For more than 50 years, concrete has been the most popular building material. Due to their high strength, density and resistance to temperature extremes, concrete bases last the longest. But, this material has rather meager aesthetic indicators, which significantly narrows the scope of its application in construction. To solve this problem, transparent concrete (or as it is also called light-transmitting or "Litracon") was developed. This is an innovative material that is just beginning to conquer the market. Let us consider in more detail what is included in the composition of this material, what properties it has and where it is used.
What is transparent concrete
This modification was developed by the Hungarian architect Aron Losonci, who experimented with building materials. With his light hand 15 years ago, light-conducting concrete was born, which consists 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 a slow-moving solution.
Coarse fractional fillers are not used in the manufacture of translucent concrete.
Fiber-optic glass filaments must be certified. The documents indicate that the material is environmentally friendly.
It should be said right away that the cost of high-quality transparent concrete is very high, if you have the opportunity, then it is better to order material from Europe. Nevertheless, domestic manufacturers have already begun to master the production technology of this unique composition. True, the price of this has not decreased much.
The cost of transparent concrete
Today, this unique material is sold on the Russian market by two companies, Litracon and Lucem. However, it should be borne in mind that these companies are not manufacturers. These are the intermediaries of official European companies that produce luminous concrete. Accordingly, the cost does not include shipping costs.
However, you can order decorative tiles in any size, shape or color. You can even purchase canvases in which fiberglass fibers will be laid out in the form of a logo or product, as well as blocks equipped with LED lighting. Of course, the cost in this case will be many times higher.
If we talk about the price of "typical" panels made of transparent material, then:
- The Litracon Classic prefabricated panel with a size of 1200 X 400 mm and a thickness of 25 mm will cost at least 90,000 rubles. If the thickness is increased to 200 mm, then it will cost 320,000 rubles.
- A little cheaper will be the Litracube Lamp block with a size of 221 X 175 X 175 mm and a thickness of 25 mm. You can pay for it from 54,000 rubles.
- A lightweight concrete slab from Lucem (1250 X 650 mm) with a thickness of 15-50 mm will cost at least 90,000 rubles.
- A Lucem luminous tabletop with a size of 1200 X 600 mm will cost 89,500 rubles.
Shipping costs are added to all prices.
Many believe that due to its transparent structure, such concrete has very low strength and other characteristics. Let's consider them in more detail.
Properties of transparent concrete
Despite its transparency, this material has the same properties as conventional concrete. Moreover, in some respects, he even surpasses his "gray brother". This is due to the fact that it contains fiberglass, which is an excellent reinforcing material.
Luminous material has the following characteristics:
- strength: for compression in the range of 20-35 MPa, for bending 30 Ptb, and for tension 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;
- soundproofing properties - 46 dB;
- water absorption within 6%.
At the same time, the material that freely transmits the light beam is not affected by UV radiation. However, there is a risk of minor alkaline silicate reactions in case of heavy rainfall. Therefore, it is better to choose products with a thinner cross-section of threads, then damage will be minimal.
The thickness of transparent concrete slabs usually does not exceed 20 cm. However, this indicator does not affect the light transmission of the material. Even if the wall thickness is 2 m, the light will still pass freely through it.
During the day, the plates let in natural light, and at night - artificial light, thanks to which you can achieve very unusual design solutions both in the interior of an apartment and in the construction of a country house.
Scope of transparent concrete
Since the blocks are available in any size and color, polished or matte, their scope is not limited. Products of this type can be used in construction. They are optimal for interior decoration, as well as during the construction of:
- partitions;
- stairs;
- inserts and more.
Luminous panels can be used on a par with standard concrete products. However, the cost of a transparent building material is so high that it is used only in the construction of buildings of special architectural significance.
If we talk about ordinary citizens, then they often use this unusual composite for the manufacture of:
- benches;
- countertops;
- shells;
- decorative fountains;
- illuminated niches in the walls.
If you spend money on small panels, you can make a cube out of them and place a lamp inside it. Thus, you will get a very unusual lamp.
Also, you can make a bar counter from transparent concrete, which will separate the kitchen and bedroom in a studio apartment.
Of course, no one wants to buy panels worth 90,000 rubles for an ordinary night light. In this case, you can try to make a transparent composite on your own.
How to prepare transparent concrete
First of all, it should be said that specialized equipment is required for the production of such a composite. Since the components of the composition are stacked in layers, processing is required after each subsequent layer. However, there are artisanal methods that allow you to prepare a material that resembles transparent concrete with your own hands.
This will require:
- 1 share of PC;
- 2.5-3 shares of sand (it should not contain loam and dust);
- light-conducting filler - (no more than 5% of the total mass of the batch);
- modifying additives.
- 0.5 parts running water.
The solution is kneaded in a forced mixer (it is better to prepare concrete in small portions). First, sand and cement must be displaced. After that, water is added to the mixture, and the solution is stirred for at least 6 minutes. At the following stages, the following operations are prepared and performed:
- A layer of concrete with a height of about 0.5-1 cm is laid out in the formwork.
- A layer of fibers is laid on it (they need to be pressed a little into the solution).
- After that, you need to wait until the layer "grabs".
- The procedure is repeated until the formwork structure is completely filled.
After that, you must wait about 72 hours and remove the formwork. During the week, the workpiece must be stored at a temperature of +20 degrees and air humidity of at least 95%. After 7 days, the concrete will gain maximum strength, then it will be possible to grind the surfaces. For finishing, it is best to use diamond discs.
Finished blocks are mounted using standard masonry mixtures. Epoxy resin with quartz filler can be used for gluing products.
In custody
Transparent concrete is very expensive, so no one uses it to build houses. However, if you use it for decorative purposes, you can achieve a stunning effect.
Transparent concrete is an exotic novelty in the field of construction. Created less than 20 years ago, it turned the idea of a gray, unsightly monolith upside down. Hungarian inventor Aron Lokonshi conducted an experiment by laying fiber optic strands in the body of concrete. The result was amazing. Light directed at the surface of a thick impenetrable slab easily passed through it.
Architects and interior designers enthusiastically accepted this idea. Now the construction industry produces varieties of translucent concrete: litracon, luce, lumicon, illuminart. Light illuminated designs of them look elegant and spectacular.
Description and application
The composition of translucent concrete differs from the traditional one in the absence of large aggregates. Thin light-conducting threads are immersed in a matrix of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water and plasticizers. The solution can be tinted both in classic colors - black, beige, white, gray, and in non-standard ones - green, red, yellow.
In fact, concrete is not transparent, but light-conducting. It is produced with the addition of a special quartz fiber. Getting to the end of the conductor, the light is repeatedly reflected, refracted in bends and exits through the other end. Therefore, the light transmission capacity of the plate does not depend on the thickness, but only on the density of the threads. The larger it is, the more intense the rays penetrate the structure.
In the absence of a light source, it is no different from ordinary. It shows its decorative properties when illuminated by incandescent lamps, LEDs or sunlight.
The production of products from transparent concrete is quite expensive and not widespread, so the designs are highly priced. Plates are produced with a thickness of 25 mm to 30 cm and typical sizes - 60x120 cm. The cost of a square meter of transparent material reaches 90 thousand rubles, which is due to the high cost of optical fiber. But light-conducting panels are in demand, their production is growing.
The use of transparent concrete is associated with its exceptional decorative qualities. LED lighting helps to highlight the advantages of the material in the most advantageous way. Piece art objects are made from it - loft-style lamps, luminous tabletops and window sills, benches, niches, wall panels.
In restaurants, cafes and hotels, bar counters, reception, partitions are trimmed with panels. Illuminated floors made of transparent concrete are an adornment of any, even the most concise interior.
Facades and railings made of translucent blocks have an exclusive design. The properties of the material make it possible to use it in an unusual solution of small architectural forms - street lamps, fountains, signboards.
The interesting structure of the stone is used in the design of stairs, steps, sanitary furniture.
Components and Specifications
The basis of transparent concrete is high-quality Portland cement grades M300-M700. Fine aggregate - quartz washed sand fraction 2-3 mm, granite or marble chips. To improve the workability of the mixture, plasticizers are used that lower the water-cement ratio.
Optical fiberglass with a diameter of up to 0.25-0.5 mm imparts light conductivity to the composition. It is laid evenly across the thickness of the slab to create a direction for the light flux. You can create illuminated logos, pictures or inscriptions. Fiber content - up to 5%.
In addition to optical permeability, the inclusion of filaments in the composition of the stone gives it high compressive and flexural strength due to the effect of reinforcement. The addition of more light guide elements increases transparency, but at the same time degrades performance.
The mechanical and physical properties of transparent concrete are close to the original:
- density is 2050-2400 kg/m³;
- compressive strength not less than 20 MPa;
- frost resistance class up to F100;
- thermal conductivity coefficient 0.1-0.2 W/m°C;
- water resistance W4 - W6;
- water absorption up to 8%;
- combustibility group NG;
- sound insulation index 48-52 dB;
- environmental Safety;
- resistance to UV radiation.
Transparent concrete is unstable to silicate corrosion in a humid environment, so its surface is treated with protective compounds:
- impregnations on a water or silicone basis;
- wax for stone;
- lithium impregnations;
- varnishes.
They give the surface higher wear resistance, resistance to aggressive environments, moisture resistance.
Transparent concrete can be ground, polished, cut, drilled holes in it. Finishing panels are attached to the base by gluing or special inconspicuous anchors. Translucent blocks are laid on solutions with the addition of epoxy resin.
How to prepare transparent concrete
The desire to make your home unique, moreover, spending a minimum of money on it, is close to every craftsman in our country. Making transparent concrete with your own hands is a simple task, requiring only the observance of some rules:
- Prepare the components for a fine-grained concrete mix - Portland cement M300, sifted clean sand with a particle size of 2-3 mm, water. Volumetric proportions of materials - 1:3:0.5.
- Dry ingredients are mixed first, then water is added and the mixture is closed. Mixing time - 7-8 minutes. It is advisable to use a construction mixer so that the cement-sand dough is homogeneous.
- Fiberglass is cut into pieces corresponding to the thickness of the manufactured element.
- Prepare a sliding formwork in the form of a square or rectangular box. The mixture is poured in layers, so the mold must move vertically.
- A layer of solution is poured with a thickness of not more than 0.5-1 cm. Segments of optical fiber are sunk into it, observing the stacking vector. If they are located randomly, the light transmission will decrease or disappear altogether.
- Wait for the moment of setting, and then continue layer-by-layer pouring.
- After 2-3 days, the formwork is removed, the elements are left until cured for about a week.
For final processing, it is necessary to grind the surfaces to remove cement laitance from the ends of the quartz filaments. This will open access to light rays.
Now you can use blocks to finish vertical and horizontal surfaces. During installation, a building masonry mortar, epoxy, polyester or polyurethane adhesive is used.
When fastening to the frame, anchor studs are used, the technology is similar to the device of ventilated facades.
If the tiles are laid on the floor, the surface is treated with protective compounds. This will increase the wear resistance and durability of the coating, facilitate maintenance.
Transparent concrete is a godsend for those who want to create an unusual home decoration. The combination of interesting external properties and traditional performance qualities make it possible to use it both for the manufacture of decorative elements and loaded working structures. In order to save the light-conducting material, you can make it yourself.
More than 10 years ago, experts proposed a truly unique innovative development for construction work - transparent or light-transmitting concrete.
Lucem has now spoken about the launch of the new material and its entry into the global construction market. And soon it will be possible to buy concrete with delivery, which will make the structure weightless.
Recall the history and features of this material ...
Photo 1. 
As you know, ordinary concrete began to be used in construction more than a thousand years ago, back in the time of Mesopotamia.
It acquired its final form in the 19th century. And at present, during the construction of any building, it is simply impossible to do without the use of concrete. It is rightly called the basis of modern architecture, since it is an indispensable structural component of any building. There is even polystyrene concrete and fiber cement. Nevertheless, many people associate concrete with facelessness and soullessness, and it rarely occurs to anyone to call it beautiful. However, after the appearance of a transparent variety, ideas about concrete begin to change dramatically.
Photo 2. 
It would seem that builders have long studied all the chemical and physical properties of this material. But the fact that through the transparent indestructible mass you can see the silhouettes, features and colors of objects that are behind him, few people suspected this. At the same time, the transparent material remains sound and heat insulating, durable and water resistant. Thus, this is a type of composite concrete that transmits light through itself, while remaining ordinary concrete in terms of properties.
Transparent concrete is designated by another term - litrokon. There is another name - lyucem. The creator of transparent concrete is Aron Losonzi. It was he who came up with the unusual idea of combining concrete with optical fiber, which is used in telecommunications. The first sample of concrete, which the inventor himself calls translucent, was made in 2001.
Photo 3. 
Now this Hungarian architect has opened his own company and is now engaged in the production of transparent concrete in huge volumes. In the new version of lucem, the architect used plastic, which made it possible to somewhat reduce the cost of the material and make it much more attractive. The architect's dream is to see city blocks built from litracon someday.
The unique feature of light-conducting concrete structures is the fact that they are made of fine-grained material with the addition of fiberglass. The combination of these 2 components results in a unique building material with a high level of transparency (it will change the perception of concrete as a material that is ordinary and boring when viewed from the outside).
Photo 4. 
Light-conducting fibers are located in the very structure of concrete, they make it possible to achieve an amazing light-shadow play. Such concrete blocks are not absolutely transparent, however, the silhouettes of various objects and people are perfectly visible through them. Structures made of light-conducting concrete look light and airy. However, according to experts, in terms of the most important characteristics, light-conducting concrete is no different from a simple analogue - it is also durable.
The researchers found that light through transparent concrete is visible at a distance of more than 20 meters.
The blocks are produced by laminating fine-grained concrete over optical fiberglass. After this procedure, the surface of the block is treated in a special way. The fibers have a small size, which makes it possible to maintain the uniformity of the concrete mixture and its internal structure. This advanced material, on a par with ordinary concrete, has significant strength, high fire resistance and frost resistance, and it is resistant to sunlight.
Photo 5. 
Transparent concrete immediately found its application and became common in various countries. In the US, it is generally used for the production of fences for many government buildings. In Sweden and Japan, very monolithic structures were built from such material.
Lutz became the main material in the construction of the central office of BMW - the famous automobile concern. In addition, small objects began to be produced from transparent concrete. Today, lamps made from litracon are quite popular. Such an accessory weighs a little - only 10 kilograms, but costs a significant amount - about 600 euros for each lamp.
Photo 6. 
The developers, in order to present the innovative material in detail, lined the central facade of one of the buildings in Aachen. 136 panels, whose dimensions corresponded to 150x50 cm, were spent on facing the external walls. The concrete panels were connected to a lighting control system, they were controlled by innovative computer technology. The unique system manages over 16 million colors. As a result, the ordinary facade of the building turned into a huge screen for a bright light show.
From the point of view of the authors of the project, the appearance of new transparent concrete blocks in the construction market will increase the potential of the contemporary art of interior design and architecture. Lucem has already begun making rare blocks, releasing them in several varieties.
Photo 7. 
Photo 8. 
Photo 9. 
Photo 10. 
sources
Concrete is one of the most common building materials due to its strength, durability and a number of other advantages. However, its aesthetic component leaves much to be desired, so concrete surfaces are always subject to additional finishing. The exception is light-conducting concrete, which, in fact, this article is devoted to, in particular, we will further consider in detail what this material is and how to make transparent concrete with our own hands.
General information
Transparent or light-conducting concrete (Litracon) was invented in 2001 by a Hungarian architect. Fiber optic glass filaments are incorporated into the fine-grained structure of this material. As a result, the material is a solid substance penetrated by thin glass fibers.
It should immediately be noted that the price of transparent concrete is very high, due to the technological complexity of its manufacture. Therefore, it is produced exclusively to order in the form of rectangular panels, the dimensions of which are selected in accordance with the wishes of the customer.
Initially, it was possible to purchase light-conducting concrete only abroad, as a result of which the cost of delivery was added to the high price of the material. However, in recent years, domestic manufacturers have also taken up its manufacture. Moreover, they began to offer this material at much more favorable prices.
Material properties
Characteristics
Despite a certain external extravagance, transparent concrete has the structural characteristics of traditional concrete, including:
- strength;
- Water resistance;
- Noise and heat insulating properties.
Moreover, fiberglass has a reinforcing effect on the material, as a result of which some of its indicators are even higher than those of ordinary concrete:
Note! Transparent concrete can be considered not only as a decorative, but also a structural material that can withstand heavy loads. Moreover, its optical properties do not depend on the thickness.
Peculiarities
The components that are used in the manufacture of light-conducting concrete are certified and undergo an environmental assessment before use. As a result, the finished material is guaranteed to be environmentally friendly and safe for health.
The disadvantages include the fact that the technology for the production of transparent concrete does not allow it to be obtained in the formwork directly at the construction site. Litracon is manufactured at industrial enterprises that have the appropriate equipment.
The manufacture of the material is carried out by layer-by-layer imposition of fiberglass and. After setting the solution and curing, the surface of the blocks is further processed to obtain good light transmission characteristics.
In the photo - a lamp made of transparent blocks
Application area
For the first time, transparent concrete was used to make a whimsical cube-shaped lamp. This piece of furniture weighed more than 10 kilograms. Gradually, the scope of its application expanded.
Recently, Litracon has been used in modern architectural compositions, for the implementation of various design solutions in urban construction, as well as for creating unusual interior elements.
I must say that the imagination of designers at the moment is limited only by the very high cost of the material.
Manufacturing
The main difficulty of self-production lies in the fact that the technology of transparent concrete requires the inclusion of exactly 4 percent of the fiber in the structure of the total mass of the material. Moreover, all its threads should be located strictly in one direction.
materials
So, to create your own litrocon, you need to prepare all the necessary materials:
- Dry fine-grained cement mixture;
- clean water;
- Fiberglass with a diameter of 0.25-3 mm. The length of the fiber must match the thickness of the board.
Manufacturing technology
Instructions for the manufacture of light guide panels are as follows:
- First of all, you need to make a design that resembles a box. In fact, this is a floating formwork, which, as the mortar sets, should smoothly move upwards.
- The resulting box should be installed on a flat horizontal surface and pour a small amount of solution into it, distributing it in a thin layer.
- Across the freshly poured layer, fiberglass is evenly laid and slightly recessed.
- After the solution has set, the next portion of the solution is dosed and a layer of fiberglass is also laid on top of it.
- This procedure is repeated until the formwork is completely filled.
- When the last layer of mortar hardens, you need to remove the formwork.
- Then the side surfaces of the block are sanded and polished, to which the fiberglass is perpendicular.
Advice! Formwork can be made of plywood, plastic or other sheet material.
This completes the manufacturing process of this material. Of course, this work requires a certain amount of time, perseverance and perseverance, but the result justifies all these difficulties. After gaining some experience, subsequent samples may turn out to be of higher quality.
Conclusion
Transparent concrete is a modern material that, in addition to high strength, has excellent decorative properties. Perhaps, its disadvantages include only the high cost, however, you can get Litracon at home, without any special costs ().
From the video in this article, you can get more information on this topic.
Concrete can be safely called the cornerstone of modern architecture, because no serious project can do without it. However, the aesthetic component of structures made of it most often lost and could be partially compensated due to the scale, intricacy and complexity of forms. This was the case until, in 2001, transparent concrete was invented by a young Hungarian architect, the fine-grained structure of which included glass fiber optic filaments. Now the idea of it can change significantly - Lucem (one of the names of the innovation) is acquiring signs of airy decorativeness.
The light-conducting structure is a solid and durable substance, penetrated by many thin glass fibers. Due to the technological complexity of execution, the price of transparent concrete is quite high - about € 4000 per m2 with a thickness of 200 mm, therefore it is produced exclusively to order in the form of rectangular slabs, the dimensions of which are negotiated with the customer.
Despite some external extravagance and seeming weightlessness, Litracon retains the structural characteristics of conventional concrete: strength, water resistance, noise and heat insulation.
Moreover, thanks to the reinforcing effect of fiberglass, individual indicators are significantly improved:
- frost resistance - F 50;
- moisture absorption - up to 6%;
- compressive strength - M250 and bending strength - Ptb30.
At the same time, the light-conducting properties of lucem do not depend on its thickness. The raw materials used in the production of light-conducting concrete are certified and undergo an environmental assessment before entering the plant, which allows us to produce guaranteed clean and safe products.
The technological complexity of obtaining transparent concrete does not allow it to be obtained, like ordinary concrete, by pouring it into the formwork right at the installation site. It is produced at specialized industrial enterprises with appropriate equipment.
The technology for the production of concrete with glass fiber optic filaments involves the layer-by-layer imposition of fine-grained mortar and fiberglass. After setting and gaining the required strength, the surface of each block is additionally processed to give the specified mass parameters and achieve the desired light transmission characteristics.
Application
The first product made of light-conducting concrete was a bizarre cube-shaped lamp made for demonstration purposes. This piece of home furnishings weighed more than 10 kg. Since it caused an unprecedented stir, it can still be purchased at innovation exhibitions for 570 €.
Basically, transparent or light-conducting concrete is used in the latest architectural compositions for decorative purposes, to implement bold design solutions in urban design, and to create original interior elements. The imagination of designers and artists is currently only limited by high cost, if a way is found to get around this obstacle, the world will have many amazing innovations.
How to make your own
The complexity of independent production lies in the fact that 4% of the fiber from the total mass is included in the structure, while the threads must be oriented in a strictly defined way.
In order to get a litrocon with your own hands, you should stock up on all the necessary materials:
- dry fine-grained mix for concrete;
- clean water;
- fiberglass (diameter 0.25 ÷ 3 mm) of the same length corresponding to the thickness of the future plate.
First of all, you need to make a structure that resembles a box, but in fact is a sliding formwork. As the concrete sets, it should move upwards smoothly. Install a box of rectangular shape and specified dimensions on a flat horizontal surface. At the bottom you need to pour a small amount of ready-made concrete, fixing its amount, and distribute it in a thin layer.
On the resulting pillow across the form, carefully, evenly lay the fibers and slightly drown them. After the composition has set, it is dosed to pour the next portion of the liquid concrete solution and again place fiberglass on its surface. Repeat the process until the form is completed.
After the last layer hardens, the formwork is removed and the side surfaces of the slab are ground and polished, in relation to which the fibers are perpendicular. If everything is done correctly, then the prototype of the product is ready. The work will take time, perseverance and perseverance, but the result is worth it. Based on experience gained, subsequent products may be of higher quality.
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