Types of Building Material Used in Construction

TYPES OF BUILDING MATERIAL USED IN CONSTRUCTION

Building material is any material used for construction purpose such as materials for house building. Wood, cement, aggregates, metals, bricks, concrete, clay are the most common type of building material used in construction. The choice of these are based on their cost effectiveness for building projects.

Here are some:

1. Concrete

What it is: a mix of cement, aggregate, and water.

Uses: Traditionally used for supports, walls, floors, and exterior structures like driveways or patios, concrete is growing very popular in home construction for such diverse purposes as countertops and fencing. It is durable and resistant to climate, pests, and natural disasters. However, its manufacture results in a high rate of greenhouse gas emissions.

Go green: Look for concrete made with recycled content or energy-efficient, non-toxic autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC).

2. Cement

Second in the list is Cement. It is a fine mineral powder fabricated with very precise procedures.

Mixed with water, this powder transforms into a glue that binds all the materials mixed with it. Since the composition and fineness of the powder can fluctuate, cement has different properties depending upon its own makeup. It’s an economical, high-quality construction material used in construction works worldwide.

Cement is produced by grinding together a mixture of limestone and clay, which is then heated to a temperature of 1,450°C. What results is a granular substance known as “clinker,” that a combination of calcium, silicate, alumina, and iron oxide.

3. River Sand

Third in the list is Sand. It may also refer to some textural class of soil or soil type; i.e., a soil containing over 85 percent sand-sized particles in bulk.

The composition of sand varies, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, however, the most frequent constituent of sand is silica (silicon dioxide, or SiO2), normally in the kind of quartz.The next most frequent kind of sand is calcium carbonate, by way of instance, aragonite, which has largely been generated, within the last half-billion decades, by various types of life forms, like coral and shellfish.

Sand is popularly used in concrete.

4. Aggregate

Fourth in the list is Aggregates. These are made by crushing the large rocks in crusher 
industries. These the most important load-bearing component of Concrete used in Construction.

Aggregates are of different sizes such as 10mm, 20mm, etc. Aggregates occupy most of the volume of the concrete and the share of its weight is highest in concrete.

5. Brick

What it is: traditionally made from clay or mud, formed into blocks and fired, for centuries. In recent years, concrete bricks have begun to play an important role in construction.

Uses: Bricks are simply stacked or joined with the help of mortar for exterior walls, fireplaces, and paths. Interior brick walls are a trendy design element.

Go green: Because production of brick involves non-renewable resources, it is recommended to use salvaged brick when possible.

6. Steel

What it is: made from iron, smelted, purified, and alloyed with carbon.

Uses: This strong, durable metal is used for supports and frames. 

Go green: The energy-intensive steel production process creates a large amount of pollution. Find recycled steel or substitute another material.