Light Transmitting Mortar Blocks

Abstract

Concrete has taken many new dimensions from the day of its invention. In that way LiTraMor-Light Transmitting Mortar blocks is a newer form of concrete that is experimented in this study. The materials used for the manufacture of this type are concrete and single mode optical fiber cable. Light is made to transmit through concrete block by the principles of single mode optical fiber cable. Literally, Optical fiber cables are embedded in the mortar blocks to obtain the transmissive properties of concrete. The materials used for the manufacture of mortar are tested by the well-conditioned equipment and all the results are compared with Indian standards. Strength of the block is not reduced by the usage of optical fiber cable because; the diameter of optical fiber cable is less so it serves as homogenous component. The number of optical fiber to be used is finalized by trials and the nominal percentage of optical fiber cable is finalized. These blocks were casted and tested for their compressive strength after 28 days of curing and an optional test was carried out at 7days, to test the strength of concrete. Tests were carried out to test the compressive strength of conventional and fiber introduced blocks. Light transmitting blocks showed good properties similar to that of the conventional blocks.