Production, Thermal, Durability, and Mechanical Properties of Translucent Concrete and Its Applications in Sustainable Construction: A Review

This study examines transparent concrete (TC) utilizing bibliometric analysis of articles from the Scopus database to identify its performance, knowledge gaps, limitations, and applications. TC is a new type of sustainable building material that combines optical fibers with concrete and is lighter in weight than traditional concrete. Incorporating optical fibers in concrete enables light transmission, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting in TC structures. TC is also referred to as light-transmitting concrete due to its unique properties. By utilizing natural light resources instead of electric lighting, buildings can better harness sunlight, providing both architectural beauty and energy savings. This approach decreases reliance on non-renewable resources and ultimately conserves energy. Scholars have focused a lot of attention on the superb light transmission and decorative appeal of TC. However, its applications in the construction sector have yet to gain traction due to the time-consuming production process, high labor costs, and limited studies on its durability and mechanical properties. This article reviews the applications, production processes, types of TC, bibliometric analysis, cost analysis, and the research findings related to mechanical, thermal, energy-saving, light-transmitting, and durability properties. TC showed a substantial decrease in the building’s total energy use and maintained strength comparable to conventional concrete. It also displayed minimal water resistance, porosity, and density, making it suitable for constructing buildings and lightweight road surfaces. Additionally, it offers notable aesthetic value. The study identifies gaps in durability and standardization while highlighting significant developments in TC’s mechanical behavior, thermal and energy performance, and applications. Furthermore, it summarizes the future research paths for TC, which are likely to enhance its implementation as a promising sustainable construction material.