TOP 5 MATERIALS USED IN CONSTRUCTION
There are a variety of materials used in the construction industry depending on the build. The most common materials are wood, steel, concrete, stone, and masonry. Every one ot these materials has different durability, strength, and weight so it can be used for a variety of builds.
WOOD
Wood has been used since the beginning of time and has properties that make it an ideal building material. Some type of wood are better for some uses and in some climates better than others. Structural engineers are able to determine which type of wood is best for a particualr project.
- Wood is a readily available and an economical natural resource.
- Relatively lightweight and easy to standardize in size.
- Provides good insulation.
- High tensile strength.
STEEL
Steel is a durable metal alloy of iron and carbon and most of times other alloying materials in its composition to make it much stronger and more fracture-resistant than just iron. Structural Engineers use steel for the structural framework of tall buildings and large facilities because it is very strong.
- Steel has high strength-to-weight and strength-to-size ratios.
- High-cost relative to other medals.
- Less time-consuming to install than concrete.
- Can be installed in any environment.
- Can be susceptible to corrosion if improperly installed or maintained.
CONCRETE
Concrete is a composite material made of fine and coarse aggregate bound together by a liquid binder such as cement that hardens over time. Portland cement is the most common type of cement, and it is made of a fine powder produced by heating limestone and clay materials in a kiln and adding gypsum.
- Concrete strengths depend on the mix- suppliers to the concrete industry usually provide the materials used for their concrete and test the mix for its strength.
- Can be poured into a form to take any shape and harden into a material like stone.
- Takes at least 7 days to cure.
- Ideal material for a house foundation.
STONE
The longest-lasting building material available has been around for thousands of years.
- Because stone is so dense, it can be difficult to work with because of its weight and the difficulty in moving it.
- Efficient insulator.
BRICK/MASONRY
Masonry construction uses individual pieces (such as bricks) to build structures that are usually bound together by mortar.
- Masonry is durable and fire-resistant.
- This method can resist compression loads, which makes it a good material for load-bearing walls.
- Reinforced with concrete- masonry can support multi-story buildings.
