For more than half a century, concrete has remained one of the most popular building materials. The combination of high strength, resistance to external influences and durability makes it possible to create buildings based on this material, the service life of which exceeds 50 years.
The main problem of concrete has always been its low aesthetics and unsuitability for creating interesting design and architectural solutions. That is why transparent concrete, after its appearance, became a real find for many designers. The ability of such a durable and dense material to transmit light made it possible to create a new generation of interiors.
Features and main properties of the composite
The unique concrete owes its appearance to the Hungarian Aron Losonczy. In search of ways to add light to rooms while maintaining the structural reliability of concrete, the architect came to the conclusion that modification of the material must be carried out from the inside, changing its structure.
As a result of numerous experiments, about 15 years ago, transparent concrete appeared, made on the basis of a fine-grained composite and fiberglass as the base light-conducting filler. The created material was called “Litracon”.
The technology for making transparent concrete has undergone changes, but is still very specific. Filling massive structures with such a composite is impossible due to the complexity of fiber distribution. As a result, blocks became the optimal form of release.
In fact, when making the material, bundles of glass fibers are placed between layers of fine-grained concrete. After hardening, a large number of conductive elements remain in the body of the material, creating a unique light pattern in the body of the concrete.
Despite the specific appearance, transparent concrete is produced using the technology of classic fine-grained composite, therefore it has all the basic properties of this material. The main characteristics of the material include:
- compressive strength from 20 to 35 MPa;
- tensile bending strength of at least 2 MPa;
- water resistance level W4 – W8;
- frost resistance of at least 75 cycles;
- water absorption does not exceed 6%.
The absence of large aggregate in the body of the composite increases the possibility of deformation and shear, so glass fiber for transparent concrete additionally performs the function of internal reinforcement, being a kind of analogue of fiber.
In production conditions, the technology of stage-by-stage casting or layer-by-layer vibrocompression can be used to produce the material. Both options provide reliable fastening fibers while maintaining high performance characteristics of the composite as a whole.
Despite the apparent complexity of implementation, transparent concrete can be made with your own hands, with a little effort and effort.
Application of composite
The unique material is most often used for decorative purposes. Its high strength allows it to be used to construct internal partitions in rooms, providing access to more light. This option for interior walls is especially in demand in office premises, when decorating cafes and restaurants, as well as entertainment complexes.
The transparent composite is often cut into tiles for walls, floors or ceilings. Using the material as a base material in the construction of buildings is possible in principle, but is not economically feasible. The cost of transparent concrete is extremely high, and the productivity of any production line cannot meet the needs of full-fledged construction.
In addition, glass fiber, under the influence of external moisture and temperature changes, can enter into alkali-silicate reactions with cement stone minerals, which leads to destruction of the material.
The combination of all factors has led to the fact that the unique composite remains a very exotic finishing material used to create decorative partitions, as well as decorative elements.
Self-production
To create transparent concrete with your own hands, you do not need special equipment or specific skills. You can also make it at home. In fact, to prepare such material you will need good formwork and careful adherence to technology.
Materials and equipment
To make the solution, it is best to use a forced mixer that can ensure a high degree of homogeneity of the low-mobility mixture. When using a gravity mixer, it is necessary to reduce the volume of a single batch and increase the mixing time by at least 2 times.
Raw materials you will need:
- cement or mixed binder;
- sand for construction work 1 class with a particle size module of 2 – 3;
- fiberglass with a diameter of 0.5 - 2.5 mm and a length equal to the thickness of the product;
- modifiers that improve the formability of low-flow mixtures.
The use of mobile mixtures involves the rapid setting of each layer of fine-grained concrete, on which bundles of glass fibers are laid. It is easier to make layers of low-moving mixtures that can retain their shape after compaction.
Special modifiers help to obtain a dense and homogeneous structure of the base composite for transparent concrete. Sand should be used of medium coarseness with a minimum amount of impurities, dust and silt particles.
Composition and preparation of fine-grained concrete
To make a basic composite, it is best to mix cement and sand in a ratio of 1: 2.5-3 by weight. The amount of water should not exceed half the mass of cement. IN general view The composition of fine-grained concrete per 1 m3 can be represented as follows:
- cement = 450 – 500 kg;
- sand = 1300 – 1500 kg;
- water = 200 – 250 kg.
When using modifiers, their dosage is prescribed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. After loading into the mixer, sand and cement are mixed for a minute until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, then mixing water is introduced and mixing is ensured for at least 5 - 8 minutes. After obtaining a homogeneous mixture, the production of transparent concrete begins.
To produce the composite, formwork with a rectangular base is prepared. A kind of block is filled with the mixture in several stages. First, the bottom layer of fine-grained concrete, no more than 0.5 - 1 cm thick, is laid and compacted. Then fiberglass bundles are laid lengthwise so as to cover almost the entire surface of the concrete.
Next, the next layer of fine-grained concrete of the same thickness is laid and compacted. A new mesh of glass fibers laid transversely is created on top. Then the procedure is repeated until the formwork is filled.
By changing the direction of the fiberglass bundles, light will be able to pass through all the side faces of the manufactured block. Of course, the frequency of conductive elements will be less frequent than that of a factory-made material, but the composite will retain its decorative properties.
The use of moving mixtures leads to uneven distribution and displacement of fiber bundles. This effect slightly impairs the conductivity of light, but creates an interesting pattern in the body of the material. When using a moving mixture, a new layer is laid after the previous one has lost its mobility.
Finishing
The product is stripped 48-72 hours after production. Next, the block is kept at a temperature of 20 ° C and a humidity of 95% for 3 to 5 days. During this period, the concrete will acquire up to 80% of its strength and will be able to withstand the final treatment.
After stripping, all fiberglass bundles are covered with cement laitance, so they do not conduct light. To impart light-conducting properties to the material, all side surfaces of the block must be polished with diamond discs of various grain sizes.
If desired, the product can be cut into tiles of a given thickness. The cut must be made perpendicular to the laying layers.
Archwood is committed to protecting your confidential information.
The document entitled "Archwood Privacy Policy" contains detailed information about the collection, use and protection of personal data. The terms of this policy apply to all personal data collected on the archwood.ru website.
Consent to the collection of personal data
When visiting this site, some types of non-personal data, such as: the IP address of your computer, the IP address of your Internet provider, the date and time of access to the site, the address of the site from which you came to our site, browser type and language may be collected automatically.
We may also collect navigational information, including information about the pages you view, the links you click, and other actions you take on the site.
Demographic information (such as your occupation, hobbies, gender or interests) may also be collected and may be associated with your personal information.
By visiting the website archwood.ru, you voluntarily accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and agree to the collection and use of your personal data.
Personal data includes:
Information that will be collected at the time you place an order for the purchase of a product and includes your first and last name, billing address, email address, postal address and contact telephone number.
Please note that we do not collect credit cards or other payment instruments as payment gateways will be used to process your order without storing the information on our website.
You can at any time refuse to provide us with personal data, but in this case the products and services represented by Archwood will not be available to you.
Use of your personal data
Archwood collects and uses your personal data for: - processing transactions; - providing quality service; - conducting research and analysis aimed at improving our products, services and technologies; - further display of the site content taking into account your interests and preferences; - launching competitions, inviting people to participate in them and determining winners; - the possibility of contacting you for various information purposes.
We may send you transactional information such as welcome emails, payment reminders or purchase confirmations.
We may also send you research or marketing inquiries to inform you about new products or services or other information that may be of interest to you.
Disclosure of your personal information
Except as set forth in this Privacy Policy, Archwood does not disclose or transfer your personal information to third parties.
We may disclose your personal information to third party service providers who perform services on our behalf. For example, we may hire other companies to process payments, provide data storage, host websites, fulfill orders and deliveries, assist with marketing, perform audits, etc.
These third party service providers will be permitted to receive personal information necessary only to provide the services. Third party providers are committed to protecting personal information to the same extent as Archwood. Third party providers are also prohibited from using your personal information for any other purpose.
We reserve the right to disclose your personal data if necessary in accordance with the law, legal process and/or based on public requests or requests from government authorities.
Security of your personal information
The security of your personal data is extremely important to us. We follow generally accepted standards to protect your personal information, including:
Limiting access to personal information for those employees who are not directly related to the provision of services; - signing of a confidentiality agreement by employees to protect the client and his personal data; - ensuring that third party service providers sign confidentiality agreements and maintain the confidentiality of personal data and do not use it for any unauthorized purposes; - storing personal data in secure computer systems that are protected from unauthorized access or use.
No method of transmission of information over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, while we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Changes to the Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy is subject to change at any time without prior notice, and archwood.ru will not have any liability to you or any other person. The collection, use and transfer to third parties of your personal data will be governed by the version of the Privacy Policy currently in effect. New versions of this Privacy Policy will be published in this section.
The date of last modification is indicated at the top of this document. The fact that you use the services of the site after changes have been made to the Privacy Policy will indicate that you have given your consent to the collection, use and transfer to third parties of your personal data in accordance with the new version of the Privacy Policy.
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 through frozen solution light sources and silhouettes obscuring them were visible; fiber optic conductors are used as filler. The technology retained the fine-grained cement mixture as a binder, but introduced this specific component to impart light-conducting properties to the monolith.
The fiber content should not exceed 5%, otherwise the load-bearing capacity will decrease. 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 performance thermal resistance and sound 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 daytime and receive additional lighting from the rooms 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 to the required 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 included in creative idea designer. It is better to take purified water with a low salt content.
- 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 the desired height is obtained. Top layer must cover all 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 light transparent 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 of its own production with dimensions of 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 durable building materials with exceptionally high technical and performance characteristics. The undeniable advantage of the material in question is its long service life. Despite the fact that the concrete composition has a number of advantages, it is not without its disadvantages.
Main disadvantage cement composition- unattractive appearance, it requires decorative finishing. However, construction technologies are developing by leaps and bounds. As a result, technologists have developed a fundamentally new type of concrete - translucent.
We are talking about a building material that allows you to create realistic silhouettes of animals and people, which in essence is an excellent design solution for the construction of objects and buildings. Transparent concrete is easy to make with your own hands, which helps reduce the cost of expensive building materials.
Definition of transparent concrete
Transparent concrete is a unique building material invented by Mr. Losonczy, one of the leading Hungarian architects. He was looking for the possibility of providing his structures with additional lighting, while the technical characteristics of the cement composition were in no way deteriorated. As a result, the architect decided to change the internal components of the building material.
After 15 years of incessant research and experimentation, he managed to develop and introduce into the construction industry a fundamentally new decorative and finishing material - transparent concrete. It was named Lytrakon. Fine-grained composite compounds based on fiberglass are introduced into the material.
The main disadvantage of transparent concrete is that production is impossible on a large scale and volume, so they are produced mainly in the form of building blocks.
Despite the obvious advantages of transparent concrete, their key disadvantage should not be ignored - the high price of the materials used. In total, the price tag is approaching several thousand dollars.
Technical characteristics and features of transparent concrete
Transparent concrete is distinguished not only by its unique appearance, but also by the following characteristics:
- thermal insulation;
- water resistance;
- high strength characteristics;
- possibility of self-production;
- sound insulation.
- high bending and compressive strength;
- frost resistance;
- the level of moisture absorption increases to 6%.
Light is transmitted through a special optical fiber included in the building material. Due to it, better transmission of light is ensured over a length of up to 2 m. Optical fiber is resistant to temperature fluctuations, thermal effects, and ultraviolet radiation.
During the daytime, such transparent concrete allows natural light to enter the living space. In this way it is possible to provide room lighting personal plot, garden area. The material is available in gray, white and black colors. Light-conducting elements are fixed with mortars, anchors, or other fixing compounds. Today the blocks are available in various color options.
Application area of transparent concrete
Litracon is used to form unique design elements:
- internal partitions;
- stairs;
- countertops;
- facades of buildings.
Do-it-yourself technology for producing transparent concrete
You can organize the production of transparent concrete yourself if you carefully approach the technological process. Main problem- the technological complexity of preparing litracon, and to be more precise, the need for strict adherence to the necessary ingredients.
To obtain a light-conducting structure, it is necessary to prepare 4% fiber optic cement from total mass composition. It is equally important to lay the threads in the correct direction - they are located strictly in one direction.
To prepare litracon with your own hands, it is important to prepare several components:
- purified water;
- cement mixture with the addition of fine-grained aggregate;
- fiberglass.
- It is first necessary to make a box, which is a floating formwork. It moves in the vertical direction when the bulk of the solution hardens.
- The finished box is mounted on a preparatory surface, previously leveled. After this, the prepared mixture is fed in a small volume into the base of the formwork.
- After this, the fiberglass is laid in the already poured concrete mixture, slightly recessing the material.
- Then you need to wait for the solution to set, and only after that the next portion is poured.
- The pouring is repeated and the fiberglass is installed. The frequency is repeated until the formwork is completely filled.
- Dismantling of the formwork and grinding of the blocks begins after the completion of pouring the last layer.
After the formation of transparent concrete is completed, final grinding begins. For this purpose, stripping is carried out. It is carried out 3 days after installation of the formwork. In conditions of low humidity, the manufactured blocks can withstand for 5 days.
Lytracon - common modern material, distinguished not only by its impeccable style and appearance, but also by its exceptional technical characteristics.
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 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. During the day, concrete allows natural light to pass through, and at night - artificial light. In theory, the thickness of the slabs is not limited, in practice it does not exceed 20 cm due to the current possibilities 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 for decorative purposes; due to its high cost, full-fledged 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. Furniture and interior items made of transparent composite have an original look: benches, tabletops, 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 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 a 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 mixtures: displacement leads to a decrease bandwidth, but creates a unique pattern. It is important to understand: the technology for producing transparent concrete with light transmitting properties 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 of the required thickness), the material is cut perpendicular to the laid threads.
Self-production
It is quite possible to create it with your own hands, 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 (welcome ready-made mixtures), 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. The minimum strength gain is 5–7 days, before which the product is kept at 20 °C and 95% humidity. 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 indicated taking into account the conversion to the euro exchange rate; when planning a purchase, you should remember about additional costs for delivery. 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 this material contains, 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 production technology of this unique composition. True, this did not reduce the price much.
Cost of transparent concrete
Today, two companies Litracon and Lucem are selling this unique material on the Russian market. 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 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.
- Slab of lightweight concrete from the Lucem company (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 people 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.
The 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 an apartment and during the construction of a 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. 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 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, 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.
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 placed 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 Every person on the planet knows what concrete looks like: gray rough walls 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 brands When, by whom and why?
Pouring any formwork with concrete mortar creates a very robust construction with a very long service life. 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 took a look at the problem 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, the use of blocks for the construction of walls or partitions can significantly reduce the amount of electricity consumed by allowing natural light.
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 the manifestation of this effect is the 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
Regular concrete blocks- This is 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 conventional concrete, 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 levels of the 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 of 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 SFAs (small architectural forms) are made from transparent concrete: 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 of the successful use of 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 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 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 done 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 thin layer of concrete mortar is poured inside the formwork;
- Fiberglass is placed and embedded in the solution;
- The pouring is left at rest until the concrete sets.
The process is then repeated required quantity times until reaching full height. 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 shine from the side work surface, which is perpendicular to the direction of laying the fiberglass strands. 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 finish 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 with 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 retaining all the valuable performance 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?
Concrete can easily be called the cornerstone of modern architecture, 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, to create original elements interior 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
Complexity 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. Rectangular box and given dimensions set to level 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, in relation 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 a 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.
