Building Construction Methods & Materials

• Building construction is the process of constructing a building, involving various methods, materials, and considerations.
• Building materials are the substances used in construction, which can be natural or manufactured.

Construction Methods

• There are various construction methods, each suited to different building types, site conditions, and project requirements.
• Traditional construction involves on-site assembly of materials.
• Modern methods include prefabrication and modular construction.
• Considerations include cost, time, availability of materials, and local building codes.

Foundations

• Foundations transfer the load of a building to the ground.
• Shallow foundations are used when stable soil is near the surface.
• Deep foundations are used when soil is weak and load needs to be transferred to deeper, stronger layers.
• Types include strip footings, pad foundations, raft foundations, and piled foundations.

Superstructure

• The superstructure is the part of the building above the foundation.
• Load-bearing walls support the weight of the floors and roof.
• Framed structures use a network of columns and beams to carry loads.
• Materials include reinforced concrete, steel, and timber.

Roofing

• Roofing protects the building from weather elements.
• Pitched roofs have sloping surfaces and are good for water runoff.
• Flat roofs have a slight slope for drainage.
• Materials include tiles, shingles, metal sheets, and membranes.

Walls

• Walls provide enclosure, insulation, and support.
• Materials include brick, concrete block, wood, and composite materials.
• Cavity walls have an air space for insulation and moisture control.
• Partition walls divide interior spaces.

Floors

• Floors provide a level surface for activities within a building.
• Ground floors can be solid concrete slabs or suspended timber floors.
• Upper floors can be concrete or timber joist systems.
• Finishes include tiles, wood, carpet, and resin coatings.

Building Materials: Concrete

• Concrete is a composite material made of cement, aggregates, and water.
• Cement acts as a binder, holding the aggregates together.
• Aggregates provide bulk and strength.
• Admixtures can be added to modify properties such as workability and setting time.
• Reinforced concrete includes steel reinforcement to resist tensile forces.

Steel

• Steel is used for structural frames due to its high strength and ductility.
• It is an alloy of iron and carbon, with other elements added to enhance properties.
• Steel sections come in various shapes, such as I-beams, channels, and angles.
• Steel is susceptible to corrosion, so it needs to be protected.

Timber

• Timber is a natural material derived from trees.
• It is renewable and has good insulation properties.
• Softwoods come from coniferous trees, while hardwoods come from deciduous trees.
• Timber needs to be treated to protect it from rot and insect attack.
• Engineered wood products, such as plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), offer improved strength and stability.

Masonry

• Masonry includes brick, concrete block, and stone.
• Units are laid in courses and bonded together with mortar.
• Masonry is durable and has good fire resistance.
• Different bonding patterns can be used to create varied appearances.

Glass

• Glass is used for windows and curtain walls.
• It allows natural light to enter while providing insulation.
• Different types include float glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass.
• Coatings can be applied to improve energy efficiency and reduce glare.

Plastics

• Plastics are used for pipes, insulation, and cladding.
• They are lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
• Different types include PVC, polyethylene, and polycarbonate.
• Some plastics can release harmful chemicals when burned.

Insulation Materials

• Insulation reduces heat transfer through building elements.
• Materials include fiberglass, mineral wool, polystyrene, and polyurethane foam.
• Insulation is measured by its R-value, which indicates its resistance to heat flow.
• Proper installation is crucial for effective performance.

Sustainable Materials

• Sustainable materials have a low environmental impact.
• Examples include recycled materials, sustainably harvested timber, and bio-based materials.
• Life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a material from production to disposal.
• Green building certifications, such as LEED, promote the use of sustainable materials.

Mortar

• Mortar is a workable paste which hardens to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete masonry units, to fill and seal the irregular gaps between them, spread the weight of them evenly, and sometimes to add decorative colors or designs to masonry walls.
• It is typically made of a mixture of cement, fine sand, and water.

Plaster

• Plaster is a building material used for the protective or decorative coating of walls and ceilings and for molding and casting decorative elements.
• There are different types of plaster, including gypsum plaster, lime plaster, and cement plaster.

Smart materials

• Smart materials are materials that have one or more properties that can be significantly changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as stress, temperature, humidity, pH, electric or magnetic fields.
• Examples include self-healing concrete.

Composites

• Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are used for structural members, cladding panels, and roofing.
• Cement-based composites include fiber-reinforced concrete and polymer-modified concrete.