Transmission of visible light through mortars using fluorite as a fine aggregate

This article presents the results of an evaluation of the optical properties of white and gray Portland cement mortars within the visible light spectrum. Eight controllable variables were studied: size of aggregate, type of cement, water-cement ratio, type of aggregate, cement-aggregate ratio, thickness of mortar, percentage of air entrained and percentage of optical fiber. A mathematical model was used to analyze the behavior of a light beam as it passes across a mortar. Three properties were measured: reflection, absorption and transmittance. A spectrophotometer and two sources of light were used. Of the eight controllable variables, thickness, aggregate size and cement type were those with the greatest impact on transmittance.