Transparent concrete, which retained the strength characteristics and long service life of the usual material, provided scope for design solutions in the construction of buildings. The introduction of an aesthetic component into the production technology changed the components of the mixture, which increased prices for the finished product. You can reduce the cost of purchasing blocks if you make them yourself.
This innovative development makes it possible to distinguish the silhouettes of objects and the outlines of people, which is a unique design solution when constructing buildings and structures. You can make it yourself, which will reduce the cost of expensive materials. The building will receive additional lighting without reducing the strength of the structures.
To ensure that light sources and the silhouettes obscuring them are visible through the frozen solution, fiber optic conductors are used as filler. The technology has retained fine-grained as a binder cement mixture, but introduced this specific component to impart light-conducting properties to the monolith.
The optical fiber content should not exceed 5%, otherwise the load-bearing capacity. The optimal Ø of one thread is no more than 2 mm. Transparent products require their production in a factory in separate blocks, which, after completion of the manufacturing procedure, are delivered to the installation site. Prices are set both individually and per 1 m2 for wholesale customers.
The main characteristics correspond to fine-grained concrete M250 (compression):
- strength (bending) – PtbЗ0;
- water absorption – up to 6%;
- frost resistance – F50;
- density 2100-2400 kg/m3;
- light dispersion – up to 2 m.
Compared to traditional ones, such products have higher thermal resistance and noise insulation. If they are used for installation in critical (loaded) structures, then when making them yourself, plasticizers are added to the mixture to increase strength. To give the desired color, pigment is poured in, the front surface is processed to the required degree of roughness or polished. The installation technology allows you to mount cement mortar, anchors, lay on adhesive mixtures.
Area of use of transparent blocks
The use of translucent concrete in external walls allows you to save energy indoors during the day and receive additional lighting from the rooms of the area adjacent to the house at night.
In addition to facade design, they are used for original interior and exterior decor. It looks impressive in the following elements:
- internal partition;
- table top;
- reception, bar counter;
- windowsill;
- ladder;
- fence;
- bench;
- lamp.
Such solutions can be successfully used both in public buildings, and in individual development.
Self-production
In order to make transparent blocks of concrete, it is necessary to purchase a fiber optic cord Ø 0.25-3 mm in a volume of about 4% of the total cubic capacity of the planned mixture.
The technology includes the following stages:
- Assemble the sliding formwork according to the right size. Some craftsmen make it long and subsequently cut the resulting timber into separate fragments.
- Prepare a solution in the proportion of 1 part cement, 3 fine-grained sifted sand, ½ water. It is possible to buy a ready-made dry mixture and mix it with water to the required consistency. Crushed stone is not used unless it is part of the designer’s creative intent. It is better to take purified water, with low content salts
- The formwork is placed on a horizontal, level plane. A small amount of the composition is poured into it and distributed in a thin layer.
- Fiberglass is cut to the thickness of the block and laid in a row, pressing it into the concrete. The threads lie parallel, with their ends facing the front edge, without bending.
- After the solution has set, the operation is repeated until required height. The top layer should cover all the fibers.
- Making 1 mold takes 3-5 days (the element is kept in the formwork for 2-3 days), depending on the ambient temperature and air humidity.
- For full operation of the optical fiber, the front edges are ground, obtaining a smooth, transparent surface.
Optical fiber serves as reinforcing elements, so for better adhesion, you can add a plasticizer suitable for operating conditions.
Cost of translucent material
The company that created Litracon Bt sells concrete at prices that are high for mass construction. A block with a thickness of 20 cm sells for 100,000 rubles per 1 m2. Decorative properties are used for Litrocube lamps, the price of which is 43,000 rubles and weighs 10 kg. In the Moscow region, Mosstroytransgaz - Development LLC sells 1 m2 of light ston sheet own production dimensions 30x300x900 mm at a price of 20,000 rubles.
The Interpol company has opened its own workshop, where it is produced in 4 basic colors:
- white marble;
- grey;
- sandstone;
- dark grey.
When filling out an individual application, the base solution can be colored at the customer’s request. Interpol's standard Illumicon product line is available in the following sizes:
| Thickness, mm | Dimensions, mm | |||||||
| 300x300 | 600x300 | 900x300 | 400x400 | 600x400 | 800×400 | 1200x400 | for 1 m2 | |
| Cost, rubles | ||||||||
| 20 | 2790 | 5270 | 7680 | 4690 | 6870 | 9030 | 13380 | 27150 |
| 25 | 3110 | 5900 | 8690 | 5270 | 7750 | 10200 | 15130 | 30820 |
| 30 | 3490 | 6600 | 9720 | 5900 | 8670 | 11460 | 17000 | 34730 |
| 35 | 3590 | 6850 | 10090 | 6120 | 9010 | 11900 | 17660 | 36090 |
| 40 | 3760 | 7170 | 10590 | 6400 | 9450 | 12500 | 18560 | 37960 |
| 45 | 4080 | 7820 | 11560 | 6990 | 10300 | 13630 | 20280 | 41530 |
| 50 | 4400 | 8450 | 12510 | 7550 | 11150 | 14760 | 21960 | 45050 |
Concrete is one of the most popular materials in construction, with a long service life and high performance characteristics. The main disadvantage is that it is not aesthetically pleasing. appearance, requiring additional finishing. Transparent variety - completely new product, in which we managed to combine everything best qualities familiar composition with unique aesthetic properties.
Concrete can be called transparent rather conditionally, since only the contours of objects located behind the structure are visible through it and only when the light flow is directed from the rear side. In cloudy weather or in the evening, this material does not differ significantly from the usual one; all its properties are fully revealed only in sunlight or when using special lighting.
It consists of two main components: fine-grained concrete and fiberglass, which serves as the basis for the operation of the reflective matrix. The diameter of glass fibers is predominantly taken to be 2 mm, and their total share does not exceed 5%.
Transparent concrete has all the structural and operational parameters of traditional concrete, such as:
- strength;
- hardness;
- water resistance;
- heat and noise insulation characteristics.
Fiberglass also performs a reinforcing function, increasing some properties of the material:
- moisture absorption - up to 6%;
- frost resistance - up to F50;
- bending strength - up to grade Ptb30;
- compressive strength - up to grade M250.
Applications
Thanks to the advent of translucent concrete, new opportunities have opened up in the design and engineering of buildings, especially in modern and high-tech styles.
Most often used for:
- finishing of indoor surfaces;
- structures interior partitions;
- construction of external and load-bearing walls;
- production of plumbing fixtures (washbasins, bathtubs);
- production of decorative benches, fountains, gazebos.
Does not lose its properties and characteristics when exposed to sun rays and temperature fluctuations, and therefore can be used not only for internal, but also external work. To create blocks suitable for construction load-bearing structures buildings and meeting all safety requirements, a special production technology is required, which involves adding various building mixtures, resins and quartz flour.
For interior decoration For rooms, panels made of translucent concrete are predominantly selected. They are fixed to the wall using bolted connections or frame structures. Can also be used as flooring.
The main drawback, due to which the material has not yet become widespread in construction, is the too high price, due to expensive components. For the same reason, the products are not yet available to most people and are extremely rarely used when creating interiors.
Manufacturing technology
The production technique consists of layer-by-layer application of a fine-grained mixture and fiberglass. To obtain the required characteristics, after the mortar has set and gained strength, additional processing. Transparent light-conducting concrete is ground and polished to produce as smooth a surface as possible to maximize light transmittance and achieve the greatest decorative effect.
The optical parameters of the material do not depend on the thickness of the products; the main importance is the uniformity of the fibers and their percentage content in the finished product. The fine-mesh structure looks more airy, conveying the edges of the object. Increasing the thread density increases the transparency effect.
The production of light-conducting blocks is impossible in conditions construction site, since high-quality mixing of the mixture requires special equipment. But for your own needs, you can try to do it yourself.
Making concrete yourself
The main difficulty lies in the need to introduce exactly 5% fiberglass. Threads laid strictly in one direction must be of the same length, equal to the thickness of the block.
Materials needed:
- purified water;
- fiberglass threads of the required length with a cross-section from 0.25 to 3 mm;
- a thoroughly dried mixture of cement and finely sifted sand.
The production technology includes the following steps:
- production of “floating” formwork, moving upward as it hardens;
- pouring a thin layer of the prepared solution into a mold placed on a flat horizontal surface;
- fiberglass strands are placed in the mixture and slightly embedded in it;
- after waiting the time necessary for setting, the next layer is poured and another row of fiberglass is laid;
- pouring and laying of threads is repeated until the formwork volume is completely filled;
- Once the last layer has hardened, the frame is dismantled, the edges of the block from the ends of the fiberglass should be sanded and polished.
According to technology for self-production fine-grained concrete requires mixing cement and sand in a ratio of 1 to 3. Water is added depending on the amount of cement used, no more than half of its mass.
Dry ingredients are added to the mixer and mixed for a minute. After the mixture becomes homogeneous, add water and stirring continues for another 5 minutes. When making blocks, both in a factory and with your own hands, the mobility of the solution is important: the slightest displacement can lead to a decrease in throughput, but allows you to create an original pattern on the surface.
According to the technology, finishing treatment is carried out 2-3 days after pouring. To do this, the formwork is dismantled, and the resulting block is left to “ripen”, if possible ensuring its protection from the impact atmospheric precipitation. Incomplete hardening occurs 3-5 days after pouring.
The cost of concrete in Moscow
Prices for this unique innovative product depend on the shape and complexity of manufacturing, technical and operational characteristics.
Price of the most popular products in Moscow:
| Manufacturer | Name | Dimensions, mm | Cost, rubles |
| Mosstroytransgaz-Development LLC, Russia | Light Stone | 1 m2 | 20000 |
| ILLUMINART, Russia | ILLUMICON | 1 m2 | 17955 |
| Litracon Bt, Hungary | Litracon | 1 m2 | 69800 |
| Litracon Bt, Hungary | Litracon Classic prefabricated blocks | 1200x400x(25-200) | 90000-320000 |
| Litracon Bt, Hungary | Litracube lamp | 221x175x175 | 54000 |
| Lucem, Germany | Plates from lightweight concrete Lucem | 1250×650x(15-50) | from 90000 |
| Lucem, Germany | Lucem table top | 1200x600x20 | 89500 |
Manufacturers from Europe offer the highest prices for products, and for ready-made products, and transparent concrete is offered at the cheapest price. Russian companies- its cost is relatively low.
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Concrete is durable building material, which has high quality characteristics and a long service life. Benefits concrete mortar many, however, there are also disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is the unaesthetic exterior, which requires additional finishing. But technology in the world of construction does not stand still, and it was invented new look– translucent concrete. This building material allows you to distinguish the silhouettes of objects and the outlines of people, which is a unique design solution when constructing buildings and structures. Transparent concrete You can make it yourself, which will reduce the cost of already expensive materials.
Definition
Transparent concrete is a unique building material, which was invented by the Hungarian architect A. Losonczy. He was looking for ways to provide additional lighting to the structures without compromising the strength characteristics of the concrete solution. And then the architect decided to change the internal structure of the material.
After fifteen years of experimenting with concrete, the architect managed to introduce it into construction new material– transparent concrete (Litracon). It is composed of fine-grained composite materials and fiberglass.
It is impossible to produce transparent concrete in large volumes, so it is customary to produce it in the form of a block.
Against the background of the main advantages, they highlight main drawback transparent concrete solution is a high price for the materials used, which can reach thousands of dollars.
Features and Specifications
Light is transmitted due to the optical fiber included in the litracon. Transparent concrete, in addition to its unique appearance, has:
- high strength;
- water resistance;
- thermal insulation;
- sound insulation;
- possibility of making it yourself.
Due to the fiberglass included in the composition, the material receives a reinforcing effect, which exaggerates its characteristics:
- moisture absorption up to six percent;
- frost resistance;
- bending strength;
- compressive strength.
The features of litracon lie in its environmental friendliness, the indicators of which undergo appropriate testing and have certificates. The disadvantages of the material include the inability to obtain a light-conducting mixture directly in the formwork on the construction site. The manufacturing process consists of layer-by-layer laying of the components of the solution, after which they have hardened, the laid surface is treated with an additional composition, which will allow obtaining the desired light-conducting properties.
Light transmission is ensured by the optical fiber included in the litracon. It allows light rays to pass over a distance of about 200 centimeters. Optical fiber is not susceptible to fire and is resistant to sudden temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation.
Walls made of transparent concrete are capable of transmitting rays of natural light into the room during the daytime, illuminating personal plot due to room lighting. Litracon can be found in black, white and gray; matte or polished panels are also produced. Light-conducting blocks are secured with anchors, mortars, and adhesive mixtures. Blocks are made in various sizes, with a variety of colors and surface treatments.
Applications
Litracon is used to create a unique interior design element:
- facades of buildings and structures;
- countertops;
- stairs;
- benches;
- internal partitions.
DIY manufacturing technology
Transparent concrete can be made with your own hands, but you should be careful about this process. The difficulty lies in the technology for preparing litracon, namely, in the proportions of the required components. To obtain a light-conducting structure, you should take four percent of the optical fiber from the total mass of the solution. You should also observe the direction of laying the threads, which should lie strictly in one direction. To create a litracon with your own hands, you should prepare the following materials:
- purified water;
- dried cement mixture with small grains of aggregate;
- fiberglass of a length corresponding to the thickness of the slab.
Optical fiberglass (threads with a cross-section from ¼ to 3 mm, length equal to the future thickness of the panels). The technological process of making litracon with your own hands includes the following steps:
- manufacturing a box, which is a floating formwork that can move upward as the solution hardens;
- the manufactured box is placed on a leveled horizontal surface and a thin layer of the prepared mixture is poured into it in a small volume;
- Next, lay the fiberglass in the poured solution and recess it a little;
- allow the solution to set and then pour in the next portion, after which another layer of fiberglass is placed in it;
- repeat pouring and installing fiberglass until the formwork is completely filled;
- after the last layer of the poured mortar has hardened, the formwork is dismantled, the sides of the blocks are ground and polished on the side of the perpendicularly located fiberglass.
Creation consists of mixing one part cement and three parts sand. Part of the water is added based on the mass of cement, and should not be more than half of its part. Next, modifiers are added, some of which are determined according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Dry ingredients are immersed in a mixer and mixed for one minute. As soon as the mixture becomes homogeneous, add water and stir for another five minutes.
After forming transparent concrete into blocks, finishing processing begins. To do this, stripping is carried out two to three days after its installation and the manufactured block is left to be maintained under conditions of optimal humidity and temperature. The process of incomplete hardening occurs in three to five days.
In order for the material to conduct light rays, the side surfaces should be sanded.
Light-transmitting building materials are the result of innovative and expensive construction technologies. Glass fiber with a percentage of no more than 5% is used as a light-conducting filler, which allows maintaining the basic properties of concrete: tensile and compressive strength, water resistance, frost resistance. At the same time, the design potential of the material is enormous: being not completely transparent, the blocks transmit light and shade and change patterns when the lighting changes.
In the absence of coarse filler, glass fiber acts as an analogue of fiber and can withstand internal and external loads and deformations. The only drawback is the high prices (from 90,000 rubles per 1 m2); the technology of transparent light-conducting concrete is still being mastered by Russian manufacturers and is considered expensive.
Composition and properties of the material
The raw materials are cement, sand with a particle size modulus of 2–3, fiber-optic fiber with a filament diameter of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and modifying additives to improve the formability of low-mobility solutions. There is no coarse filler, the percentage of light transmitting is in the range of 4–5%. The optical characteristics of fiberglass and the environmental friendliness of the raw materials of the finished product are certified; it is completely safe for humans even if plastic resins are added. Essentially, the transparent type of concrete has the same properties as regular concrete:
- strength: compressive strength within 20–35 MPa, tensile strength during bending - at least 2;
- density - 2300 kg/cm3;
- thermal conductivity - 2.1 W/(m∙K);
- frost resistance up to 75 cycles;
- water permeability grade: W4–W8;
- water absorption: no more than 6%;
- sound insulation - 46 dB.
The material does not burn, is not afraid of UV rays, there is a risk of alkali-silicate reactions of fiberglass with cement under the influence of precipitation, but due to the thin cross-section of the threads, it is minimal. Concrete leaks during the day natural light, at night - artificial. In theory, the thickness of the slabs is not limited, in practice it does not exceed 20 cm due to the current capabilities of laying fiberglass. The production of transparent concrete is constantly being improved, but is still an exclusive and expensive technology.
Scope of application
The manufacturer produces blocks and slabs in white, black and gray, with specially treated surfaces (polished or matte). This concrete is used in decorative purposes, due to the high cost, full construction of walls is possible only during the construction of unique objects. It is optimal for interior decoration: partitions, cladding with installation of lamps under the tiles, stairs, inserts. Original look has furniture and interior items made of transparent composite: benches, table tops, lamps, sinks.
The blocks are connected with a cement- or lime-based mortar or compositions of epoxy resins and quartz chips. This type of masonry complies with building and fire safety regulations and is suitable for the construction of load-bearing walls. In addition to the fastening solution, anchor bolts or frame structures are purchased, and the panels can be floor-mounted. The only limitation in use is the high price of transparent concrete; for private construction, it is advisable to try to make it yourself.
Production technology
The process is a layer-by-layer application of fiberglass threads and fine-grained concrete mixture. After gaining strength, transparent concrete undergoes processing: grinding and polishing. This is necessary to obtain optimal light-conducting characteristics and enhance the decorative effect. The optical properties do not depend on the thickness of the plates, but on the uniformity of the distribution of threads and their percentage. Blocks with a fine-mesh structure look more airy and convey the edges of the object; with increasing fiber density, the transmitting effect is stronger.
Much depends on the mobility of the mixtures: displacement leads to a decrease in throughput, but creates a unique pattern. It is important to understand: the technology for producing transparent concrete with light transmitting abilities does not allow it to be obtained directly on the construction site. The process of creating a separate panel is labor-intensive and will take a lot of time (as will shipping them from abroad), this should be taken into account when planning the timing of the work. If necessary (to obtain slabs required thickness) the material is cut perpendicular to the laid threads.
Self-production
It’s quite possible to create it yourself, the main thing is to achieve maximum homogeneity of the solution and immobility of the fiberglass. The recommended proportions are:
- 1 part cement;
- 2.3–3 sand without clay impurities and dust;
- 0.5 parts of clean water.
The volume of light-conducting filler does not exceed 5% of the total mass of the solution, the diameter of the threads is 0.5–2.5 mm, the length corresponds to the thickness of the concrete product. To reduce the mobility of the mixture, it is recommended to introduce modifying additives. Do-it-yourself mixing is not suitable; it is best to prepare the solution in forced mixers and in small portions. Water is introduced after combining sand with cement (ready-made mixtures are welcome), after introducing all components, the concrete is mixed for at least 5–8 minutes.
A sliding type of formwork is used. Transparent concrete is laid in stages: 0.5–1 cm of solution and slightly pressed fibers or bundles. Important: each subsequent layer is laid only after the previous one has set. After filling, the formwork is left motionless for 48–72 hours and only then removed. Minimum set strength is 5–7 days, before which the product is kept at 20 °C and humidity 95%. After hardening, all edges of the fibers are covered with cement; to achieve transmissive properties, the surface requires finishing - grinding the side edges with diamond discs.
Price
In addition to the “transparent concrete” brand, this product is known to consumers as litrakon or lyutsem (after the European brands of the same name). Prices are given taking into account the conversion to the euro exchange rate; when planning a purchase, you should remember about additional delivery costs. It is possible to produce panels with individual parameters, even down to the arrangement of fiberglass in the form of logos and paintings. In this case, the cost will be negotiable, as is the case when creating custom colored blocks with LED lighting systems, curved shapes or interior items.
stroitel-list.ru
Transparent concrete - DIY production technology
For more than 50 years, concrete has been the most popular building material. Due to its high strength, density and resistance to temperature changes, concrete bases last the longest. But this material has rather poor aesthetic qualities, which significantly narrows the scope of its use 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's take a closer look at what is included in this material, what properties it has and where it is used.
What is transparent concrete?
This modification was developed by the Hungarian architect Aron Losonczi, who experimented with building materials. With him 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 low-moving solution.
Coarse fillers are not used in the production of translucent concrete.
Fiber optic glass threads must be certified. The documents indicate that the material is environmentally friendly.
It’s worth saying right away that the cost of high-quality transparent concrete is very high; if you have the opportunity, it is better to order the material from Europe. However, domestic manufacturers have already begun to master the technology for producing this unique composition. True, this did not reduce the price much.
Cost of transparent concrete
Today on Russian market Two companies Litracon and Lucem sell this unique material. However, it is worth considering that these companies are not manufacturers. These are intermediaries of official European companies that produce luminous concrete. Accordingly, the price does not take into account delivery costs.
However, you can order decorative slabs of any size, shape or color. You can even purchase canvases in which fiberglass fibers will be laid out in the shape of a logo or product, as well as blocks equipped LED backlight. Of course, the cost in this case will be many times higher.
If we talk about the price of “standard” panels made of transparent material, then:
- A Litracon Classic prefabricated panel measuring 1200 x 400 mm and 25 mm thick will cost at least 90,000 rubles. If the thickness is increased to 200 mm, then it will cost 320,000 rubles.
- A Litracube Lamp block measuring 221 X 175 X 175 mm and 25 mm thick will cost a little less. 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.
- The Lucem luminous tabletop measuring 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 take a closer look at them.
Properties of transparent concrete
Despite its transparency, this material has the same properties as ordinary concrete. Moreover, in some indicators it even surpasses its “gray brother”. This is explained by the fact that it contains fiberglass, which is an excellent reinforcing material.
Luminous material has the following characteristics:
- strength: compressive strength in the range of 20-35 MPa, bending strength 30 Ptb, and tensile strength not less than 2;
- density – 2300 kg/cm3;
- thermal conductivity – 2.1 W/(m∙K);
- frost resistance up to F75;
- waterproof - W4-W8;
- sound insulation properties - 46 dB;
- water absorption within 6%.
At the same time, the material, which freely transmits the light beam, is not affected by UV radiation. However, there is a risk of minor alkali silicate reactions occurring in the event 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 in any way affect the light transmittance of the material. Even if the wall thickness is 2 m, light will still pass through it freely.
During the day, the slabs transmit natural light, and at night - artificial light, thanks to which you can achieve very unusual design solutions both in the interior of the apartment and during construction country house.
Scope of application of transparent concrete
Since the blocks are available in any size and color, polished or matte, their scope of application is unlimited. Products of this type can be used in construction. They are optimal for interior decoration, as well as for the construction of:
- partitions;
- stairs;
- inserts and much more.
The luminous panel can be used along with products made from standard concrete. However, the cost of 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, 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. This way you will get 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 costing 90,000 rubles for an ordinary night light. In this case, you can try to make a transparent composite yourself.
How to make transparent concrete
First of all, it is worth saying that the production of such a composite requires specialized equipment. Since the components of the composition are laid in layers, treatment 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.
To do this you will need:
- 1 share 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 mixed in a forced mixer (it is better to prepare concrete in small portions). First you need to displace the sand and cement. After this, water is added to the mixture and the solution is mixed for at least 6 minutes. In the following stages, the sliding formwork is prepared and the following operations are performed:
- A layer of concrete about 0.5-1 cm high is laid in the formwork.
- A layer of fibers is laid on it (they need to be pressed a little into the solution).
- After this, you need to wait until the layer “sets”.
- The procedure is repeated until the formwork structure is completely filled.
After this, you need to wait about 72 hours and remove the formwork. For a 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 blades.
Finished blocks are installed using standard masonry mixtures. For gluing products, you can use epoxy resin with quartz filler.
In conclusion
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.
zamesbetona.ru
Translucent concrete: how it was created and where it is used
Modern building material – transparent concrete, opens up new possibilities for the construction and decoration of buildings Any person on the planet knows what concrete looks like: gray rough walls are familiar to everyone. The popularity of concrete mortar is very high because, despite its external unattractiveness, this building material is very durable and quite economical.
But science does not stand still, and today we will talk about a new material, which has received the international name LiTraCon (litracon) or translucent concrete. Let's look at what the new type of concrete consists of, what it is used for, and whether it is possible to make glass concrete with your own hands.
Litracon technology allows you to create various designs in blocks, including images of trademarks When, by whom and why?
Pouring any formwork with concrete mortar creates a very robust construction, having very long term operation. The initial plasticity of the material and maximum strength after hardening make it very popular in the construction market around the world.
But among the many advantages of concrete, it has several disadvantages. The main one is the external unattractiveness of the resulting surface. Due to grayness, concrete surfaces require mandatory decorative finishing.
Who invented transparent concrete and when?
In 2001, Hungarian architect Aron Loskonsi looked at the problem of concrete surfaces from the inside. He decided that the external unattractiveness of concrete could be corrected not by external decorative materials, but by changing its internal structure. As a result of a series of experiments, a new, technologically advanced building material was born - transparent concrete.
Hungarian architect Aron Loskonshi with his invention - transparent concrete Transparent concrete, which has a very attractive appearance, did not immediately gain popularity. It was first used as a material for the construction of parts of buildings and structures in Europe, in Germany in 2005.
Transparent concrete blocks arrived in Russia in 2012. And in our country its use is quite limited. There are no domestic analogues for this material, and importing it from abroad is quite expensive. The price of a block weighing 10 kg is about 600 euros excluding delivery and customs duties.
For what?
The transparency of litracon is quite relative. In terms of light transmission, it is difficult to compare with glass. However, using blocks to build walls or partitions can significantly reduce the amount of electricity consumed by allowing natural light into the room.
At the same time, you will not be inside a glass cube; the translucent blocks retain a certain intimacy: through the litrakon wall you can only discern a silhouette or guess the color - provided that there is independent lighting.
Note! The thickness of a block or panel of transparent concrete does not in any way affect its light transmittance. The main condition for manifestation this effect– presence of a light source.
The difference between the light transmittance of concrete litrakon and ordinary glass Transparent concrete
Clear concrete is essentially fiberglass blocks filled with concrete. In addition to visual appeal, the author of the invention was looking for a way to provide light access to a concrete building without compromising the basic strength characteristics.
Definition and composition
Conventional concrete blocks are a mixture of cement, sand and crushed stone. Transparency of the material is achieved by adding optical fiber to the composition.
In this case, there is no need to use coarse aggregate and additional internal reinforcement. Therefore, transparent concrete blocks do not differ in strength from ordinary concrete, while gaining additional aesthetic appeal.
The mass fraction of optical fiber in transparent concrete blocks is no more than 5%. The diameter of the glass fiber used can vary, but ranges from 2 microns to 2 mm. The main volume is filled with cement and fine-grained purified sand.
Note! Compared to usual concrete composition, this material has much less weight, but at the same time becomes much stronger.
Fiberglass creates a reflective matrix that allows the concrete to transmit light Performance characteristics
So, we found out that the optical fiber in concrete gives the blocks the ability to transmit light. What is the situation with other characteristics of concrete that are so attractive to builders?
Fiberglass is at the same time a reinforcing element of reinforcement, due to which transparent blocks acquire higher performance following properties:
- resistance to the damaging effects of humidity;
- bending and compressive strength of the material;
- resistance to temperature changes.
At the same time, the indicators for the level of environmental friendliness, fire safety, sound and heat insulation are maintained. Also, transparent concrete is not exposed to ultraviolet rays.
It does not fade or change the design. The modern construction market offers for purchase blocks of translucent concrete in black, gray and white.
Scope of application
At the moment, litracon has gained enormous popularity among interior designers and building designers, both in the field low-rise construction, and in the field of industrial development. Transparent concrete blocks fit perfectly into the structure of modern and high-tech buildings.
They produce blocks and panels of translucent concrete, which are used with great success:
- as the main material of load-bearing walls;
The walls of the office building are made of transparent concrete blocks - for internal and external cladding of building surfaces, including floors;
Interior finishing with transparent concrete slabs - for the formation of zonal fences and installation of interior partitions;
Translucent facade wall of the administrative desk of the reception area MAFs (small architectural forms): benches, fountains, lampshades for street lamps.
MAF elements made of transparent concrete
Like any stone with an interesting structure, transparent concrete has found its use as a finishing material for staircase steps, countertops and in the manufacture of sanitary furniture. In the photo below, examples good use Litrakon brand material:
Production process
The technology for producing transparent concrete is not a complicated process. The high cost of the material is not due to labor costs for production, but to the cost of the optical fiber included in the blocks and panels. A layer of concrete without a coarse component is poured into the formwork, then fiberglass is pressed into the solution and the layer dries.
Then the process is repeated. The next layer is always poured after the previous one has set. In this way, transparent concrete is obtained: the technology for its production is not a science-intensive or labor-intensive process. It is quite possible to carry out work on the production of glass concrete yourself.
We make litracon on our own
Due to the high cost of branded material, many people try to make transparent concrete with their own hands. Technologically, this process is very simple, but there are some nuances here too. The trick is to maintain the exact proportions of all components, as well as the quality of fillers.
In addition, it is very important to observe the vector of laying the fiberglass threads.
To make block or panel glass concrete with your own hands, you need to prepare the following materials:
The concrete solution is prepared in the traditional proportion of one to three. Water is added as needed, based on the mass fraction of cement, but the amount of water in the solution should not exceed 50% of the total volume.
Important! Mixing should be carried out carefully, for which it is necessary to use special equipment (concrete mixer), the condition of which must be absolutely clean.
The instructions for pouring blocks are as follows:
- A box is assembled from a floating formwork that moves upward;
- The first one is poured inside the formwork thin layer concrete mortar;
- Fiberglass is placed and embedded in the solution;
- The pouring is left at rest until the concrete sets.
Then the process is repeated the required number of times until the full height is reached. After the last layer of fill has set, the formwork is removed. This usually happens 48 - 72 hours from the moment the last layer is poured.
Important! After removing the formwork, the block is allowed to rest at room temperature and average humidity for 3-5 days.
The finished block is ground and polished to a mirror finish on the side of the working surface, which is perpendicular to the direction of laying the fiberglass threads. Learn more about the process self-made translucent concrete blocks can be created by watching the video in this article.
Installation of panels and blocks
Translucent concrete blocks or panels can be used to decorate facades and to form internal surfaces. The blocks are laid on a binder cement-lime mortar, or using adhesives based on epoxy resins and quartz flour. The strength of the resulting walls is not inferior to concrete masonry, and meets all the requirements for load-bearing elements building structures.
Panels made of transparent concrete are mounted on a frame or on anchors. Their design is similar to the technology of ventilated facades. The panels can also be laid as flooring. The strength of the material does not depend on the thickness of the tile.
The photo clearly shows that panels of transparent concrete blocks are mounted on metal frame walls Conclusion
Modern concrete transparent has very interesting external characteristics, while maintaining all the valuable performance qualities of ordinary concrete. This combination makes it very attractive when constructing concrete buildings with unusual structural elements. If the price of the material seems very high, you can make translucent concrete blocks with your own hands.
concrete-house.com
What is transparent concrete?
cornerstone modern architecture You can safely call concrete, because not a single serious project can do without it. However, the aesthetic component of structures made from it most often lost and could be partially compensated due to the scale, intricacy and complexity of forms. That was until, in 2001, a young Hungarian architect invented transparent concrete, which incorporated glass fiber optic strands into its fine-grained structure. Now the idea of it can change significantly - Lucem (one of the names of the innovation) is acquiring signs of airy decorativeness.
- Application
- Is it possible to do it yourself?
- Acquisition
Characteristics and properties
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 € 4,000 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 agreed upon with the customer.
Despite some external extravagance and apparent weightlessness, Litracon retains the structural characteristics of ordinary concrete: strength, water resistance, noise and heat insulation.
Moreover, thanks to the reinforcing effect of glass fiber, certain 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, this allows us to produce guaranteed clean and safe products.
The technological complexity of obtaining transparent concrete does not allow it to be obtained, like usual, by pouring it into formwork directly at the installation site. It is produced at specialized industrial enterprises with appropriate equipment.
The technology for producing concrete with glass fiber-optic threads involves layer-by-layer application of fine-grained mortar and fiberglass. After setting and gaining the required strength, the surface of each block is additionally processed to impart the specified mass parameters and achieve the desired light-conducting characteristics.
Application
The first product made from light-conducting concrete was a fancy cube-shaped lamp, made for demonstration purposes. This item weighed home interior more than 10 kg. Because it caused an unprecedented stir, it can still be purchased at innovation fairs 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 limited only by high cost; if a way is found to circumvent this obstacle, the world will expect many amazing innovations.
How to make it yourself
The difficulty of self-production is to include 4% of the total mass of optical fibers in the structure, and the threads must be oriented in a strictly defined manner.
In order to get a lithrocon with your own hands, you should stock up on all the necessary materials:
- dry fine-grained mixture for concrete;
- clean water;
- fiberglass (diameter 0.25÷3 mm) of the same length, corresponding to the thickness of the future slab.
First of all, you need to make a structure that resembles a box, but is actually a sliding formwork. As the concrete sets, it should move smoothly upward. Place a box of rectangular shape and specified dimensions on a flat horizontal surface. You need to pour a small amount into the bottom ready-mixed concrete, fixing its quantity, and distribute it in a thin layer.
Carefully, evenly lay the fibers on the resulting cushion across the mold and press them down slightly. After the composition has set, pour in the next portion of the liquid concrete solution in measured doses and again place the fiberglass on its surface. Repeat the procedure until the form is completely filled out.
After the last layer has hardened, the formwork is removed and the side surfaces of the slab, to which the fibers are perpendicular, are ground and polished. If everything is done correctly, then the prototype of the product is ready. The work will require time, perseverance and perseverance, but the result is worth it. Based on the experience gained, subsequent products may be of higher quality.
Buy in Moscow
Abroad, transparent concrete is very expensive, plus the costs associated with transportation and customs. However, domestic engineering does not stand still, and now in our country they have learned to produce similar structural material, the cost of which, as they say, is significantly lower than abroad. In Moscow you can buy Lyutsem both imported and domestically produced. At the same time, the quality of the optical characteristics of concrete is beyond doubt, but the prices, alas, are not transparent. You can find out about them only if the order for the products is placed and the manager is convinced of the seriousness of the client’s intentions.
