Poly-Methyl-Methacrylate Rods in Light-Transmitting Concrete: A Critical Investigation into Sustainable Implementation

Adithya Shenoy, Gopinatha Nayak (), Adithya Tantri (), Kiran K. Shetty, Jasmin Anna Maxwell, B. H. Venkataram Pai and Laxman P. Kudva
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Adithya Shenoy: Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
Gopinatha Nayak: Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
Adithya Tantri: Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
Kiran K. Shetty: Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
Jasmin Anna Maxwell: School of Design and Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai P.O. Box 345050, United Arab Emirates
B. H. Venkataram Pai: Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
Laxman P. Kudva: Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-36

Abstract: The development of special concrete focussed on sustainability and energy conservation has been approached through the use of recycled materials, novel techniques and processes, and materials that harness natural energy. This paper presents the results of one such study on the development of light-transmitting concrete using a novel polymeric transmitting media, poly-methyl-methacrylate, and a detailed analysis of the results obtained. Four variants based on the diameter and number of rods have been studied, with 5 and 10 mm diameter rods incorporated into 100 mm cube samples. A positive correlation between the area of rods and transmittance has been established; however, a loss in compressive and flexural strength was observed. Seasonal and monthly variation results indicate higher transmittance in summer, with the highest transmittance being observed in the month of May and the monsoon having the lowest transmittance, specifically in the month of July. The results of a case study of the application of the material have also been presented. The cost of construction has been studied, and the prediction of electricity consumption during operations has been carried out. The results have indicated the feasibility of use, even with the high initial cost. Variants have been shown to return the investments in a period of 7–31 years. Additionally, three of the four variants showed a sharp decrease in total CO 2 emissions by eliminating the need for energy for daylighting and eliminating the consumption of electricity throughout the service life. Variants have been shown to return the investments in a period of 7–31 years. Additionally, three of the four variants show a sharp decrease in total CO 2 emissions by eliminating the need for energy for daylighting and eliminating the consumption of electricity throughout the service life.

Keywords: light-transmitting concrete; poly-methyl-methacrylate; daylighting; illumination modelling and simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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