Transparent Concrete

The transparent concrete was first found by Hungarian Architect Aron Losonczi and was successfully produced in 2003 and named after LiTraCon and in 2004 started company named LiTraCon.

There are two main and basic component of this transparent / translucent / LiTraCon concrete :

1.  Fine Concrete  
2.  Optical Fibers 

Fine concrete is made of fine aggregates like sand, an alternative t the course aggregate.

Optical fibers are used because they can transmit light over even after 60 degree bending. And this was due to its structure having outer covering called buffer and inner material called core which transmits light. 

Other material details of this mixture are:

Cement :

 Ordinary Portland Cement is used in transparent concrete.

Sand :

 Sand should pass 1.18 mm sieve to be used in the mixture.

Water :

 The quality of water should of drinking quality.

Optical Fiber :

 The fiber should have a diameter of 2 micrometer to 2 mm.

Manufacturing process of  transparent concrete:

The process is almost the same as the regular concrete. Small layers of concrete are poured in the mould and on top of the each layers, a layer of fibers is fused. Fabric and concrete are alternately inserted into moulds at internals of approximately 2 mm to 5 mm.
The casted material is then polished resulting in finishes ranging from semi-gloss and high- gloss.

Application:

Transparent concrete blocks is suitable for:

1. Floors
2. Ceiling
3. Pavement 
4. load Bearing Walls
5. Partitions Walls

In furniture for the decorative and aesthetic purpose. Light Sidewalks at night. Increasing visibility in dark subway station. Lighting indoor fire escapes, in the event of a power failure.

But the only thing is its high cost of manufacturing and is over $1000/ sq m.

Structures Where Transparent Concrete Was Used:

The Europe Gate

It is located in  Fortress Monostor in the Hungarian town Komarom. 

Cella Septichora, Pecs, Hungary

It has a door made of Litracon Panel set in a steel frame.

New Headquarters Of Bank Of Georgia

Walls, Walks, Receptions, Offices and Consultation desks are illuminated by transparent concrete.