Transparent Concrete Documntn

Seminar Report-2015 Light Transmitting Concrete
1. INTRODUCTION
Due to economic development and space utilization requirements,

high-
rise buildings and skyscrapers are mostly built downtown in metropolitan

areas
around the world, especially countries with great population. This arises one
of the
problem in deriving natural light in building, due to obstruction of nearby
structures. Due to this problem use of artificial sources for illumination of
building is increased by great amount. So it is very essential to reduce the

artificial
light consumption in structure.
It is considered to be one of the best sensor materials available and

has
been used widely since the 1990s. Hungarian architect, Aron Losonczi, first
introduced the idea of light transmitting concrete in 2001 and then

successfully
produced the first transparent concrete block in 2003, named LiTraCon.

However
his light transmitting concrete did not have smart sensing properties. Light
transmitting concrete also known as transparent concrete is a novel

construction
material manufactured with optical fiber by drilling through the cement and
mortar in order to utilize the light guiding ability of optical fiber. The main
purpose was to use sunlight as a light source in order to reduce the power
consumption of illumination.
Light transmitting concrete are available as prefabricated blocks /

panels.
Litracon rooms will be brightened and proximal objects situated on the

brighter
side of a transparent wall will be revealed as silhouettes on the other side.

Though
the optical fibers compose only 4% of the concrete, some light is transmitted
because of their parallel arrangement in a matrix between to the two outer

surfaces
of each block. Load-bearing structures can also be built from these blocks,
since
optical fibers have no negative effect on the strength of the concrete. The
blocks
come in various sizes and option of embedded heat-isolation. Since not

everyone
appreciates the look of exposed

concrete.
T.K.M Institute Of Technology

B.Tech, Department Of Civil Engineering 1
2. PRINCIPLE
Transparent concrete or translucent concrete is work based on “Nano-

Optics”. Optical fibers passes as much light when tiny slits are placed directly
on
top of each other as when they are staggered. It is because optical fibers in
the
concrete act like the slits and carry the light across throughout the
concrete.
Thousands of optical glass fibers form a matrix and run parallel to each
other between the two main surfaces of each block. The fibers mingle in the
concrete because of their insignificant size and they become a structural
component as a kind of modest aggregate. The blocks can be produced in

various
sizes and with embedded

heat-isolation.
Light transmitting concrete is a combination of optical fibers and fine
concrete. It can be produced as prefabricated building blocks and panels.

Due to
the small size of the fibers, they blend into concrete becoming a component
of the
material like small pieces of aggregate. By arranging high numerical aperture
Plastic Optical Fibers (POF) or big diameter glass optical fiber into concrete, it
transmits light so effectively that there is virtually no loss of light conducted
through the fibers.
The glass fibers lead light by points between the two sides of the
blocks.
Because of their parallel position, the light-information on the brighter side of
such a wall appears unchanged on the darker side. The most interesting form
of
this phenomenon is probably the sharp display of shadows on the opposing
side of
the wall. Moreover, the color of the light also remains the
same.

3. MATERIALS
3.1. OPTICAL FIBERS
An optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber made of glass (silica) or
plastic to a diameter slightly thicker than that of a human hair. Optical fibers
are
used most often as a means to transmit light between the two ends of the
fiber. An
optical fiber consists of a core, a cladding layer and a buffer coating. Fig 3.1
shows a typical structure of optic fiber.

Fig 3.1: Structure of optical fiber
Core –The core is a cylindrical rod of dielectric material. Dielectric material
conducts no electricity. Light propagates mainly along the core of the fiber.
The
core is generally made of glass. And in another way we can say it is a central
tube
of very thin size made up of optically transparent dielectric medium and

carries
the light form transmitter to receiver. The core diameter can vary from about
5μm
to 100 μm.
Cladding – It is the outer optical material surrounding the core having

reflecting
index lower than core. It helps to keep the light within the core throughout the
phenomena of total internal reflection. Even though light will propagate along
the
fiber core without the layer of cladding material, the cladding does perform
some
necessary functions. The index of refraction of the cladding material is less

than
that of the core material. The cladding is generally made of glass or

plastic.
The cladding performs the following functions:
• Reduces loss of light from the core into the surrounding air
• Reduces scattering loss at the surface of the

core
• Protects the fiber from absorbing surface

contaminants
• Adds mechanical strength
Buffer Coating – plastic coating that protects the fiber made of silicon rubber.
The
typical diameter of fiber after coating is 250-300 μm. For extra protection, the
cladding is enclosed in an additional layer called the buffer coating. The buffer
coating is a layer of material used to protect an optical fiber from physical
damage. The material used for a buffer is a type of

plastic.
The buffer is elastic in nature and prevents abrasions. The buffer also
prevents the optical fiber from scattering losses caused by micro bends. Micro
bends occur when an optical fiber is placed on a rough and distorted

surface.
3.1.1. Types of optical fiber
There are three basic types of optical

fibers.
3.1.1.1. Multi-mode graded-index

fiber
In graded index fiber there are many changes in the refractive index
with
larger values towards the center, as light travels faster in a lower index of
refraction. So, the farther the light is from the center axis, the greater is its
speed.
Each layer of the core refracts the light. Instead of being sharply reflected as
it is
in a step index fiber, the light is now bent or continuously refracted in an

almost
sinusoidal pattern. Those rays that follow the longest path by travelling near
the
outside of the core have a faster average velocity. The light travelling near the
center of the core has the slowest average velocity. As a result all rays tend
to
reach the end of the fiber at the same time. That causes the end travel time of
different rays to be nearly equal, even though they travel different

paths.
B.Tech, Department Of Civil Engineering 4 T.K.M Institute Of Technology

3.1.1.2. Multi-mode step-index fiber

This fiber is called "Step Index" because the refractive index changes
abruptly from cladding to core. The cladding has a refractive index somewhat
lower than the refractive index of the core glass. As a result, all rays within a
certain angle will be totally reflected at the core-cladding boundary. Rays

striking
the boundary at angles greater than the critical angle will be partially reflected
and
partially transmitted out through the boundary. After many such bounces the
energy in these rays will be lost from the fiber. The paths along which the rays
(modes) of this step index fiber travel differ, depending on their angles relative
to
the axis.
3.1.1.3. Single-mode step-index

fiber
Another way to reduce modal dispersion is to reduce the core's

diameter,
until the fiber only propagates one mode efficiently. The single mode fiber has
an
exceedingly small core diameter of only 5 to 10 μm. Standard cladding

diameter
is 125 μm. Since this fiber carries only one mode, model dispersion does not
exists.
A multimode fiber can propagate hundreds of light modes at one time

while
single-mode fibers only propagate one mode as shown

below.
Fig 3.2: Types of Fiber

3.1.2. Total internal reflection
Fig 3.3: Schematic representation of total internal

reflection
When light traveling in an optically dense medium hits a boundary at a
steep angle (larger than the critical angle for the boundary), the light is
completely
reflected. This is called total internal reflection. The process of total internal
reflection is shown in fig:3.3. This effect is used in optical fibers to confine

light
in the core. Light travels through the fiber core, bouncing back and forth off
the
boundary between the core and cladding. Because the light must strike the
boundary with an angle greater than the critical angle, only light that enters
the
fiber within a certain range of angles can travel down the fiber without leaking
out. This range of angles is called the acceptance cone of the fiber. The size
of this
acceptance cone is a function of the refractive index difference between the

fiber’s
core and cladding.
3.1.3. Benefits of optical

fiber
Following are the benefits of optical fiber:
• It can be bend in different shapes.
• It has a less bending radius.
• It is resilient to damage.
• It is abuse than glass.
• Cutting, wiring, bonding, connecting and processes are

easier.
• It does not produce radiation.

• It is immune to radio magnetic interference, radio frequency interference
and noise.
3.2. CEMENT
As the optical fiber is only responsible for transmission of light, there is

no
special cement required. So, ordinary Portland cement is used for transparent
concrete.
3.3. SAND
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely

divided
rock and mineral particles. The composition of sand is highly variable, usually
in
the form of quartz. Sand particles should pass through 1.18 mm sieve. The
sand
used is the normal sand. It should be free from impurities such as vegetation
and
gravels
3.4. WATER
Water is the key ingredient, which when mixed with cement, forms a
paste
that binds the aggregate together. The water needs to be pure in order to
prevent
side reactions from occurring which may weaken the concrete, the role of
water is
important because the water to cement ratio is the most critical factor in the
production of "perfect” concrete. It should be of drinking water quality. That is

it
should be free from all impurities.

4. MANUFACTURING PROCESS
The manufacturing process of transparent concrete is almost same as
regular concrete. Only optical fibers are spread throughout the aggregate and
cement mix. There are different methods for the installation of optical fiber in
concrete.
One method is that, small layers of the concrete are poured on top of
each
other and infused with the fibers and is then connected. Thousands of strands
of
optical fibers are cast into concrete to transmit light, either natural or artificial.
Light-transmitting concrete is produced by adding 4% to 5% optical fibers by
volume into the concrete mixture. The concrete mixture is made from fine
materials only it does not contain coarse aggregate. Thickness of the optical
fibers
can be varied between 2 μm and 2 mm to suit the particular requirements of

light
transmission. Originally, the fiber filaments were placed individually in the
concrete, making production time-consuming and

costly.
Newer, semi-automatic production processes use woven fiber fabric
instead of single filaments. Fabric and concrete are alternately inserted into
moulds at intervals of approximately 2 mm to 5 mm. Smaller or thinner layers
allow an increased amount of light to pass through the concrete. Following
casting, the material is cut into panels or blocks of the specified thickness and
the
surface is then typically polished, resulting in finishes ranging from semi-gloss

to
high-gloss.
In another method, the first step is to make a mould for the prototype
block
using tin. The tin is made into a mould of the desired shape, like a cuboid with
the
top end open. Many holes are punched on the opposite walls of the cuboids.
The
optical fibers have to be run through these holes from one end to the other
and
then concrete is made to set in it with the fibers inside. What happens here is
that
the light falling on one side of the block gets transferred to the other side
through
these many optical fibers running from one end to the

other.

This is the trickiest part of the construction, passing each thin fiber
through
the tiny holes of one perforated sheet to another one. This is also an integral
part
of the process as the whole idea of transparency comes from these fibers.
The
light is transferred from one end to another end through these, as mentioned
earlier. So much care has been taking in this process. The next step is to cast
the
mortar over these fibers placed in the tin mould as shown in the fig: 4.1. The
concrete then undergoes a curing process. The excess fibers running out of
the
block are cut off and slightly polished. The modeling of transparent concrete
block is complete.
Fig 4.1: Schematic layout of a moulded block with the fixed fiber composites
within the
framework

5. PROPERTIES
The properties of light transmitting concrete are determined by
conducting
various experiments like compressive strength test and flexural strength. A

typical
transparent concrete block is shown in fig:

5.1.
Fig 5.1: Transparent concrete block
5.1. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH:
By definition, the compressive strength of a material is that value of
uniaxial compressive stress reached when the material fails completely. The
compressive strength is usually obtained experimentally by means of a
compressive test. The compressive strength of the concrete is determined by

cast
the cubes of size 150mm x150mm x

150mm.
Compressive strength =
load/area.
The compressive strength of the conventional concrete and light
transmitting concrete in 7, 14 and 28 days is shown in figure: 5.2. Mix

proportions
are as follows:

Cement – 360 kg
Sand – 560 kg
Fiber – 4.5 kg
Water – 190 lit

Fig 5.2: Compressive strength of concrete (Source: P.M.Shanmugavadivu, et.al;
2014)
The compressive strength of light transmitting concrete was compared
with ordinary plain cement concrete and result showed that the compressive
strength of litracon was similar to that of ordinary plain cement concrete.

Hence it
is suitable for load bearing structures

also.
5.2. FLEXURAL STRENGTH:
The flexural strength of the concrete is determined by conducting the

test
on prism by two points loading.
Flexural strength = Pl/bd2
Where,
P – Load

l – Length of the specimen
b – Width of the prism
d – Depth of the prism
The flexural strength of the conventional concrete and light transmitting
concrete having mix proportion as above in 7, 14 and 28 days is shown in

figure
5.3.
Fig 5.3: Flexural strength of concrete (Source: P.M.Shanmugavadivu, et.al;

2014)
The flexural strength result of decorative concrete are correlated with
results of ordinary plain cement concrete. The results evidently show that the
performance of litracon based on the strength aspect is also considerably

high.
Hence the application of optical fiber will make the concrete decorative as
well as
can make the concrete structural

efficient.
Thus the study concludes that the transparency of light is possible in
concrete without affecting its compressive strength, as the optical fibers act
as
fiber reinforcement thereby enhancing the strength and also enhances

appearance.

5.3. MATERIAL PERFORMANCE:
• Concrete retains its strength
• High density top layer concrete
• Infused with optical fibers
• Frost and de-icing salt resistant.
• Fire protection.
• Highest UV resistance.
Some other properties of light transmitting concrete

are:
• Permits the passage of light through the set concrete, permitting colors,
shapes and outlines to be seen through

it.
• Having Compressive strength-50-220 N/mm2
• Having maximum water absorption of 0.35%.
• Having a maximum oxygen index of 25%.
• Having a thermal conductivity of 0.21 W/m °C.
• Having a flexural Strength of 7.7 N/mm2
• Having an elastic limit greater than 60 MPa.
• Having a Density from 2100 to 2400 kg/m3
• Having a Young's Modulus from 2750 MPa to 3450 MPa
• From its characteristics and composition, can be a conductor of

electricity,
dispensing with interior.
• From its mechanical and optical characteristics, can be used for

purposes
that are both architectural and aesthetic, and also structural and under
conditions of service equal to and even different from those of a

traditional
concrete.
6. ADVANTAGES
Following are the advantages of light transmitting

concrete:
• It has very good architectural properties for giving good aesthetical
view to the building.
• Translucent concrete can be used at the place where light is not able
to
come properly.
• Energy saving can be done by utilization of translucent concrete in
building.
• Totally environment friendly because of its light transmitting
characteristics, so energy consumption can be

reduced.
• When a solid wall is imbued with the ability to transmit light, it means
that a home can use fewer lights in their house during daylight
hours.
7. APPLICATION
Various applications of transparent concrete

are:
7.1. ILLUMINATION OF WALL
Transparent Concrete can be used as building material for interior and

exterior walls. If sunshine illuminates the wall structure, then eastern or
western
placement is recommended; the rays of the rising or setting sun will hit the
optical
glass fibers in a lower angle and the intensity of the light will be bigger.
Besides
the traditional applications of a wall, the light transmitting concrete can also
be
used as wall covering illuminated from the back.Fig:7.1 shows illuminated

walls
using light transmitting concrete.
Fig 7.1:Walls illuminated by transparent

concrete
7.2. PAVEMENT
Light transmitting concrete can be used as flooring a passable surface
illuminated from below. During the day it looks like typical concrete pavement
but at sunset the paving blocks begin to shine and in different colors. Fig:7.2
shows the pavement illuminated by transparent
concrete.

Fig 7.2: Pavement illuminated by transparent

concrete
7.3. DESIGN
The building units are versatile and can be used in many areas of
design.
We can also create a logo with colorful figures, inscriptions, and pictures and
can
used for beautification purpose.Fig:7.3 shows illuminated litracon

panels.
Fig 7.3: Transparent concrete panels

7.4. RECEPTION DESK
Using transparent concrete reception desks can be light up in the front

and
the sides.Fig:7.4 shows reception desk light up by transparent

concrete.
Fig 7.4: Reception Desk made of transparent
concrete
7.5. LIGHTING FIXTURE
The transparent concrete cube is, without a doubt, a great

conversation
piece. The new cube line consists of four identical pieces of concrete and,
due to
its special geometry; the pieces form a stable structure without fixing them
together. Fig 7.5 show lamps made of

litracon.
Fig 7.5: Lamps made of litracon

7.6. STAIRS
Litracon can also be used in stairs. With impact lighting of linear LED
fixtures translucent concrete can be used in horizontal and vertical

applications
such as feature stairs, walls, flooring, tables and counter tops.Fig:7.6 shows
transparent concrete stairs. Fig 7.6: Transparent concrete
stairs
It can be also applicable at:
• Translucent concrete blocks inserted on front doors or walls next to it
allow the residents to see when there is a person standing

outside.Fig:7.9
shows silhouette of a person standing outside the transparent concrete

wall.
Fig 7.9: Silhouette of person standing

outside

• Translucent concrete walls on restaurants, clubs, and other social
establishments help see how many people are actually inside it.
Transparent concrete walls in an office can be seen in

fig:7.10.
Fig 7.10: Transparent concrete walls in an
office
• Ceilings of large corporate buildings with translucent concrete would help
reduce a great deal of lighting costs during day time.Fig:7.11 shows
transparent concrete ceiling. Fig 7.11: Transparent concrete
ceiling
9 T.K.M Institute Of Technology

• Speed bumps in parking lots and highways can use translucent concrete
blocks with a light source beneath or reflecting from other

vehicles/sources
help in navigation very effectively. Even lane markers in highways can

use
this material to light up the roads.Fig:7.12 shows highway marked with

transparent concrete. Fig 7.12: Highway marked with transparent
concrete
• Sidewalks with translucent concrete fitted with a single light source
beneath would add a lot to the scenic beauty as well as safety and also
encourage walking or foot travel during night times. Iluminated panels

can
be seen in fig:7.13.
Fig 7.13: Transparent concrete panel

• Translucent concrete blocks incorporated in inner walls help during times
of power cuts at night leading to a great deal of safety. Similarly for
subways and airports etc., this translucent concrete blocks would add
to
the visibility. Transparent concrete wall can be seen in

fig:7.14.
Fig 7.14: Exterior translucent wall
• Translucent concrete blocks can be made in desired shapes and used as
decorative materials like bookshelves and sunshades, tables and

statues. A
wash stand made of light transmitting concrete can be seen in fig:

7.15.
Fig 7.15: Wash stand made of transparent

concrete
• They can also be placed as random designs on security walls which also
enhance security giving the resident a hazy view of the perimeter. Fig
7.16
shows the silhouette of a person through a transparent concrete

wall.
Fig 7.16: Transparent concrete wall
• Places like schools, museums and prison cells outer walls can find
translucent walls very useful as they add safety as well as security and
supervision.
8. A FEW EXAMPLES
8.1. EUROPEAN GATE
European gate is an artistic installation which was designed to mark

the
celebration of Hungary joining the European Union (EU), located at the public
entrance of Fortress Monostorin the Hungarian town of Komarom. This is one

of
the most impressive pieces of art conjugating visual lighting display as well as
artistic using translucent concrete. The sun illuminates the 37.6ft large
Litracon
piece of the statue in the mornings and late afternoons, and by night an even
more
impressive view can be seen because of the embedded light sources. Day
and
night view of European gate is shown in fig:

8.1.
Fig 8.1:Day and night view of European

gate
8.2. CELLA SEPTICHORA VISITOR CENTRE
The 2 tons heavy Litracon door serves as the main entrance of the
Visitors
Centre. It was made out of 48pcs of 10cm thick blocks. The blocks are in
steel
frame to be able to move the structure. On daytime, one can see the shadows
of
the pedestrians and the surrounding trees from inside. By night, the door is

illuminated from inside. Day view and night view of litracon door is shown in
fig
8.3 and fig: 8.4.
Fig 8.3: Day view of litracon door from

inside
Fig 8.4: Night view of litracon door

8.3. MONTBLANC BOUTIQUE, TOKYO, JAPAN
Litracon blocks (600x300x30mm) were used to create a wall that works

as
a free-standing sculptural element in this flagship boutique for Montblanc. As
much as 30 Esq. of white Litracon was used. The illumination ensures that
light
and shadow constantly do a dance on the wall.Fig:8.5 shows a transparent

wall
transmitting sunlight to interior of the montblanc

boutique.
Fig 8.5: Montblanc boutique
8.4. NEW HEADQUARTERS OF BANK OF GEORGIA
The office building is characterized by an amazing architecture and

has
been the headquarter of the Georgian ministry for highway engineering before
becoming headquarter of Bank of Georgia, Tbilisi, with a total area of 10.960
square meters. It consists of five horizontal two-storied building parts which

are
arranged like stacks. Thousands of embedded optical fibers are channeling

the
light through the translucent concrete of wall and counter cladding. Walls,
walks,
receptions, offices and consultation desks are shinning and glowing from
within.
An office room of bank can be seen in fig:

8.6.
Fig 8.6: New headquarters of bank of

Georgia
9. DISADVANTAGES
Following are the disadvantages of transparent

concrete:
• The main disadvantage is that these concrete has a very high initial cost
because of the optical fibers.
• Casting of translucent concrete block is difficult for the labor, so special

skilled person is required.

10. CONCLUSIONS
A transparent concrete is aesthetically pleasing. Optical fiber based
transparent concrete could be regarded as an art which could be used in

museums
and specific exhibitions rather than just a construction material. Although

ease of
construction is to be compromised, the material is bound to be accepted
universally due to its advantages. With the concept of green technology

catching
up, electrical supply, being supplemented by natural sources, it becomes
absolutely necessary to utilize the natural resource. Although litracon has yet
to be
made available for commercial use, it has already been suggested that
buildings
made with the material could save electricity that would otherwise be required
for
daytime lighting. Moreover, this light transmitting concrete can be utilized in

the
production of special types of home furniture. In future, the cost of light
transmitting concrete is expected to decrease with the advancement in

technology,
manufacturers and as well as the users. Translucent concrete is the future. It

is the
smart way of optimizing and utilizing light, a smart way of

living.
REFERENCE
1) Basma F. Bashbash, Roaa M. Hajrus, Doaa F. Wafi, Mamoun A.

Alqedra
“Basics of Light Transmitting Concrete” : G

lobal Advanced Research
Journal of Engineering, Technology and Innovation (ISSN: 2315-5124)
Vol. 2(3) pp. 076-083, March, 2013
2) B. Sawant, R. V. Jugdar, S. G. Sawant, “Light Transmitting Concrete by
using Optical Fibre”:I nternational Journal of Inventive Engineering and

Sciences (IJIES)ISSN: 2319–9598, Volume-3 Issue-1, December
2014
3) Bhavin K. Kashiyani, Varsha Raina, Jayeshkumar Pitroda, Dr.

Bhavnaben
K. Shah. “A Study on Transparent Concrete”: A Novel Architectural
Material to Explore Construction Sector: International Journal of
Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT),Volume 2, Issue 8,
February 2013
4) M.N.V.Padma Bhushan, D.Johnson, Md. Afzal Basheer Pasha And Ms.

K.
Prasanthi. “Optical Fibres in the Modeling of Translucent Concrete
Blocks”: International Journal of Engineering Research and

Applications
(IJERA), Vol. 3, Issue 3, May-Jun 2013,

pp.013-017
5) Pacific science review, vol 15,no

1,2013,pp.51-55
6) Patil Gaurao S, Patil Swapnal V. “Light Transmitting Concrete- A New
Innovation”: International Journal of Engineering Research and

General
Science, Volume 3, Issue 2, Part 2, March-April, 2015,ISSN

2091-2730
7) P.M.Shanmugavadivu, V. Scinduja, T.Sarathivelan, C.V

Shudesamithronn,
“An Experimental Study On Light Transmitting Concrete” : IJRET:
International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology,
Volume: 03, Special Issue: 11,

Jun-2014,
8) Soumyajit Paul, Avik Dutta.“Tranclucent concrete” :I nternational Journal
of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 10, October

2013
9) www.inventorspot.com


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Seminar Report-2015 Light Transmitting Concrete

Due to economic development and space utilization requirements,

rise buildings and skyscrapers are mostly built downtown in metropolitan

problem in deriving natural light in building, due to obstruction of nearby

structures. Due to this problem use of artificial sources for illumination of

building is increased by great amount. So it is very essential to reduce the

light consumption in structure.

It is considered to be one of the best sensor materials available and

introduced the idea of light transmitting concrete in 2001 and then

produced the first transparent concrete block in 2003, named LiTraCon.

transmitting concrete also known as transparent concrete is a novel

Light transmitting concrete are available as prefabricated blocks /

Litracon rooms will be brightened and proximal objects situated on the

side of a transparent wall will be revealed as silhouettes on the other side.

because of their parallel arrangement in a matrix between to the two outer

come in various sizes and option of embedded heat-isolation. Since not

appreciates the look of exposed

​ ​T.K.M Institute Of Technology

Transparent concrete or translucent concrete is work based on “Nano-

concrete because of their insignificant size and they become a structural

component as a kind of modest aggregate. The blocks can be produced in

sizes and with embedded

Light transmitting concrete is a combination of optical fibers and fine

concrete. It can be produced as prefabricated building blocks and panels.

material like small pieces of aggregate. By arranging high numerical aperture

transmits light so effectively that there is virtually no loss of light conducted

through the fibers.

Because of their parallel position, the light-information on the brighter side of

​ ​T.K.M Institute Of Technology

3.1. OPTICAL FIBERS

An optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber made of glass (silica) or

shows a typical structure of optic fiber.

Core –The core is a cylindrical rod of dielectric material. Dielectric material

of very thin size made up of optically transparent dielectric medium and

Cladding – It is the outer optical material surrounding the core having

necessary functions. The index of refraction of the cladding material is less

that of the core material. The cladding is generally made of glass or

The cladding performs the following functions:

• Reduces scattering loss at the surface of the

• Protects the fiber from absorbing surface

• Adds mechanical strength

coating is a layer of material used to protect an optical fiber from physical

damage. The material used for a buffer is a type of

bends occur when an optical fiber is placed on a rough and distorted

3.1.1. Types of optical fiber

There are three basic types of optical

3.1.1.1. Multi-mode graded-index

in a step index fiber, the light is now bent or continuously refracted in an

different rays to be nearly equal, even though they travel different

B.Tech, Department Of Civil Engineering ​4 ​T.K.M Institute Of Technology

3.1.1.2. Multi-mode step-index fiber

certain angle will be totally reflected at the core-cladding boundary. Rays

3.1.1.3. Single-mode step-index

Another way to reduce modal dispersion is to reduce the core's

exceedingly small core diameter of only 5 to 10 μm. Standard cladding

A multimode fiber can propagate hundreds of light modes at one time

single-mode fibers only propagate one mode as shown

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3.1.2. Total internal reflection

Fig 3.3: Schematic representation of total internal

When light traveling in an optically dense medium hits a boundary at a

reflection is shown in fig:3.3. This effect is used in optical fibers to confine

acceptance cone is a function of the refractive index difference between the

core and cladding.

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B.Tech, Department Of Civil Engineering 4 T.K.M Institute Of Technology

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Flexural strength = Pl/bd2

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• Having Compressive strength-50-220 N/mm2

• Having a flexural Strength of 7.7 N/mm2