Investigation of the properties of translucent concrete

Abstract

Translucent concrete is an alternative material for many building structures. Having a sufficiently high strength, it has minimal values of density, porosity and water resistance, which allows it to be used in the construction of light road surfaces. Modern technologies make it possible to improve the quality of the material and obtain inexpensive concrete with a high ability to transmit light. Promising developments are designed to improve the technical characteristics of concrete and minimize the cost of obtaining it. The aim of the work was to study concrete using affordable and relatively inexpensive plexiglass. Within the framework of the work, a method of light transmission at different angles is proposed and concrete trends are revealed depending on the content of transparent elements. The stages of obtaining samples with specified parameters are determined and the structure of their light tests is developed. The levels at which the main changes occur are shown. Based on the conducted research, the properties of concrete were identified and analyzed. The dependence between the volume distribution and the contribution of plexiglass components to the overall light effect is established. The characteristic parameters of light permeability, density and strength are determined. The practical benefit of the study lies in the fact that it takes into account the need to change the angles of light transmission in accordance with the requirements of architecture and determines the influence of plexiglass on the properties of samples. Thanks to the inclusion of a cheap transparent polymer in the composition of concrete, performance indicators were significantly increased and a material with a lower volume mass was obtained. Such concrete, subject to the correct manufacturing technology, has the prospect of mass use in construction.