5 Materials Commonly Used In Building Construction

Posted on 06/01/22

 

5-Materials-Commonly-Used-In-Building-Contruction 


The construction sector makes extensive use of many different building materials, entirely depending on the project at hand. Understanding the differences between each type of material will greatly help to make a decision on what to use. This is where we can help!

Types of Building Materials

When it comes to choosing what material to use for a project, there are often five to be aware of:

  • Concrete
  • Steel
  • Wood
  • Stone
  • Masonry

Each has a different level of strength, weight, and durability, making it appropriate for a wide range of applications.

1. Concrete

Concrete is a composite material made up of fine and coarse aggregate (gravel, crushed stone, recycled concrete, and geosynthetic aggregates), which are bound together by a liquid binder such as cement that hardens or cures over time.

The most used type of cement is Portland cement, which is a fine powder obtained by heating limestone and clay in a kiln with gypsum.

Features of concrete include:

  • The strength will change depending on how the concrete is mixed.
  • Concrete may be poured into almost any shape.
  • It takes at least seven days for the compound to dry.
  • It's a great option for building a house foundation due to its flexibility, price, and strength.

2. Steel

Because of the extra chromium in its composition, stainless steels resist corrosion and oxidation. It's because it's so robust in comparison to its weight and size that structural engineers utilise it for skyscraper foundations and large industrial facilities' structural frameworks.

Features of steel include:

  • It’s high-cost relative to other metals.
  • It takes less time to install than concrete.
  • It may be used in nearly any setting.
  • If improperly applied or kept, steel may be susceptible to rusting. 

3. Wood 

Wood, which is among the most ancient of construction materials, has been utilized for thousands of years and has characteristics that make it perfect for construction. When used in larger projects, wood tends to go by the name of "timber" or "beams".

Features of wood include:

  • It is readily available and a low-cost, renewable resource.
  • Wood is a lightweight, easily standardized material.
  • It's a good insulator.
  • Wood flexes without losing its stiffness.
  • The majority of wood-framed homes have a reinforced concrete or pier and beam foundation.

4. Stone

Stone is the most durable construction material. The world's oldest surviving buildings are composed of stone, proving that it comes with a lot of long-term guarantee when used.

Features of stone include:

  • More durable than other materials.
  • Stone may be difficult to handle due to being too heavy.
  • Stone is not a good insulator (it is tricky to keep warm!).

5.  Masonry

The most powerful and popular masonry unit today is a concrete block that may be reinforced with steel. Masonry buildings can be constructed out of glass, brick, and stone.

Features of masonry include:

  • Masonry is long-lasting and fire-resistant.
  • Masonry can support large building structures when reinforced with concrete.
  • The quality of masonry usually comes down to the expertise in craftsmanship.

Choosing The Right Material For Your Project

The material used in the construction has a big impact on the overall quality of the project. This is why the most efficient approach to choose materials that meet your needs is to evaluate the stability, upkeep, appearance, and price of each material.

However, with so many different types of construction materials to choose from, it may be difficult to determine which ones are best for your demands. Here are eight key areas to consider:

  1. Climate
  2. Cost
  3. Availability
  4. Durability
  5. Performance
  6. Maintenance
  7. Sustainability
  8. Appearance

The above areas will help you to establish whether the material is right for your specific needs.

 

 

 

 

Back