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February 1, 2021
In any type of construction work, whether it be renovations, redesigns, upgrades, or full-brown projects, the most common construction materials are used. These materials define the project — from the roofing, cladding, wall paneling, trimming, column, and so on. Without them, coming up with any type of structure can be nearly impossible. Each material has its own benefits that are highlighted during and after the completion of a project.
Building materials can be classified as steel, concrete, stone, wood, and plastic. On their own, they have excellent structural properties that have made them a reliable construction material choice, dating back as far as prehistoric times. These materials eventually found their way into modern construction and have been consistently used for their many advantages. Read on to learn more.
Steel can be found in almost every modern building. This material appears in the form of steel beams, sections of reinforced bars, railings, pipes, or even decorative trimmings. What makes them an ideal choice is their durability and high tensile strength — despite being subject to impact forces, the material does not form cracks even when bent.
Modern cityscapes and other high-rise buildings typically have steel as a common feature in cladding or even curtain wall sections. More commonly, however, steel is used in the form of a rebar that’s combined with concrete in order to improve the latter’s flexibility and reduce internal stresses.
Another distinct feature about steel is its infinite recyclability. It can be re-milled indefinitely without losing any of its properties and will still last for several decades. This makes it a cheap and readily-available material that is used in different projects of varying scale.
Another prominent feature in any kind of construction work you see today, is concrete. Tracing its origins from Middle Eastern empires in the early 14th century, concrete is one of the oldest materials known to man. Who knew that mixing stone aggregates and fine, pulverized ingredients together with water can create a massive impact on modern construction?
In modern projects, concrete is used to form building columns, pavements, bridgeways, decks, roofing, walls, floors, driveways, and many other civil works. Like steel, concrete is easily processed and doesn’t require expensive ingredients. It’s exceptionally strong when mixed properly, it offers a low-cost option for builders, and it also has a high fire-resistance rating, which improves the safety of any given structure.
Although concrete may be used on its own, they may also be combined with materials like reinforcing steel bars for improved strength and flexibility. This is due to the fact that bare concrete has a tendency of forming cracks once exposed to drastic temperature changes. The presence of rebars forms a strong adhesion to the concrete, that can give it better flexibility and reduce the impacts of cracks on the structure.
Wooden construction materials have been popular for their aesthetically-pleasing look. Various types of timber that can be found naturally have an exquisite and rustic feel about them.
More than just the decorative aspects, wood has several advantages. For one, it’s a naturally-occuring resource that can be milled in a processing plant and refinery. Wood can also provide good acoustic and thermal insulation. This can significantly lower energy costs and emissions that may be created by using air conditioning units or room heaters.
Some disadvantages to this type of construction material, however, may include its relatively low level of durability and proneness to rotting. Before wood can be successfully maintained in a given project, it has to be coated almost every two to three years to prevent surface damage and softening of its fibers.
Greek architecture is no stranger to the use of stone. Many of the popular Greek landmarks and attractions that can be found today have been built from the ground up using different types of stone such as marble and limestone. You may already be familiar with some of these structures — Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Apollo, The Acropolis, and many more.
Stone materials are acquired mainly through open-pit or underground mining. They may be further processed in order to become aggregates for cement, or they may be used in other industries, such as water treatment plants.
For construction, stone can be found in bridges, dams, arches, viaducts, columns, and a range of other decorative, European architectural features. Different kinds of stones may have varying qualities, but they’re generally durable, versatile, and can also provide good thermal insulation.
Plastic polymers can be processed into everyday household items and consumer goods, but they are also being widely used in the construction industry. Electrical conduit housings, pipes, seals, fittings, and window/door extruded profiles, are some prime examples. They may also be used as lightweight cladding in the form of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or rigid HDPE (high-density polyethylene) panelling.
Aside from being lightweight, plastic construction products are non-corrosive. They do not react chemically even when exposed in abrasive or corrosive environments. Although not all types of plastics may be fire or heat-resistant unlike the other materials on this list, there are some exceptional polymers that are built for extreme environmental conditions.
You’ve learned about the most common construction materials in this guide, namely steel, wood, brick, stone, and concrete. On their own, each type of material has unparalleled properties, but combining them with one another enhances their advantages.
Thinking of building your next construction project using these materials? Cross-Link Electric and Construction Corporation can help you find the right people to do it. Click here for more inquiries.
