Translucent concrete, also known as light-transmitting concrete, is a marvel of modern architecture. It is a unique material that transforms concrete from a dull, grey block to a stunning, light-emitting wonder. By incorporating light-transmitting elements, such as optical fibres or clear resins, into the concrete mix, it allows light to pass through the concrete and create an ethereal glow. The result is a mesmerising and surreal effect that can be used to create stunning artistic designs in buildings, sculptures and other structures. Translucent concrete is a material that blurs the line between solid and light, opening up new creative possibilities in the field of architecture and design. How it is made A mixture of fine-grained concrete, consisting of cement, water and small particles, is used to create translucent concrete. To allow light to get through, the concrete mix must have fine-grained consistency. To the concrete mixture, 4-5 per cent optical fibres are added, based on volume. The fibres typically have a diameter of 0.5 mm and are made of glass or plastic. In order to distribute the light uniformly, they are incorporated into the concrete mixture in a predetermined pattern. The concrete is then poured into the specified mould or formwork once the fibres have been added. The concrete must cure for several weeks after being poured. The fibres become incorporated in the concrete during this period as the concrete strengthens. After the concrete has dried and set, any blemishes or surface flaws are polished off. This helps to enhance the translucency of the concrete. R&D The innovation of translucent concrete is relatively new and still considered an emerging technology in the field of construction, though the first prototypes were developed in the early 2000s. There is ongoing R&D on translucent concrete in India and around the world. In India, various academic institutions and private companies are conducting research to improve the performance and properties of translucent concrete. Some areas of research include optimising the mix design, exploring new materials for light transmission, developing new manufacturing techniques and investigating the structural properties of translucent concrete. Globally, translucent concrete is also being studied extensively in academic institutions and being used in some construction projects. Research is focused on improving the durability, strength and light transmission properties of translucent concrete. Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of translucent concrete in new and innovative applications, such as energy-efficient building facades, interior design elements and urban furniture. Translucent concrete has been used in several small-scale projects, such as decorative walls, pavements and artistic installations. However, it has not been used in any large-scale infrastructure projects yet. The main reason for this is that the cost of production and installation is currently higher than that of traditional concrete and there is still a lack of standardised guidelines for its use in construction. Nonetheless, the potential applications of translucent concrete are significant and it is expected to gain more attention in the construction industry in the future. Application Translucent concrete allows just enough light to travel through it to be a practical material for cutting energy use. As a result, it will soon be employed as an environment-friendly substitute for conventional concrete. It has many benefits for architecture, including being more visually appealing and improving the environment, in addition to being economically advantageous. There are several restrictions on its use in large-scale projects today, despite its many benefits. The application of translucent concrete is not purely aesthetic, but also does not hold any current structural applications in terms of load-bearing elements like beams, columns or slabs though it can be used as a load-bearing element in building facades and partition walls. Its unique properties make it an excellent material for creating architectural features such as light walls, lighting installations and illuminated sculptures. The use of translucent concrete in building facades can provide natural light to interior spaces while maintaining privacy, making it an attractive option for modern buildings. Additionally, the use of translucent concrete in construction can also help reduce the energy consumption of buildings by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. To spend or not to spend First, the production process is complex and requires skilled labour to ensure that the concrete is properly mixed and that the light-transmitting materials are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Additionally, the use of light-transmitting materials such as optical fibres can be expensive and these materials may need to be imported from other countries. Further, the fabrication of formwork to shape the concrete can be time-consuming and costly, especially if intricate designs are required. Finally, the market for translucent concrete is still relatively small, which means that economies of scale have not yet been achieved, leading to higher production costs. That said, translucent concrete may provide cost benefits in certain applications. For example, it can potentially reduce the need for artificial lighting in buildings, leading to energy savings. Additionally, it can provide an aesthetically pleasing design element that can increase the value of a building or structure. However, it is difficult to quantify a specific percentage of savings as it would depend on the specific project and application. The cost of translucent concrete would depend on factors such as the type and amount of light-transmitting material used, the complexity of the design and the overall size of the project. In some cases, the cost of producing translucent concrete may be higher than traditional concrete but the potential benefits and added value may outweigh the cost. The advantages Aesthetics: Translucent concrete has a striking aesthetic quality and produces an eye-catching visual impression. The material's capacity to transmit light opens up a range of inventive design options. Energy-efficiency: Translucent concrete lets in natural light, which means less artificial lighting is used during the day. This may contribute to lower energy use and costs. Durability: Translucent concrete is made using high-quality concrete and optical fibres, making it long-lasting. It can withstand extreme weather conditions. In the future Translucent concrete is more expensive to produce than regular concrete as optical fibres are an expensive material. Lack of experience is another factor keeping it from totally replacing conventional concrete. Expert labour is needed for the injection of optical fibres into the concrete mixture. Thus, for it to become a viable alternative, researchers will need to find economical ways of manufacturing it. The creation KRUPANSH PATEL shares his academic experience with the development of translucent concrete and elaborates upon what goes into making it. “The creation of translucent concrete is a complex process that involves several factors that are contingent on the desired quality of the final product. These considerations include the concrete's light transmission quality, its design, the overall cost per unit and the application for which it will be used – an essential factor that dictates the manufacturing process. Depending on the specifications, translucent concrete can be made using the same materials found in micro-concrete in conjunction with light-transmitting substances. However, the most crucial element of the process is the amount of effort invested in the creation of the translucent concrete, which is determined by the level of creativity exhibited in the design, astuteness displayed in the formwork and patience exhibited throughout the project.” About the authors: Prof Bhargav Tewar has been teaching at CEPT University for more than 13 years. He is associated with subjects such as concrete technology, construction technology, and project estimation. His research interest is in the development of special concrete and industrial waste utilisation in construction. Krupansh Patel is a civil engineering graduate from Faculty of Technology, CEPT University with a passion for concrete technology and innovative construction materials. His work and research seek to innovate and optimise construction practices.