Proposal for Final Year Project

INTRODUCTION:

Translucent concrete is a concrete based material with light trans missive properties,

obtained due to embedded light optical elements like Optical fibers in it. Light is conducted

through the stone from one end to the other. This results into a certain light pattern on the other

surface, depending on the fibre structure.

Translucent concrete comes in as a blessing solution for easier day lighting. When many

buildings are stacked close to each other, there is not much natural sunlight passing through and

the importance of natural sunlight is pretty well known. In fact, 50% day lighting is a mandatory

requirement in a green building according to (IGBC) Indian Green Building Council. When a

room is built with translucent concrete on its two walls, it saves a lot of energy in the form of

lighting as well as used as indoor thermal systems in cold cities.

Translucent concrete blocks inserted on front doors or walls next to it allow the residents

to see when there is a person standing outside. Translucent concrete walls on restaurants, clubs,

and other social establishment .Ceilings of large corporate buildings with translucent concrete

would help reduce a great deal of lighting costs during day time.

Speed bumps in parking lots and highways can use translucent concrete blocks with a

light source beneath or reflecting from other vehicles/sources help in navigation very effectively,

help to see how many people are actually inside it.

Translucent concrete blocks are incorporated in staircases and inner walls help during

times of power cuts at night leading to a great deal of safety. Similarly for subways and airports

etc., they are used for visibility purpose.

Translucent concrete blocks can be made in desired shapes and used as decorative

materials like bookshelves and sunshades, lamps for aesthetics in schools, museum and prison

cells outer walls, tables and statues. They can also be placed as random designs on security walls

which also enhance security giving the resident a hazy view of the perimeter.

In short, translucent concrete is the future. It is the smart way of optimizing and utilizing

light, a smart way of living.

Proposal for Final Year Project

Objectives:

The objective of choosing topic for thesis Exploring Transparent Concrete for

Structural and Architectural Expression is to:

Introduction of this recent technology in our civil works industry

Developing a scope in construction area

To enhance the importance of Translucent Concrete Technology

To highlight the impact of additional mixing materials on concretes both architectural

and structural expressions

To show how a material like concrete can play a magnificent role in energy efficiency of

a building

To overcome the old boring classic concrete building technology by developing a more

stable, more suitable, more attractive and more efficient and sustainable solution in

construction field

To use optical/plastic fibers as a major day lighting tool in important structures like

hotels, museums and office buildings etc

Saving energy by using translucent concrete in areas like in Pakistan where a large

amount of day light energy can be utilized

Proposal for Final Year Project

Methodology

In order to get a comprehensive result from the Project Objectives, we will adopt the

following methodology;

A pilot survey

Develop a scope for this technology

A complete literature study about this recent technology

Compile a comprehensive list for applications of this technology

Working on architectural expressions

Working on structural expressions

Calculation of efficiency in the light of EEB technology

Cost comparison

Comprehensive report on the advantages of translucent concrete technology over the

classical concrete

Conclusions