Numerical and experimental analysis of light transmittance in mortar boards and polymeric fiber optics

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the light transmittance and tensile strength of cement mortar board with the addition of polymeric optical fiber (POF). Initially, then the groups of boards A and B and the reference trace (0% FOP) were molded. Group A was composed of boards with fiber content: 0.2% (TA-1) and 0.3 % (TA-2). Group B consisted of boards, with of 2% of fiber content (TB). In addition, the calculation of the Luminous flux and the illumination of the boards with the addition of FOP were performed for comparison with the luminous transmittance test. The reference trace resisted a 21.6 MPa traction, while the TA - 1 trace resisted a 20.3 MPa traction, the TA - 2 trace resisted a 21.8 MPa traction and the TB trace resisted a 11,7 MPa trac-tion. Regarding light transmittance, the TA - 1 trace transmitted ≅ 0.3 lux into the box, the TA - 2 trace transmitted ≅0.2 lux and the TB trace transmitted ≅1.2 lux into the test box, thus verifying that the calcu-lated values are very close to the values obtained by the test. Therefore, that the high content of optical fiber arranged perpendicular to the plane helps to decrease the tensile strength and that the material used to cut the fibers (scissors or stiletto) is one of the main factors for good light transmittance on translucent concrete.