2.1. Metals

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic of copper helps it resist further corrosion when exposed to air and salt water?

Ductility

High malleability

Formation of a protective patina (correct)

Excellent electrical conductivity

Which of the following is a use of lead?

Piping for water supply

Electrical wiring

Roofing materials

Solder and radiation shielding (correct)

Which of the following statements is true about brass?

It is used primarily for electrical wiring.

It is an alloy of copper and lead.

It consists primarily of copper and zinc. (correct)

It is a type of bronze.

What is the main composition of statuary bronze?

97% copper, 2% tin, 1% zinc Signup and view all the answers

Which bronze alloy contains 3% silicon?

Silicon Bronze Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of common brass?

Decorative metalwork Signup and view all the answers

Which type of brass contains aluminum as a primary component?

Aluminum Brass Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of copper is found in Muntz Metal?

55-61% Signup and view all the answers

Which bronze alloy is known for its high corrosion resistance?

Phosphor Bronze Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Naval Brass and common brass?

Naval Brass has a different zinc proportion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of aluminum foil?

Thermal insulation and vapor barriers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of aluminum is specifically designed for increased strength through heat treatment?

Heat-treatable Alloy Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates corrugated aluminum from other types of aluminum?

It has a bumpy surface created for rigidity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of aluminum cladding in products like Alclad?

Protect the core alloy against corrosion Signup and view all the answers

How is aluminum typically shaped during the extrusion process?

By forcing through a shaped opening in a die Signup and view all the answers

Which type of aluminum is typically used for applications requiring high strength and light weight?

Duralumin Signup and view all the answers

What type of flashing is typically used at eaves to prevent water ingress?

Eaves Flashing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of aluminum alloy gains strength through cold working?

Non-heat-treatable Alloy Signup and view all the answers

Aluminum sheet and strip are typically utilized for which of the following applications?

Roofing and gutters Signup and view all the answers

What is the common thickness of aluminum foil mentioned?

0.005 inches Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does aluminum's lower modulus of elasticity provide over steel in structural applications?

Lower possibility of buckling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials are used in the construction of aluminum sandwich panels?

Cellular core of aluminum Signup and view all the answers

What process is commonly used to achieve mechanical finishes on aluminum?

Grinding and polishing Signup and view all the answers

What type of aluminum finish involves the application of chemical reagents to alter the aluminum surface?

Chemical finishes Signup and view all the answers

Which color is commonly associated with architectural gold finishes in electrolytic oxide finishes?

Gold Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of chemical finishes for aluminum?

Providing a decorative appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of organic finishes when applied to aluminum surfaces?

They create a hard, resistant surface. Signup and view all the answers

Aluminum mesh and wire cloth are primarily used for what application?

Fencing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application for prefabricated aluminum panels?

Exterior buildings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding aluminum doors and windows?

They are usually fabricated from extrusions and rolled shapes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary architectural use of bronze?

Statuary and ornaments Signup and view all the answers

Which metal is primarily used for galvanizing iron and steel?

Zinc Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of titanium?

It has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main use of chromium in architecture?

For electroplating other metals Signup and view all the answers

Which element is primarily known for its role in making hard alloys and increasing toughness in steel?

Manganese Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of tin in architecture?

For protective coatings Signup and view all the answers

Which element is known for being a brittle, crystalline material used chiefly in alloys?

Antimony Signup and view all the answers

What type of metal is carbide primarily classified as?

Very hard material Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes magnesium among the listed metals?

It is very light and ductile. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following metals is primarily used in aerospace applications due to its strength and low density?

Titanium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Copper

A reddish-brown metal, excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
Used in electrical wiring, water pipes, and alloys like bronze and brass.
Forms a green patina (surface layer) when exposed to air and salt water, which slows down corrosion.
Used for roofing and flashing.

Lead

A heavy, soft, malleable, bluish-gray metal.
Used in solder, radiation shielding, paints, and alloys.
Available in various forms like pipe, rod, wire, sheet, foil, and strip.
Used in rough hardware like expansion shields for securing bolts, screws, and other accessories in masonry.

Brass

An alloy of copper and zinc.
Used in doors, windows, frames, railings, trims, and grilles.
Also used in finish hardware.

Bronze

An alloy of copper and tin, often with other metals.
Statuary Bronze: 97% copper, 2% tin, and 1% zinc.
Silicon Bronze: 97% copper and 3% silicon.
Gold Bronze: 90% copper, 5% zinc, 3% lead, and 2% tin.
Phosphor Bronze: 80% copper, 10% tin, 9% antimony, and 1% phosphorus.
Aluminum Bronze: 5% to 11% aluminum with varying amounts of iron, nickel, and manganese.
Commercial Bronze: 90% copper and 10% zinc.
Architectural Bronze: 57% copper, 40% zinc, 2.75% lead, and 0.25% tin.
Manganese Bronze: 55% copper, 40% zinc, and up to 3.5% manganese.

Red Brass

An alloy of 77-86% copper and the rest zinc.

Aluminum Brass

An alloy of 75% copper, 2% aluminum, small amounts of other elements, and the remaining zinc.

Common Brass

An alloy of about 65% copper and 35% zinc.

Naval Brass

An alloy of about 60% copper and 40% zinc.

Muntz Metal

An alloy of 55-61% copper and 39-45% zinc.

Aluminum

Used in architectural work for roofing, flashing, gutters, and insulation.

Aluminum Sheet and Strip

Used for roofing, flashing, gutters, etc.

Aluminum Foil

Rolled to a thickness of 0.005".
Used for thermal insulation and vapor barriers.
May also serve as a surface finish material when laminated to other materials.

Types Of Aluminum Used In Architectural Work

Aluminum sheet and strip
Aluminum foil
Corrugated aluminum

Corrugated Aluminum

Rigidized sheet made from special aluminum alloys.
Usually consists of an aluminum alloy core clad with a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy

Aluminum Alloys

Heat-treatable Alloy: Gains strength through heat treatment.
Non-heat-treatable Alloy: Gains strength by cold working (also called Common Alloy).
Duralumin: An alloy of aluminum, copper, magnesium, and manganese.
Alclad: Aluminum product clad with an aluminum alloy that protects the core alloy from corrosion.

Extrusion

Aluminum shaped by forcing it through a die.
The resulting material has the same profile as the die opening.

Aluminum Flashing and Gutter

Various types of aluminum flashing used in construction.

Aluminum Finishes

Mechanical Finishes: Achieved using mechanical tools like grinding, polishing, sandblasting.
Chemical Finishes: Using chemical reagents to alter the surface of aluminum.
Electrolytic Oxide Finishes: Creating a protective oxide coating on the aluminum surface.
Organic Finishes: Using porcelain, vitreous enamel, paint, lacquer, and enamel.

Structural Aluminum

Extruded into shapes to meet design requirements.
Lower modulus of elasticity compared to steel, making it less prone to buckling.

Aluminum Doors and Windows

Generally fabricated from extrusions and rolled shapes.

Aluminum Panels and Sandwich Panels

Prefabricated units with modular and non-modular dimensions.
Used for exterior buildings and interior partitions.
Components include vapor barrier, condensation drains, insulation, and interior finish.
Sandwich panels have an aluminum skin on a cellular core of aluminum or another material.

Ornamental Aluminum

Made in different shapes and sizes, used for railings, grilles, and screens.

Aluminum Mesh and Wire Cloth

Typically used for fencing.

Titanium

A strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal.
Used in aerospace, aircraft, and engines.

Tin (Sn)

A lustrous, malleable metal used in alloys and for protective coatings.
Architectural uses include bronzes, brasses, templates, mirrors, gilding, solders, hardware, and fusible alloys.