Experimental Evaluation on Light Transmittance Performance of Translucent Concrete

Abstract

Translucent concrete is a new energy-saving building material that permits transmission of light into indoor environment because of the embedded optical fibers with application as architectural wall and structural façade of buildings. In this experimental study, the light transmittance performance of plastic optical fiber (POF) based translucent concrete was evaluated using an electrical circuit test setup with light dependent resistor (LDR). A total of 18 specimens containing 2 mm and 3 mm fiber diameters and POF volume ratio of 2%, 4% and 6% were produced. The experimental results showed that the light transmission increased with the increases of POF volume ratio. On the other hand, the amount of light transmitted gradually decreased with the increase in distance between the specimen and light source. Moreover, the intensity of light transmitted through translucent concrete gradually decreases with respect to increases in distance between LDR and specimen. The spacing, diameter and number of optical fibers have a considerable effects on the overall ratio of light transmitted. Empirical curves are developed based on correlation between light transmittance and other various factors that affect the efficiency of light transmission through translucent concrete. The translucent concrete prepared in this study performs up to 22% of light transmittance, which is sufficient illuminance for residential and office buildings. The results evidently show that translucent concrete can be successfully used as energy efficient construction material for sustainable construction and green building development.