i.light

i.light are products able to provide transparency performance.

 i.light Projects

 

 

i.light SHANGHAI is a precast concrete panel that can transmit light. Obtained by bonding special resins in an innovative mortar, i.light not only lets natural and artificial light in but also allows seeing images or objects placed behind the panel and creating a surprisingly transparent effect. First realizationThe Italian Pavilion for Expo Shanghai 2010 is the first building ever made with i.light. 3,774 transparent panels of i.light have been produced and used to cover a total surface of 1,887 sq. m., amounting to about 40% of the Pavilion’s entire shell. The effect was to create a sequence of light and shade constantly changing throughout the day. During the day, the outside light filters in allowing a less intensive use of artificial light inside the building and creating a new and suggestive environment as the daylight intensity varies. At night, the inside light filtering towards the outside makes the building come alive and offers an unrivalled visual experience.

 

Innovative product Light trasmitting concrete	Sustainable product Energy saving performance

Because of the huge success of the Italian Pavilion, with more than 6 million visitors in 5 months, the Chinese Government has decided not to dismantle the building and to keep it as a permanent pavilion.
The structure will therefore continue to stand out as a radiant masterpiece among 2010’s best inventions.

Application of the panels
• Roof covering
• Walls
• Floors
• Indoor
• Decorative
• Balconies
• Stairs

Clear and bright
Greater brightness thanks to a wider light cone passage
The resin elements provide greater light transmittance than glass

Durable
i.light is as durable as a traditional precast panel
Resistant to ageing caused by UV radiation

Sustainable
Energy saving performance changes according to design features

The panel developed for Shanghai

i.light has been created at the request of the architect in charge of designing the Italian Pavilion for Expo Shanghai 2010, who wanted a cementitious material capable of letting light in. Italcementi Group developed a completely new material, which is set to change the typical mindset of those who see concrete walls as darkening elements, enhancing their value as an innovative way to diffuse light.

First realization
The Italian Pavilion for Expo Shanghai 2010 is the first building ever made with i.light. 3,774 transparent panels of i.light have been produced and used to cover a total surface of 1,887 sq. m., amounting to about 40% of the Pavilion’s entire shell. The effect was to create a sequence of light and shade constantly changing throughout the day.

Application of the panels
i.light is a versatile panel suitable for non-structural application on a substructure.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION – SHANGHAI PANEL Product Specification – Shanghai Panel Elastic limit 1,92 MPa * Peak stress 7,70 MPa * Post-peak response Strain gardening – Plastic behaviour **   Dimensional & Optical Properties Thickness 50 mm Length 1000 mm Width 500 mm Transparency 18-20% with respect to the overall surface area * CTG test method under displacement control ** No loose / detached material was observed during the post-peak phase PROPERTIES OF THE TWO MAIN COMPONENTS CEMENTITIOUS MATRIX Cement 52,5 R Type I To ensure rapid gardening and high strength Sand/Gravel Of the silico-calcareous type to provide a compact granular skeleton Stainless steel fibres To impart high toughness (ductility) Polyproprylene fibres To minimize the risk of cracking at early ages Tailored mix of admixtures to improve rheology in the fresh state to attenuate slow deformation (creep) phenomena      Compressive strength 60 MPa EN 12390-3 Flexural strength 8 MPa EN 12390-5 Elastic Modulus 38-40000 MPa UNI 9771 Resin inserts Optical trasmission factor 92% DIN 5036 Fire classification Class B2 DIN 4102 UV light resistance Good Internal method Chemical resistance Good to acids and alkalis Internal method Tensile strength 65 Mpa ISO 527-1/-2 Tensile modulus of elasticity 3200 MPa ISO 527-1/-2 Elongation at break 3% ISO 527-1/-2

i.light SHANGHAI: Folder

i.light SHANGHAI: Technical sheet 

 i.light SHANGHAI: Q&A

i.light®, “transparent” cement for the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai 

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