Building Materials assignment 1 (Concrete)

ASSIGNMENT 1A
RESEARCH ON BUILDING MATERIAL-CONCRETE
TYPE OF CONCRETE AND APPLICATION
(FERROCEMENT CONCRETE, FIBER REINFORCEMENT
CONCRETE, GYPSUM CONCRETE, STAMPED CONCRETE,
TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE)
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
NAME: STUDENT ID:
NG DING BOON 0319243
LEE HAN LIN 0310527
TENG KANG YEE 0318702
HJ MUHD SYAFIQ BIN HJ ABD ZARIFUL 0314702
SECTION : MARCH INTAKE 2014
LECTURER : PN. HASMANIRA MOKHTAR
TUTOR : PN. HASMANIRA MOKHTAR

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Contents
Topic 1: Ferrocement.......................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Introduction of ferrocement....................................................................................... 4
1.2 Constituents of ferrocement...................................................................................... 4
1.3 Construction process of ferrocement........................................................................ 5
1.4 Properties of ferrocement ......................................................................................... 6
1.5 Advantages & Disadvantages of ferrocement.......................................................... 6
1.6 Applications of ferrocement ...................................................................................... 8
Topic 2: Fiber Reinforcement Concrete ........................................................................... 11
2.1 Introduction of Fiber Reinforcement Concrete (FRC) ............................................ 11
2.2 Properties of Fiber Reinforced Concrete................................................................ 12
2.3 Types of Fibers ....................................................................................................... 12
2.4 Advantages & Disadvantages of Fiber Reinforced Concrete................................. 14
2.5 Applications of Fiber Reinforced Concrete............................................................. 15
Topic 3: Gypsum Concrete............................................................................................... 17
3.1 Introduction of Gypsum Concrete........................................................................... 17
3.2 Composition of Gypsum Concrete.......................................................................... 18
3.3 Advantages & Disadvantages of Gypsum concrete............................................... 19
3.4 Applications of Gypsum Concrete.......................................................................... 19
Topic 4: Stamped Concrete.............................................................................................. 21
4.1 Introduction of Stamped Concrete.......................................................................... 21
4.2 Installation of Stamped Concrete............................................................................ 21
4.3 Advantages & Disadvantages of Stamped Concrete............................................. 21
4.4 Suitability ................................................................................................................. 23
4.5 Aesthetical value ..................................................................................................... 23
4.6 Maintenance............................................................................................................ 24
Topic 5: Translucent Concrete ......................................................................................... 25
5.1 Introduction of Translucent Concrete ..................................................................... 25
5.2 Manufacturing Process of Translucent Concrete................................................... 25
5.3 Properties & Functions of Translucent Concrete ................................................... 26
5.4 Characteristics of Translucent Concrete................................................................ 26
5.5 Advantages & Disadvantages of Translucent Concrete ........................................ 27
5.6 Applications of Translucent Concrete..................................................................... 28

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References........................................................................................................................ 30
TOPIC 1......................................................................................................................... 30
TOPIC 2......................................................................................................................... 30
TOPIC 3......................................................................................................................... 32
TOPIC 4......................................................................................................................... 33
TOPIC 5......................................................................................................................... 34

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Topic 1: Ferrocement
1.1 Introductionof ferrocement
Ferrocement can be considered as a type of reinforced concrete which multiple
layers of small-diameter wire meshes are used throughout the cross section and
in which Portland cement mortar is used instead of concrete. Thickness of a
ferrocement structure is usually ranging from 20mm to 50mm. (Sakthivel &
Jagannathan, 2013; Shah & DIRECTOR, 1981; “What is Ferrocement ? |
Myhouseconstruction.com” n.d.)
Fig 1
1.2 Constituents offerrocement
Steel reinforcing mesh
Metallic mesh is the most common type of reinforcement being used in this
section. 3mm to 8mm of steel rods are used to form the skeleton of the structure.
Reinforcement should be rust-treated, galvanized or stainless steel for optimum
performance.(Sakthivel & Jagannathan, 2013)

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Cement
Portland cement is generally used in ferrocement. (Shah, 1981)
Water
The water used for mixing cement mortar should be clean and fit for construction
purposes. The pH value of water should be equal or greater than 7 and free from
organic matter, for instances, silt, oil, sugar, chloride and acidic
material.(Sakthivel & Jagannathan, 2013)
Aggregates
Only fine aggregate is used in ferrocement. Coarse aggregate is not used in
ferrocement. Moreover, sand should be selected from river-beds and be free
from organic or other deleterious matter. (Sakthivel & Jagannathan, 2013)
Furthermore, plasticizers and other admixtures such as silica fumes, or blast
furnace slag. Chemical admixtures used in ferrocement have purposes of water
reduction, air entrainment which increase resistance to freezing and thawing and
suppression of reaction between reinforcement and cement.(“ferrocement-
131125063706-phpapp01,” n.d.)
1.3 Constructionprocess offerrocement
The construction of ferrocement can be generally divided into four phases:
1. Fabricating the skeletal framing system
2. Applying rods and mesh
3. Plastering
4. Curing
Phase 1 and phase 3 require special skills to be completed while phase 2 is very
labour intensive.(Shah, 1981)
Fabricating the skeletal framing system/applying rods and mesh

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This process requires three types of workers-steel fabricator, welder as well as
plasterer to produce the ferrocement components. Wires used should be cut and
bent inwards properly. It is very important for the wire reinforcement to lay
equally and firmly tied to each other as well as to the skeletal steel, and welding
has to be done in accordance with the requirements.(Sakthivel & Jagannathan,
2013)
Plastering
There is a typical mortar composition for constructing ferrocement as shown
below:(Shah, 1981)
 Portland cement Any type depending on application
 Sand-to-cement ratio 1.0-2.5 by weight
 Water-cement ratio 0.4-0.6 by weight
Application and quality of mortar are very critical. Mortar can be applied by hand
or by shotcreting (spray gun device). As no formwork is required while applying
mortar, ferrocement is suitable for structures with curved surfaces such as shells
and free-form shapes.(Shah, 1981)
Curing
A curing period of 28 days for the mortar is recommended. However, it will have
to cure at least in the first two weeks and should start 24 hours after final
application of the mortar to avoid occurrence of shrinkage cracks.(Sakthivel &
Jagannathan, 2013)
1.4 Properties offerrocement
Ferrocement owns a high tensile strength and stiffness and a better impact and
punching shear resistance compared with reinforced concrete. It is because of its
two-dimensional reinforcement of the mesh system on a per volume basis.

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Besides, it will undergo large deformations before cracking or high deflections
before collapse. The major limitation in ferrocement is the percentage of
reinforcement. The reinforcement cannot be increased beyond certain limit.
Therefore, this limitation affects the strength of ferrocement and it cannot be
made use of where high impact or high load is expected. (Sakthivel &
Jagannathan, 2013)
BEHAVIOUR OF FERROCEMENT IN TENSION
REINFORCED CONCRETE FERROCEMENT CONCRETE
Fig 2
1.5 Advantages & Disadvantages of ferrocement
Advantages
 Light weight.
 Low maintenance costs.
 Long durability.
 High tensile strength.
o When a ferrocement sheet is mechanically overloaded, it will tend to
fold instead of break or rupture. The wire framework will hold the pieces
together.
 Superior crack resistant performance.
 High fire resistant.(Desai, 2011)

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Disadvantages
 Labor-intensive (expensive for industrial application in the western world)
 Threats to degradation (rust) of the steel components if air voids are left in
the original construction.
o Air voids can be forced out of the structure through vibration,
pressurized spraying techniques, or other means.
o If the voids occur where there is untreated steel, the steel will rust and
expand, causing the system to fail.
(“Ferrocement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,” n.d.)
1.6 Applications of ferrocement
1. TANKS, CONTAINERS AND SILOS
Tanks for storage of water and other materials such as chemicals, petroleum
products and powders with suitable coatings/ linings wherever necessary. It
can be constructed underground, at ground level on terrace or overhead on
tower.
Fig 3 Fig 4
2. HEAVY DUTY FLOORS TILES
There are steel plates on the top surface of these tiles. So, they could resist
loads which cause heavy wear and tear impact. Thus, it is suitable to use in
the workshops and warehouse.
3. WALL CUPBOARDS

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Wall cupboard with and without shutter for storage of office records and
factory materials as well as for domestic purpose.
4. ANTICORROSIVE MEMBRANE TREATMENT
No frequent painting and other special treatment is necessary for several
years. Epoxy or polyurethane treatment is also required if the area is highly
polluted. Therefore, it helps to save maintenance cost.
5. FERROCEMENT BUILDINGS
Ferrocement helps to reduce consumption of steel and cement when using it
to construct buildings for residential or commercial as ferrocement columns,
beams and panel system are used.
6. CHEMICAL RESISTANT TREATMENT
Ideal chemical substances which are normally used to overlay ferrocement
are epoxy, bitumen, polyurethane, chlorinated rubber and glass fibers.
7. RURAL APPLICATIONS
Ferrocement is ideal for construction of cattle sheds, silos for storage of food
grains, low cost houses, etc. in rural area.
8. MARINE APPLICATIONS
Marine structures such as boats, trawlers and floating docks which are
constructed by using ferrocement could resist marine atmosphere and unlike
steel, the corrosion phenomena is negligible.
9. ELEVATION TREATMENT
Elevation treatment such as fins, projections - curved, folded and hollow, sun
shades to the building have been provided with advantage. The thickness
being much less as compared to RCC, there is dead load reduction. Elevation
with very small thickness of 20mm - 40 mm is not possible with RCC.

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(“Ferrocement Applications, Heavy Duty Floors Tiles, Waterproofing, Manhole
Covers, Wall Cupboards, Elevation Treatment, Ferrocement Ducts, Mumbai,
India,” n.d.)

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Topic 2: Fiber Reinforcement Concrete
2.1 Introductionof Fiber Reinforcement Concrete (FRC)
Fig 1 Fig 2
The concept of using fibers to improve the properties of the concrete is very
old. In the early stages, people added straw to mud bricks, horse hair to reinforce
plaster and asbestos to reinforce pottery. (Wafa, 1990)
Civil structures made up of steel reinforced concrete usually suffering from
the corrosion of steel which strongly weaken the properties of the concrete.
Furthermore steel reinforced concrete require labours to arrange the steel bars.
As a result, the idea of fiber reinforced concrete becomes more susceptible to
public. Addition of fibers to concrete help to increase the toughness and tensile
strength and improve the cracking and deformation of the resultant composite.
When concrete cracks, the fibers start functioning which prevent the cracks
widen due to the adhesive bond polymer composites onto the structure. (Brown,
Shukla & Natarajan, 2002)
Concrete is more prone to plastic shrinkage during the setting phase and
thus also creates cracks. The fibers onto the concrete prevent it from plastic
shrinkage and also drying shrinkage. They also help reducing the permeability of
concrete from water.
There are many types of fiber reinforced concrete which are produced by

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using different types of fibers such as steel fibers, glass fibers, polypropylene
fibers and natural fibers.
2.2 Properties ofFiber ReinforcedConcrete
The properties have to depend on the type of fiber used, the composition of fiber
in the concrete, diameter and size of the fiber and the dispersal of the fiber. With
the changes of these factors, the properties will be affect including the toughness,
tensile strength, durability, load carrying capacity and also shear resistance
(Aggeliki, 2011).
Fig 3
2.3 Types of Fibers
a) Steel Fibers

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These fibers have diameter ranges from 0.25mm to 0.75mm. They used for
enhancing the toughness and post crack load carrying capacity of the
concrete. These fibers are usually made from carbon or stainless steel and
are shaped into straight, crimped, twisted, hooked, ringed, and paddled ends
(Aggeliki , 2011 ; Wafa , 1990).
b) Glass Fibers
Diameter ranges from 0.005 to 0.015mm (may be bonded together to form
elements with diameters of 0.13 to 1.3mm). It is usually in straight shape.
They usually used in architectural applications and modified cement based
panel structures (Wafa, 1990 ; FRCA, 2007).
c) Micro-synthetic Fibers (polypropylene, polyester, nylon etc)
These fibers help to reduce the shrinkage in concrete. They are generally in
Fig 4 Fig 5
Fig 6 Fig 7
Fig 8 Fig 9

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plain, twisted, fibrillated, and with buttoned ends. Normally the volume of
these fibers is from 0.02% to 0.3% with volume of concrete (FRCA, 2007).
d) Natural Fibers (wood cellulose, coconut, sisal, jute, sugarcane etc)
These fibers are used to improve the strength of the cement based products
in applications around the world. They also come in varying sizes (Wafa,
1990 ; FRCA, 2007).
2.4 Advantages & Disadvantages of Fiber ReinforcedConcrete
Advantages
 Improvement in plain concrete’s shrinkage properties (crack control)
 Increases the ductility of the concrete
 Increase durability of the concrete
 No corrosion (except steel fibers but it corrodes with a very slow phase)
 Increases tensile strength, moment capacity and stiffness of the concrete
 Increases the shear capacity of the concrete
 Less maintenance
Disadvantages
Difficulties in the process of fabrication. Since the process requires labours to
perform, so the cost of the fiber reinforced concrete is higher than traditional
concrete (Jain & Kothari, 2012).
Fig 10 Fig 11

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2.5 Applications of Fiber ReinforcedConcrete
a) Runways, Aircraft Parking, Roadways and Pavements
With the use of FRC, the thickness of the slabs has been reduced to less
than half compare with the normal reinforced concrete. (From 375 mm thick
reduced to 150 mm). The crimped-end in shape of fiber reinforced concrete
was used to overlay an existing asphaltic-paved area. (Wafa, 1990)
b) Slope Stabilization and Tunnel Lining
The steel fiber reinforced shotcrete (pumping out the steel fiber reinforced
concrete through a hose) is used to put on the surface since with the
properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete which the toughness and impact
strength are more superior than conventional reinforced shotcrete (Wafa,
1990 ; Stewols India(P) Ltd, 2011)
Fig 12 Fig 13
Fig 14 Fig 15

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c) Blast Resistance Structures
Steel fiber reinforced concrete is used in design of these structures due to
the enhancement of post cracking properties and the blast loading.
Additionally it is found that, under blast or shock wave, the slabs with steel
fiber reinforced concrete reduce 20% in fragment velocities and 80% in
fragmentation (Wafa, 1990)
d) Precast Structures
Steel and glass fibers reinforced concrete increases the strength the
structures. Additionally steel fiber reinforced shotcrete is used to make the
circular shapes using the inflated membrane process (Wafa, 1990).
e) Dams and Hydraulic Structure
Fiber reinforced concrete (shotcrete) are used to repair the dams and
hydraulic structure due to its resistance to cavitation(damages) and erosion
caused by the strong impact of water flow (Wafa, 1990).
Fig 16 Fig 17
Fig 18 Fig 19

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Topic 3: Gypsum Concrete
3.1 IntroductionofGypsum Concrete
Fig 1 Fig 2
Gypsum concrete is made by mixing the gypsum, portland cement, sand, water
and some addictives (Wikipedia on Gypsum Concrete, 2014).
For one of the main uses, gypsum concrete is used in underlayment for floors. In
very early states, people used the concrete pour onto the copper tubing for
warming the floors. However problems were found that concrete tends to corrode
the copper tubing as a result it did not achieve an optimistic effect on the purpose
of radiant heating. From 50 years ago until now, people are using cross-linked
polyethylene (which is known as PEX) tubing which solves all the problems of
copper tubing. At the finishing work is that gypsum concrete is poured onto it
(Pour Floors of N.Y. and N.J., 2008)

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3.2 CompositionofGypsum Concrete
1. Gypsum
Fig 3 Fig 4
Gypsum is one of the kinds of minerals extracted from the ground. Fire resistant
is one of the most important functions of gypsum (Wanda, 2014).
2. Portland Cement
3. Sand
4. Water
5. Polyvinyl alcohol
Fig 5 Fig 6
It is an addictives in gypsum concrete. It is usually used as a bonding agent. In
gypsum concrete, polyvinyl alcohol prevents the surface of the concrete to be
dusty (Wikipedia on Gypsum Concrete, 2014).

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3.3 Advantages & Disadvantages of Gypsum concrete
Advantages
 Light weight concrete
 Fire resistant
 Sound insulation
 Provides a smooth and flat surface which allows easier installation of finished
floor goods
 Less in cost than conventional concrete
 Curing period is very much shorter (90 minutes)
 More efficient in transferring the heat
 Adheres with tubes and cables without forming bubbles and no shrinkage
cracks
 Extraction of gypsum releases less carbon dioxide
Disadvantages
 Not resistant to water
 Short durability compared to conventional concrete
Further elaboration for the durability part:
According some fact cases, it was found that within a year after installation of
gypsum concrete onto the floor, the gypsum concrete started to crack and
deteriorate into dust. As a result, a hollow sound could be heard when knocking
the floor tiles. This leads to cracking of tiles if high impacts or heavy loads are
applied (Shawn, 2008)
3.4 Applications of Gypsum Concrete
1. Underlayment For House Floors

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Fig 7 Fig 8
Gypsum concrete provides a lot of benefits such as giving support to transmit
heat and smooth surfaces (Hacker Industries, Inc. , 2014).
2. Sound Attenuation
Fig 9 Fig 10
Only a thin layer of gypsum concrete is needed in order to achieve the sound
control (Hacker Industries, Inc. , 2014)
3. Corrugated Metal Decking
Fig 11 Fig 12
Gypsum concrete is suitable for this purpose because it is light in weight, fire
resistant, quick drying and provides high strength compared to the same amount
of volume of conventional concrete used (Hacker Industries, Inc. , 2014 ; Maxxon
Corporation, 2013).

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Topic 4: Stamped Concrete
4.1 IntroductionofStampedConcrete
Stamped concrete is a decorative concrete that is often used as an economical
alternative to the more costly surface materials. It involves in pouring slab
concrete for driveways, walkways, patios, etc., and then impressing both patterns
and textures onto the concrete before it is fully dry.
4.2 InstallationofStampedConcrete
The process begins with typical pouring of concrete smoothly. While the concrete
is still wet and soft, the pattern is pressed into the mixture with a polyurethane
stamp, most regularly with different mixtures of stamp & sometimes with
decorative patterns. The process is finished with paint or a spray, pending on the
desired outcome.
4.3 Advantages & Disadvantages of StampedConcrete
Advantages
 Less workers needed compared to other surface materials.  
Some installers find it more efficient to pour concrete and apply a pattern
than to haul and place individual paving stones by hand.
 Reduced long-term maintenance and care.
Other surface materials such as pavers can become loose, while stains,
weeds and moss can continuously occur over time, resulting in tripping
dangers. Stamped concrete's advantage is that it never needs resetting or

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replacing due to its abrasion resistance in addition to sealing the surface
well, preventing cracks in the material for any type of growth.
 Requires less maintenance.  
Stamped concrete requires minimal maintenance than most other paving
materials, which can add up to big savings over the surface's lifetime in
the long run.
 Increased durability.
Concrete, which lasts longer than other materials, is durable in nearly
every type of environment, and holds up better to traffic and wear.
 Freedom of design.
Before it is dried, there is a wide selection of texture, pattern & color to
pick. With unlimited choices to choose from, people can control the design
of the stamped concrete that solely depends on their imagination.
Disadvantages
 Poor sustainability.
One of the major disadvantages of stamped concrete is that it lacks
sustainability compared to other finished surfaces. It easily cracks and
scratches under a heavy load, especially when being exposed to weather,
hence is a poor choice for a driveway and any area on which cars are
driven or parked. The finishing agents used to color the surface are likely
to chip, flake and fade, especially when being exposed to weather.
 A large room for error during installation.
If the mixture contains too much water, a risk of rough edges and a poor
finish exist because the concrete easily adheres to the stamp. Bulging and

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premature cracking is a problem with stamped concrete if the mixture is
too dry.
 Cost more in the long run than interlocking pavers.
Because each paver is an individual piece, you do not have to worry about
pavers cracking from pressure or settling of the surface. As pavers begin
to settle, they may loosen, individual pavers are easily removed and
replaced.
4.4 Suitability
Stamped concrete is mostly used in exterior paths, such as walkways, patios and
driveways, due to its value improvements & appealing final products, adding a
decorative touch thanks to its ability to emulate slate, stone, brick, cobbles or
even wooden planks but with the durability of concrete, making it a desirable and
economical product for all. Moreover, houses built with concrete walls, floors, and
foundations are highly energy efficient because they take advantage of concretes
essential thermal masses ability to attract and retain heat. This means
homeowners can significantly cut their heating and cooling bills and install
smaller-capacity. Its reduced costs and easy maintenance makes it suitable for
busy & budget-saving places such as resorts, malls or theme parks.
4.5 Aesthetical value
Stamped concrete comes in many colors, patterns and textures to choose from.
This allows it to imitate almost any surface from marble to stone to weathered
Concrete Batch Plant.

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lumber, stamped concrete offers an amazingly attractive surface that improves
the qualities and designs of home and property.
4.6 Maintenance
There is no need for maintenance for the stamped concrete to retain its patterns
due to its standard durability; however, there are still a few things needed to
maintain the concrete such as:
 Keeping the surface free of wreckages by using a broom, leaf blower, or
rinsing with water.
 Stronger cleaning chemicals or a power washing and scrubbing may be
required to remove continuous stains such as dirt, tire marks and leaf stains.
 To avoid any color fading, etc., of the stamped concrete surface, a sealer
would be used that is often applied every 2-3 years or so.
 To protect the concrete from moisture penetration, freeze-thaw conditions,
de-icing chemicals, and abrasion, one of the ways is to use periodic sealing.

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Topic 5: Translucent Concrete
5.1 IntroductionofTranslucent Concrete
It is a mixture of fiber optics and exquisite concrete. Due to the small size of the
fibers, they blend into concrete becoming a component of the material like small
pieces of aggregate. 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. Thousands of optical glass fibers form a matrix and run
parallel to each other between the two main surfaces of each block. These fibers
mingle in the concrete because of their insignificant size, and they become a
structural component as a kind of modest aggregate. Therefore, the surface of
the blocks remains homogeneous (unmixed) concrete.
5.2 Manufacturing Process ofTranslucent Concrete
Several ways of producing translucent concrete exist. All are based on a fine
grain concrete (95% to 96%) and only (5% to 4%) light conducting elements that
are added during casting process. 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.
After setting, the concrete is cut to plates or stones with standard machinery for
cutting stone materials. The concrete mixture is made from fine materials only: it
contains no coarse aggregate.
Working with natural light it has to be ensured that enough light is available. Wall
mounting systems need to be equipped with some form of lighting, designed to
achieve uniform illumination on the full plate surface. Usually mounting systems
similar to natural stone panels are used.

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5.3 Properties & Functions of Translucent Concrete
Translucent concrete is primarily used for floors or load bearing walls.
Most of these concrete products can be used in horizontal and vertical
applications such as feature stairs, walls, floors, pavements, table, counter tops
and load bearing structures. It's properties is that the concrete is embedded with
optical glass fibers and are infused with it. The concrete's colors are mostly white,
grey or black. It has a high density of top layer concrete. It has a good fire
resistance and also highest UV resistance. The standard size of the concrete
block is around 600 x 300 mm, with a thickness of about 25-500 mm.
5.4 Characteristics ofTranslucent Concrete
Translucent concrete characteristics, the paper restrains its area towards the
reinforcement method of this type of concrete such that they can be practically
executed as a load bearing structure. It is also a green energy saving with the

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usage self-sensing properties of functional materials. According to study
maximum water absorption range is within 0.35%.
5.5 Advantages & Disadvantages of Translucent Concrete
Advantages
 With the characteristic of being translucent, it can permit a better
interaction between the construction and its environment, thereby creating
ambiences that are better and more naturally lit, at the same time as
significantly reducing the expenses of laying and maintenance of the
concrete.
 Can integrate the concept of green energy saving with the usage self-
sensing properties of functional materials.
 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 which is
also beneficial when ceilings of any large office building or commercial
structure incorporating translucent concrete. Greater day lighting means
less electrical lighting, less energy use, less cost, less energy-related
emissions.
 Sidewalks poured with translucent concrete could be made with lighting
underneath, creating lit walkways which would enhance safety, and also
encourage foot travel where previously avoided at night.
 The use of translucent concrete in an outer wall of an indoor stairwell
would provide illumination in a power outage, resulting in enhanced safety.

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 Since it is a great insulating material that protects against outdoor extreme
temperatures, that means it can shut out heat or cold without shutting the
building off from daylight.
Disadvantages
 The main disadvantage is these concrete is very expensive because of
the raw material (optical fibers).
 Casting of translucent concrete block is difficult for the labour so special
skilled person is required.
 The complex manufacturing process of this product eliminates the
possibility of using it on site.
5.6 Applications of Translucent Concrete
Some of the possible applications for translucent concrete are spread over
several areas creating new ways to various products such as:
 Translucent concrete blocks suitable for floors, pavements and load-
bearing walls.
 Facades, interior wall cladding and dividing walls based on thin panels.
 Partitions wall and it can be used where the sunlight does not reach
properly.
 In furniture for the decorative and aesthetic purpose.
 Light fixtures.

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 Light sidewalks at night.
 Increasing visibility in dark subway stations.
 Lighting indoor fire escapes in the event of a power failure.
 Illuminating speed bumps on roadways at night.

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References
TOPIC 1
 Shah, S. (1981). Ferrocement in construction. Retrieved April 15, 2014 from
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/
 Sakthivel, P.B.,Jagannathan, A. (2013) Ferrocement Construction
Technology and its Applications – A Review. Retrieved April 16, 2014 from
http://www.civil.mrt.ac.lk/conference/ICSECM_2011/SEC-11-88.pdfs
 Desai, J.A. (2011) Ferrocement – the best fire resistant material of
construction. Retrieved April 21,2014 from
http://www.jadferrocements.net/Ferrocement%20surpasses%20fire.pdf
 Myhouseconstruction.com. (2012) What is ferrocement? [Website] Retrieved
April 19, 2014 from http://www.myhouseconstruction.com/what-is-
ferrocement/
 J. A. Desai Pvt. Ltd. Products-Ferrocement Applications. [Website] Retrieved
April 17, 2014 from http://www.jadferrocements.net/application.html
 Wikipedia.com (2014) Ferrocement. [Website] Retrieved April 16, 2014 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocement#Construction
Diagrams:
 Fig 1, Fig 2- http://www.slideshare.net/PrasanthiNelloor/ferrocement
 Fig 3- http://oasisdesign.net/images/img_book/WSfigFCSectionPaulB_w4.png
 Fig 4- http://ferrocementtanks.50webs.com/
TOPIC 2
 Wafa, F.F. (1990). Properties and Applications of Fiber Reinforced Concrete.
Retrieved on 13/4/2014 from
http://www.kau.edu.sa/Files/320/Researches/52453_22760.pdf
 Brown, R., Shukla, A., and Natarajan, K.R. (2002). Fiber Reinforcement of
Concrete Structures. Retrieved 13/4/2014 from
http://www.uritc.uri.edu/media/finalreportspdf/536101.pdf

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 Jain, D. and Kothari, A. (2012). Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Retrieved on
15/4/2014 from http://www.isca.in/rjrs/archive/iscsi/21.ISCA-ISC-2011-7EngS-
12.pdf
 Fiber Reinforced Concrete Association (2007). Retrieved on 15/4/2014 from
http://www.fiberreinforced.org/pages/applications.aspx
 Aggeliki, K. (2011). Basics Of Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Retrieved on
16/4/2014 from http://www.brighthubengineering.com/concrete-
technology/47712-basics-of-fiber-reinfor ced-concrete/
 Aggeliki, K. (2011). Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Retrieved on 16/4/2014
from http://www.brighthubengineering.com/concrete-technology/52076-steel-
fiber-reinforced-concrete/?cid=parsely_rec
 Stewols India(P) LTD (2011). Retrieved on 17/4/2014 from
http://www.stewols.com/SFRC-Concrete/slope-stabilization.html
Diagrams:
 Fig 1- http://www.brighthubengineering.com/concrete-technology/52076-steel-
fiber-reinforced-concrete/
 Fig 2- http://www.docstoc.com/docs/102741957/Fiber-Reinforced-Concrete---
PDF
 Fig 3- http://www.slideshare.net/ravishekhar123/fiber-reinforced-concrete-frc
(Page 6)
 Fig 4- http://www.slideshare.net/ravishekhar123/fiber-reinforced-concrete-frc
(Page 17)
 Fig 5- http://www.fiberconfiber.com/concrete.html
 Fig 6- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_fiber
 Fig 7- http://www.polytek.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=29
 Fig 8- http://fibre.fibre2fashion.com/1364936/nylon-fibre_suppliers.html
 Fig 9- https://www.concretedecor.net/decorativeconcretearticles/vol-7-no-4-
junejuly-2007/choices-in-fiber-reinforcement/
 Fig 10- http://www.aplaceofsense.com/2008/05/bamboo-reinforced-
concrete.html

32
 Fig 11- http://civil-engg-world.blogspot.com/2012/11/What-Natural-Fiber-
Reinforced-Concrete.html
 Fig 12- http://www.colas.co.uk/news-media/major-projects/lower-house-
farm/concrete-pavements-to-operational-yard-areas-using-fibre-reinforced-
concrete/
 Fig 13-
http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Sustainable_reinforcement_for_concrete_
has_newly_discovered_benefits_999.html
 Fig 14 & 15- http://www.stewols.com/SFRC-Concrete/slope-stabilization.html
 Fig 16- http://www.briscover.com/how-to-look-at-the-development-of-
composite-manhole-covers/
 Fig 17- http://www.hudsoncivil.com.au/products/concrete-pipe
 Fig 18- http://www.construction-
chemicals.basf.com/en/sustainability/Pages/ConcreterefurbishmentoftheWem
mershoekDam.aspx
 Fig 19- http://www.publicworks.nsw.gov.au/water/hydraulic-structures
TOPIC 3
 Wikipedia on Gypsum Concrete, (2014). Retrieved on 27/04/2014 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum_concrete
 Alpine Insulation Co., Inc (2014). Retrieved on 27/04/2014 from
http://www.alpinerocksolidfloors.com/floors_steel_deck.html
 Poured Floors of N.Y. and N.J. (2008). Retrieved on 27/04/2014 from
http://www.gypsum-newyork.com/poured_floors_007.htm
 Shawn, M. (2008). Gypcrete - Good or Bad. Retrieved on 27/04/2014 from
http://www.naylornetwork.com/fap-nwl/articles/?aid=16100&projid=1323
 Hacker industries, Inc. (2014). Radiant Floor Heating. Retrived on 27/04/2014
from http://www.hackerindustries.com/radiant-floor-heating.shtml
 Hacker industries, Inc. (2014). Firm Fill Gypsum Concrete. Retrived on
27/04/2014 from http://www.hackerindustries.com/firm-fill-gypsum-
concrete.shtml
 Hacker industries, Inc. (2014). Sound Attenuation Systems. Retrived on

33
27/04/2014 from http://www.hackerindustries.com/sound-attenuation-
systems.shtml
 Hacker industries, Inc. (2014). Corrugated Metal Decking. Retrived on
27/04/2014 from http://www.hackerindustries.com/corrugated-metal-
decking.shtml
Diagrams:
 Fig 1- http://www.hackerindustries.com/radiant-floor-heating.shtml
 Fig 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3526K-bgwz4 at 1.06 minutes
 Fig 3- http://www.indiamart.com/buildon/gypsum-casting-powder.html
 Fig 4- http://geology.com/minerals/gypsum.shtml
 Fig 5- http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/pva-adhesive
 Fig 6- http://www.boral.com.au/cementdrymixes/cemstik.asp
 Fig7- http://kinzler.bibca.org/index.cfm?content=gallery&mediaID=E0C707A4-
E0CB-4EB5-D3EBA4BE380FD4A9&mode=detail&folderPath=/root/whatwedo
 Fig 8- http://www.hackerindustries.com/radiant-floor-heating.shtml
 Fig 9 & 10- http://www.hackerindustries.com/sound-attenuation-
systems.shtml
 Fig 11- http://www.alpinerocksolidfloors.com/floors_steel_deck.html
 Fig 12- http://myconstructionphotos.smugmug.com/keyword/safety-
erect/136237351_NmbK8NX#!i=136237351&k=NmbK8NX
TOPIC 4
 Idealwork.com, (2012). Stamped concrete - Features and benefits - Ideal
Work. [online] Available at: http://www.idealwork.com/Stamped-concrete-
Features-and-benefits.html [Accessed 20 Apr. 2014].
 Kingsbury, L. (2013). Stamped Concrete: Advantages & Disadvantages.
[online] Available at: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/stamped-concrete-
advantages-disadvantages-26635.html [Accessed 20 Apr. 2014].

34
 Maier, C. (2013). Stamped Concrete: Advantages & Disadvantages. [online]
Available at: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/stamped-concrete-advantages-
disadvantages-83817.html [Accessed 20 Apr. 2014].
 Stampedconcrete.org, (2010). Stamped Concrete - Photos, Patterns, Designs.
[online] Available at: http://www.stampedconcrete.org [Accessed 20 Apr.
2014].
 Decorative Concrete Overlays. (2009). [video] Available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJQBY9ixTiQ [Accessed 24 Apr. 2014].
 BRICKFORM Inc., (2010). How to Stamp Concrete. [video] Available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcjmleiyJU8 [Accessed 24 Apr. 2014].
 Concretenetwork.com, (1999). Stamped Concrete Pictures - Gallery - The
Concrete Network. [online] Available at:
http://www.concretenetwork.com/photo-gallery/stamped-concrete_34/
[Accessed 24 Apr. 2014].
TOPIC 5
 Materialproject.org, (2012). Translucent concrete - MaterialProject.org, the
free architectural material catalog. [online] Available at:
http://www.materialproject.org/wiki/Translucent_concrete#Material_propertie
 [http://impactlightinginc.com/pdf/fiber_concrete_transparet_wall.pdf]
 [http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-1013/ijsrp-p2283.pdf]
 Materialproject.org, (2012). Translucent concrete - MaterialProject.org, the
free architectural material catalog. [online] Available at:
http://www.materialproject.org/wiki/Translucent_concrete#Definition
[Accessed 25 Apr. 2014]
 Illumin.usc.edu, (2012). Illumin - Translucent Concrete: An Emerging Material.
[online] Available at: http://illumin.usc.edu/printer/245/translucent-concrete-
an-emerging-material/
 Victoria Bailey, Translucent Concrete, published on MEEN 3344-001, 11:00-11:50 MWF
 http://www.materialproject.org/wiki/Translucent_concrete
 http://www.lucon.de/en
 http://www.lucem.de/index.php?id=156&L=1

35
 http://www.litracon.hu/
 https://www.google.com/patents/EP1947069A1?cl=en&dq=translucent+concr
ete&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NnsCUo-
 https://www.google.com/patents/EP2410103A2?cl=en&dq=translucent+concr
ete&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NnsCUo-
aNdDyrQfj0oDQBw&sqi=2&pjf=1&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAQ

Building Materials assignment 1 (Concrete)

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