International Journal of Advanced Research ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online)

in Education & Technology (IJARET) Vol. 3, Issue 2 (April - June 2016) ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print)

An Experimental Study On Lightemitting Concrete

Kavya S, IIKarthik D, IIISivaraja M
I

PG Student, II Assistant Professor, III Prof & Principal

I

I,II,III
Dept. of Civil Engineering, N.S.N College of Engineering and Technology, Karur, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract
This project deals with light emitting property of concrete by using optical fibres. This project study which not only includes
Aesthetical consideration but also the strengthening property of optical fibres in concrete by increasing the percentage of concrete
from 2.5% to 5.5%. The deflection in concrete has been determined using ANSYS software where accurate result has been determined
and ANSYS analysis shows that decrease of deflection in optical fibre concrete compared to that of conventional concrete. The
application of this concrete is energy saving. This project result show that optical fibres can be easily combined with concrete and
thus optical fibres will provide a steady light emitting ratio. This project also shows the mechanical effects by introducing optical
fibres into concrete. This concrete can be considered as a green energy saving concrete. The compressive strength of light emitting
concrete is seen increase with increase in percentage of fibre optic content upto 4.5% and flexural strength of this concrete is also
tends to increase in strength up to 4.5%. The deflection behaviour concrete has been determined analytically using ANSYS software
version 2014. As the construction, maintenance and operation of the built environment undergoes significant changes based on
demands in lower energy consumption, low CO2 emissions higher durability and long lasting quality, the building industry is
delivering with innovative solutions in new construction methods and technologies. This concrete makes use of more opportunities
for new emerging products and construction methods. This research experiment will be a series of initiatives to look closely at new
and emerging advanced construction in future.

Keywords
Optical fibre, ANSYS, strength, deflection, green energy saving

I. Introduction III. Materials

Light Emitting Concrete is a combination of fibre optics and
concrete. It can be produced as prefabricated building blocks
and panels. Due to the small size of the fibres, they blend into
concrete becoming a component of the material like small pieces
of aggregate. Because of their parallel position of fibre, the light-
information on the brighter side of a wall appears unchanged on the
darker side. The sharp display of shadows will fall on the opposing
side of the wall. Today we are living in a world where energy
expenditure and environmental problems have escalated to global
scale. In today’s developed world our built environment takes
energy energy to make the materials that go into the buildings,
energy to construct them (Embodied energy) and energy to heat,
cool & light them (Operating energy). Our project of casting
translucent concrete aims at reducing this operating energy by
exploiting vast amount of potential energy in the form of sunlight.
Another additional feature is its pleasing aesthetics that can change
the image of the concrete which is generally perceived as dull,
pale, opaque grey material.
1. Cement: The cement used in this experimental works is Portland
cement 53 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement. All properties of
Cement are tested by referring IS12269-1987 Specification for
53 Grade Ordinary Portland cement. The specific gravity of
Cement was 3.14. The initial and final setting times were found
as 50minutes and 545minutes respectively. Standard consistency
of cement was 39.99%.
2. Fine aggregate: Locally available sand passed through 4.75mm
IS sieve was used The specific gravity 2.62 and fineness modulus
of 2.79 were used as fine aggregate. The loose and compacted bulk
Density values of sand are 1601 and 1686 kg/m3 respectively, the
water absorption of 0.10%.
3. Coarse aggregate: Crush granite aggregate available from local
sources has been used The coarse aggregate with maximum size
of 10mm having the specific gravity value of 2.67 and fineness
modulus of 6.21 were used as a coarse aggregate. The loose and
compacted bulk density values of coarse aggregate are 1501kg/
m3 respectively, the water absorption is 0.15%.

II. Need for Study IV. Optical Fiber Elements

Thus by using light emitting concrete produces a prefabricated
building block and panels. With the economic growth and science
and technology development, many large scale civil engineering
structures such as tall buildings and so on are built around
the world. Most of the large buildings are built close to each
other, there is not much natural sunlight passing through and
the importance of natural sunlight is well known. In total usage
of electricity 30%vf electricity is used for lightening purpose
only, so it is necessary to utilize natural light for illuminating
interior of building. It is totally environment friendly because of
its light transmissive characteristics. Moreover the light emitting
concrete does not loses the strength parameter when compared to
conventional concrete.
1. Core - The thin glass centre of the fiber where the light
travels is called core.
2. Cladding-The outer optical material surrounding the core
that reflects the light back into the core. To confine the
reflection in the core, the refractive index of the core must be
greater than that of the cladding.
3. Buffer Coating– This is the Plastic coating that protects the
fiber from damage and moisture shows the different part of
optical fiber and ray path.

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ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online) International Journal of Advanced Research
ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print) Vol. 3, Issue 2 (April - June 2016) in Education & Technology (IJARET)

of the cube so that the perforated plates can be used. Holes are
drilled to the metal sheet which is 2mm diameter hole

Fig 1: Optical fibre

V. Types of Optical Fiber

There are three basic types of optical fibers:
1. Multimode graded-index fiber.
2. Multimode step-index fiber.
3. Single-mode step-index fiber. Fig 3: Wooden mould

Fig 4: fixing of fibre

Fig 2: Types optical fibre
1-Preparation of the Mould: Make the required size of rectangular
VI. Mix Proportion Ratio Of Concrete: mould from wood Place the clay mud into the mould up to half
of height of mould and fixing of fibre in mould vertically up to
Table1: Mix ratio of M30 grade of concrete the height of mould
Fine
cement aggregate Coarse aggregate w/c
1 1.87 3.37 0.45

Table 2: Mix proportion of optical fibre concrete

% of 0% 2.5% 3.5% 4.5% 5.5%

OFC OFC OFC OFC OFC OFC

Cement 380 380 380 380 380

(kg/m3 )

LEC - 17.75 24.85 31.95 39.05

FA
(kg/m3) 710 692.25 685.1 678.05 670.95

CA
(kg/m2) 1280 1280 1280 1280 1280

w/c 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45

VII. Preparation Of Mould Fig. 5: Preparation rectangular mould

In the process of making light transmitting concrete, the first step
involved is preparation of mould. The mould required for the 2- Concreting: Pouring the concrete mixture in smaller or thinner
prototype can be made with different materials which can be of layer carefully in mould
either tin or wood. In the mould preparation, it is important to fix
the basic dimensions of mould. The standard minimum size of the
cube according to IS 456-2000 is15cmx15cmx15cm for concrete.
In the mould, markings are made exactly according to the size

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International Journal of Advanced Research ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online)
in Education & Technology (IJARET) Vol. 3, Issue 2 (April - June 2016) ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print)

Table 3: Compression test result of conventional concrete and

optical fibre concrete with different percentage.

No of 0% 2.5% 3.5% 4.5% 5.5%

Day Optical Optical Optical Optical Optical
fibre fibre fibre fibre fibre

7 25.49 26.15 27.25 29.68 28.47

Days

14 28.58 29.49 30.41 33.75 32.52

Days

28 40.27 40.56 41.23 43.85 40.01

Days

Fig 6: Pouring of concrete in mould

3- Removing the Mould: After 24 hrs. Remove the mould and

pull off the mud.
4- Cutting and polishing: Cut the extra-long fibers same as
thickness of panel. Polished the panel surface by using polish
paper.

Fig 7: Light emission in light emitting concrete Fig 9: Graph of compression test concrete

VIII. Compressive Cubes Test IX. Flexural Cubes Test

In this study, several wooden moulds that are made in Table 4: Flexural test result of conventional concrete and optical
a certain form. These wooden moulds contain three cubes of fibre concrete with different percentage.
15*15*15 cm, each cube separated by perforated plates, these No 0% 2.5% 3.5% 4.5% .5%
perforated plates were provided with the maximum number of of Optical Optical Optical Optical Optical
holes to allow all fibers for the maximum fiber content applied Days fibre fibre fibre fibre fibre
to pass through in this study Average compression test Results 7 2.31 2.53 2.66 3.10 2.49
of Normal concrete with Optical fiber concrete of 2.5% to Days
5.5% respectively. 14 3.58 3.68 3.80 4.25 3.41
Days
28 4.12 4.49 4.75 5.01 4.76
Days
T
25
flexural strength (N/mm2)

20
5.5% Optical fibre
4.5% Optical fibre
15 3.5% Optical fibre
2.5% Optical fibre
0% Optical fibre
10

0
7 Days 14 28
Days Days
No of Days

Fig 8: Compressive test of light emitting concrete Fig 10:Fig

Graph of flexural
10: Graph test of concrete
of flexural test of concrete.

© IJARET All Rights Reserved XI ANSYS ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONAL AND

190 www.ijaret.com
FIBRE OPTIC CONCRTE TO DETERMNE
DEFLECTION ANALCTICALY.
 2 1000 13.66 14.49
0 Days Days
No7 of Days
Days 14 28 4 3 3000 2000 40.97 27.31 39.14 28.98
4 International
3000Journal
54.62of Advanced Research
Days Days
ISSNFig 10: Graph
: 2394-2975 No of
(Online) offlexural
Days test of concrete. 5 4000 40.97 57.95 39.14
ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print) Vol. 3, Issue 2 (April - June 2016) 6 5000 68.28
in Education 70.92
& Technology (IJARET)
Fig 10: Graph 5 4000 54.62 57.95
XI ANSYS ANALYSIS OF ofCONVENTIONAL
flexural test of concrete.
AND
FIBRE OPTIC CONCRTE TO DETERMNE
6 5000 68.28 70.92
XI ANSYS ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONAL AND
DEFLECTION
X. AnsysANALCTICALY.
Analysis of Conventional and Fibre Optic
FIBRE OPTIC CONCRTE TO DETERMNE
Concrte to Determne
DEFLECTION Deflection Analcticaly
ANALCTICALY.
1 1 1
DISPLACEMENT
NODAL SOLUTION V-A-L-K
STEP=1 MAY 7 2016 MAY 7 2016 MAY 13 2016
19:48:02 STEP=1
SUB =1 MX 19:48:32 18:34:01
SUB =1
TIME=1 1 TIME=1 1 1
DMX =1.146 DISPLACEMENT
USUM (AVG) NODAL SOLUTION V-A-L-K
STEP=1 RSYS=0 MAY 7 2016 MAY 7 2016 MAY 13 2016
19:48:02 STEP=1
SUB =1 DMX =1.146 MX 19:48:32 18:34:01
SMN =.075732 SUB =1
TIME=1 TIME=1
DMX =1.146 SMX =1.146
USUM (AVG)
RSYS=0
DMX =1.146
SMN =.075732
Y SMXY =1.146
Z X Z X A128

Y Y
Z X Z X A128
MN

MN Y
Z X

.075732 .313594 .551457 .789319 1.027

.194663 .432525 .670388 .90825 1.146 002
Y
Z X

1 1 .075732 .313594 .551457 .789319 1

1.027
V-A-L-K NODAL SOLUTION .194663 .432525 .670388 .90825 DISPLACEMENT
1.146 002
MAY 19 2016 MAY 19 2016

Fig 12: Graph of ANSYS analysis of conventional and

MAY 13 2016 STEP=1 STEP=1
18:34:25 MX 19:45:24 19:55:34
SUB =1 SUB =1
TIME=1 TIME=1

1
USUM (AVG)
RSYS=0 1
DMX =68.28
1 optical fibre concrete and deflection
A125
V-A-L-K DMX =1.366
SMN =.742E-03
MAY 13 2016
NODAL SOLUTION
STEP=1
MAY 19 2016
DISPLACEMENT
STEP=1
MAY 19 2016
Fig 12: Graph of ANSYS analysis of conventional and
optical fibre concrete and deflection
SMX =1.366 19:45:24 19:55:34
18:34:25 SUB =1 MX SUB =1

XI. Conclusion TIME=1

USUM (AVG)
TIME=1
DMX =68.28
RSYS=0
Y A125
XIIFrom tabulated
Fig 12:results
CONCLUSION Graph andofgraph
ANSYS drawn according
analysis
DMX =1.366
to the tables,and
of conventional
SMN =.742E-03
it
can be From
conclude that the compressive strength of concrete block
Z X
optical fibre concrete and deflection
SMX =1.366
tabulated results and graph drawn according to
A128 A124
theincrease
tables, with
it can increase in the percentage
be conclude of fibers used
that the compressive in concrete.
strength of
Y
concrete
As perXIIblock increase
CONCLUSION
observation and with increase
comments in theinpercentage
discuss previous of
points
Z X
fibers used in concrete.From As per observation and comments
furtherinproject
discuss work tabulated
wasfurther
carriedresults
out onand2.5%,graph3.5%,
drawn according
4.5% and to
A128 A124
theprevious
tables, itpoints
Y
can be project
conclude thatwork was carried
the compressive out
strength of
5% of fibers. The strength concrete is high
on 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5% and 5% of fibers. The strength concrete
Z X at 4.5% and gradually Y
concrete block increase with increase in the percentage of
MN

is decreases at 5.5%
usedrespectively.
in concrete.From As the
perabove evaluation of result
Z X
high at 4.5% and gradually decreases at 5.5% respectively.
fibers
.742E-03 .304043
observation
.607344
and comments
.910645 1.214
002
From
of the
ANSYS above evaluation
.152392
analysis of of result of
.455693
conventional ANSYS
concrete analysis
.758995
and optical of 1.062
fibre out
1.366

discuss in previous points further project work was carried

Y
conventional concrete and optical fibre concrete the deflection
Z X
Fig 11: ANSYS analysis of conventional and optical
Y
fibre concrete the deflection
3.5%, of
4.5% optical
and fibre
5% ofconcrete
of optical fibre concrete is comparatively less to that ofconcrete
on 2.5%, fibers. is
The comparatively
strength MN
Z X
concrete and deflection less toisthat
conventional highof at 4.5%inand
conventional
concrete termsgradually
concrete decreases
in
of increase terms ofatincrease
in load of5.5%
.742E-03
respectively.
in load
concrete. .304043 .607344 .910645 1.214
002
From the above evaluation of result of ANSYS analysis of
of concrete.
.152392 .455693 .758995 1.062 1.366

conventional
The efficiency concrete
of theand optical fibre
application concretefibre
of fibre
optical the deflection
is
FigFig11:11:
ANSYS
ANSYS analysis of conventional
analysis and and
of conventional optical fibre fibre
optical The efficiency
opticalof fibre
the application of comparatively
optical is studied
to by
studied of by comparing the concrete
strength withis the normal Mless 30 grade
that of
concrete and deflection concrete and deflection comparing the strength
conventional with the
concrete in normal
terms of 30
grade concrete
Mincrease in load of and the
concrete.
test results proved that the efficiency is more in all aspect. Hence
Table 5: Report of deflection in concrete in ANSYS the application The efficiency
of optical of the
fibre will make application
the concrete of decorative
optical fibre is
as wellstudied
as can by comparing
make the the strength
concrete structural with the normal
efficient. M30 grade
The smart
S. No Compression Conventional Light emitting
load (N) concrete concrete transparent concrete has good light guiding property. Weighs about
(deflection in mm) deflection in mm) the same as that of conventional concrete.
By using light emitting concrete we can acquires the following
1 100 1.37 1.15 advantages
2 1000 13.66 14.49 • Creating an Ecologically Solution because optical fibre is
3 2000 27.31 28.98 made of glass and it is organic
4 3000 40.97 39.14 • By using light emitting concrete it acquires minimum power
consumption
5 4000 54.62 57.95 • Light emitting concrete can be used in prefabricated
6 5000 68.28 70.92 structures
• In future if this project largely carried out, lot of industry may
developed and so obviously concrete may get reduce in cost
and it become economical
• It requires less motor for construction, since concrete used
for wall panel we can make different shape according to
the wall size, so we save time, it will increase the speed of
construction.
• The strength concrete is highly efficient

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Construction”, Certified International Journal of

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International Journal of Advanced Research ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online)
in Education & Technology (IJARET) Vol. 3, Issue 2 (April - June 2016) ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print)

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