF) 24.00 34.85 47.35 49.85
0.75(OF)+1(GF) 20.55 29.70 42.80 45.00
1.25(OF)+1(GF) 24.65 31.75 51.15 53.15
1.75(OF)+1(GF) 22.75 31.00 47.60 49.95
Compressive Strength
Tests on Hardened Concrete

27. 27
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
CompressiveStrengthN/mm2
Age(Days)
conventional
0.75(OF),0.5(GF)
0.75(OF)+1(GF)
1.25(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.25(OF)+1(GF)
1.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.75(OF)+1(GF)
Compressive strength of Concrete with Optical & Glass Fiber at 7&28 Days
From above graph we can observe compressive strength is gradually increasing
with increasing of fibres. The optimum strength gained at age of 7 days is at
1.25(Of)+0.5(GF) having compressive strength of 24.8 Mpa and optimum strength gained
at age of 28 days is at 1.75(OF)+0.5(GF) having compressive strength 34.85 Mpa

28. 28
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
CompressiveStrengthN/mm2
Age(Days)
conventional
0.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
0.75(OF)+1(GF)
1.25(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.25(OF)+1(GF)2
1.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.75(OF)+1(GF)
From the above graph we can observe strength is gradually increasing
with increasing of fibres, the optimum strength gained at age of 56 days is at
1.25(Of)+0.5(GF) compressive strength of 51.8 Mpa and optimum strength gained at
age of 90 days is at 1.25(OF)+0.5(GF) having compressive strength 54 Mpa
Compressive strength of Concrete with Optical & Glass Fiber at 56&90 Days

29. 29
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
7 days 28 days 56 days 90 days
CompressiveStrengthN/mm²
Age(Days)
Conventional
0.75 OF
1.25 OF
1.75 OF
From above graph we can notice that increment in Compressive strength
gradually from 0to 1.25 % and decrease at 1.75% of optical fiber, at the age of 7, 28, 56
& 90 days respectively the optimum Compressive strength of the concrete is showing at
1.25% of optical fibre
Comparison of compressive strength of 0.5% GF and various % OF

30. 30
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
7 days 28 days 56 days 90 days
CompressiveStrengthN/mm²
Age(Days)
Conventional
0.75 GF
1.25 GF
1.75 GF
Comparison of compressive strength of 1% GF and various %OF
From above graph we can notice increment in Compressive strength gradually
from 0to 1.25 % and decreases at 1.75% of optical fiber for 7, 28, 56 & 90 days
respectively and the optimum compressive strength of the concrete is at 1.25% optical
fibre.

31. 31
MIX
PROPERTIONS
Split Tensile strength in Mpa
7
DAYS
28
DAYS
56
DAYS
90
DAYS
0,0 2.15 3.10 3.25 3.55
0.75(OF)/0.5(GF) 2.80 3.85 4.15 4.30
1.25(OF)/0.5(GF) 2.90 4.25 4.40 4.75
1.75(OF)/0.5(GF) 3.05 4.45 4.60 4.90
0.75(OF)/1(GF) 2.85 3.55 3.70 4.00
1.25(OF)/1(GF) 3.35 4.35 4.10 4.35
1.75(OF)/1(GF) 3.80 5.10 5.30 5.65
Split Tensile strength

32. 32
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
SplittensileStrengthN/mm2
Age(Days)
conventional
0.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
0.75(OF)+1(GF)
1.25(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.25(OF)+1(GF)
1.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.75(OF)+1(GF)
Split Tensile Strength of Concrete with Optical & Glass Fiber at 7&28 Days
From the above graph we can observe that split tensile strength increasing
gradually and at the age of 7 days optimum tensile strength is at 1.75(Of) +1(GF)
having split tensile strength 3.8 Mpa and at the age of 28 days optimum strength is at
1.75(OF) +1(GF) having split tensile strength 5.1 Mpa
Cont…..

33. 33
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
SplittensileStrengthN/mm2
Age(Days)
conventional
0.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
0.75(OF)+1(GF)
1.25(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.25(OF)+1(GF)
1.75(OF)+0.5(GF)
1.75(OF)+1(GF)
Split Tensile Strength of Concrete with Optical & Glass Fiber at 56&90 Days
From the graph we can observe, split tensile strength increasing
gradually and at age of 56 days the optimum strength is at 1.75(Of)+1(GF) having
split tensile strength 5.3Mpa and at the age of 90 days the optimum strength is at
1.75(OF)+1(GF) having split tensile strength 5.7 Mpa
Cont…..

34. 34
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 days 28 days 56 days 90 days
SpliTensileStrengthN/mm2
Age(Days)
Conventional
0.75 GF
1.25 GF
1.75 GF
From above graph we can clearly observe that increment in Tensile strength of
concrete gradually with increase of optical fibre for 7,28,56 & 90 days respectively and
the optimum Tensile strength of the concrete is at 1.75% optical fibre
Comparison of Split Tensile Strength of 0.5 % GF and various %OF

35. 35
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 days 28 days 56 days 90 days
SpliTensileStrengthN/mm2
Age(Days)
Conventional
0.75 GF
1.25 GF
1.75 GF
From the above graph fig we can clearly observe that increment in Tensile
strength of concrete gradually with increase of optical fibre at the age of 7,28,56 & 90
days and the optimum Tensile strength of the concrete is at 1.75% optical fibre
Comparison of Split Tensile Strength of 1% GF and various %OF

36. 36
Mechanism of Light Transmitting Test

37. 37
Assembling of light transmitting Apparatuses

38. 38
Specimen
Percentages of Optical Fiber
0.75 1.25 1.75
Current readings (mA)
Optical fiber reinforced concrete
Readings (A1)
8.52 8.74 8.88
Conventional readings (A2)
0 % Optical Fiber
21.92
Light transmittance = 100-(( A2- A1) / A2) x 100 38.87% 39.87% 40.51%
Light Transmitting Test

39. 39
38.87%
39.87%
40.51%
38.00%
38.50%
39.00%
39.50%
40.00%
40.50%
41.00%
0.75 1.25 1.75
LightTransmittance
% Variation in Optical Fiber in Concrete
Light Transmittance in Percentage
Light Transmittance of Concrete Along With Different Percentages of Optical Fiber

40. 40
Conclusions and Future Scope of The Study
Based on the important conclusions arrived on the basis of
experimental investigation is as listed below.
 The light transmitting concrete mix can be achieved with additive
replacement of optical fibre and glass fibre.
 The present experimental work additive replacement of glass fibre 0.5%&1%
and varying the optical fiber are 0.75%, 1.25%, 1.75% mixes and water
cement ratio 0.48 used in developed light transmitting concrete mixes
attained in the laboratory.
 The hardened properties of concrete was observed to be increasing with the
increasing of fibre dosage up to 1.25 % optical fibre and decreases at 1.75%
in both conditions compared to developed different fibre dosages of light
transmitting concrete mixes.

41. 41
Contd…
 The compressive strength result obtained on Additive replacement of glass fibre
0.5%,1% and varying the optical fiber are 0.75%,1.25% 1.75% mixes are compared to
conventional concrete mix the maximum compressive strength was increased by 25%
at mix proportion 1.25OF+0.5GF which is having compressive strength 24.80, 34.85,
51.80, & 54.00 Mpa at 7,28,56&90 days respectively .
 The Split tensile strength result attained on Additive of glass fibre 0.5%,1% and
varying the optical fiber are 0.75%,1.25% 1.75% mixes are compared to conventional
concrete mixes the sacrificing split tensile strength was increased by 43% at mix
proportion 1.75OF+1.0%GF which is having split tensile strength 3.8, 5.1, 5.3,&5.7
Mpa at 7,28,56&90 days respectively .
 Light transmitting ability of concrete attained maximum with the increasing on
additive of optical fibres varies from 0.75%, 1.25% & 1.75% in Light transmitting
concrete, which have optimum light transmitting ability at 1.75% optical fiber having
better light transmitting ability 40.51

42. FUTURE SCOPE OF STUDY
42
The work is extended to study some of other important parameter
with respect to light transmitting concrete.
 To study the different proportions of optical fibres and glass fibre used and
various curing periods in light transmitting concrete.
 To study the long term durability properties of light transmitting concrete.
 To study the shrinkage and creep behavior of light transmitting concrete.
 To predict the harden properties in soft computing technique Viz ANN &
probability analysis.

43. REFERENCES
43
1) Sonali.M.kanakriya(2016) “Translucent concrete by using Optical Fiber and Glass
rods” IJSRD Publications, Volume 6, Issue 10.
2) Sathish Kumar (2015) “Study behaviour of Light transmitting Concrete Using
Optical Fibre”, IJETS Volume 3, Issue 7.
3) S.Krishna moorthy,R.pradeepa (2015) “An Experimental Study on Translucent
Concrete” IJSRD Publications –Volume 3, Issue 03.
4) A.A. Momin1 , Dr. R.B. Kadiranaikar (2014) “Study on Light Transmittance of
Concrete Using Optical Fibers and Glass Rods.” JMCE Volume 4, Issue 6.
5) B. Sawant, R. V. Jugdar, S. G. Sawant, (2014) “Light Transmitting Concrete by
using Optical Fibre” IJIES Volume3, Issue 1.

44. 44
6) Soumyajit Paul, Avik Dutta. (2013) “Tranclucent concrete ” IJSRD, Volume 3,
Issue 10.
7) Bhavin K. Kashiyani (2013) “A Study on Transparent Concrete” (IJEIT),
Volume 2, Issue
8) M.N.V.Padma Bhushan, (2013) “Optical Fibres in the Modeling of Translucent
Concrete Blocks”, IJERA, Volume 3, Issue 3.
9) Akshaya B Kamdi (2013) “Transparent Concrete As A Green Material For
Building”, IJSC Volume 2, Issue 3.
10) Textbook on “Concrete Technology Theory & Practice”, by M.S Shetty.
11) IS-383:1970 “Recommended guide lines for fine and coarse aggregates”
12) IS-1199:1959 “Recommended guide lines for slump test”.
13)IS-1199:1969 for Compaction factor test,
14) IS-10262:2009 “Recommended guide lines for concrete mix designing”
Contd…

45. Thank You !
45