Have you ever noticed how beautiful structures can look and how different they can all be from one another? Houses can all have a different aesthetic to them depending on the materials used to build them. In Manhattan, all the skyscrapers and tall buildings look different and are made from different materials from their neighbors. But how many different building materials are there to choose from?
What Are Building Materials?
Building materials are at the heart of construction. Without the proper materials and planning, structures would collapse under their own weight. Building materials are separated into two different categories: Naturally occurring or manmade. The choice of which material to use in any part of a structure depends on the cost of materials, and their allowed applications. Each material has different properties that dictate how they can be used in a construction project: strength, weight, durability, and cost are some of the properties that design professionals keep in mind when designing structures.
All building materials, both manmade or naturally occurring, must be treated and tested to ensure reliability and high quality. The better the materials are being used in a construction project, the longer its lifespan is estimated to be.
The Importance of a Structural Engineer
Structural engineers oversee the structural stability of any construction project. In their design and planning, they must provide project specifications; one of those specifications is what materials will be used for each component of the structure. They must know where each material can go, their load bearing capacities in relation to the project dimensions, how the materials can work together, and more. Without a well thought out plan, any structure is at risk of failure over time.
Most Used Construction Materials:
Concrete- Concrete is a material that is created by combining different aggregates and using a binder like cement. The quality and properties of concrete depend on the mix-design being used for the project. The mix design is given by the design professional, and the construction team must comply with the specifications. This material is usually used for building foundations because it has the necessary strength to withstand the load of the structure and the durability to withstand contact with the soils surrounding it. It is also widely used in the construction of bridges and sewers. Concrete, however, is seldom used on its own; this material is usually reinforced with steel bars to increase its tensile strength.
Metal– There are a variety of metals that can be used in construction; the most prominent one is steel because of its flexibility, strength, and endurance. Steel is one of the strongest building materials available in construction. It is made of iron and carbon; the presence of carbon increases the strength and hardness of this material. Steel also maintains its strength even after being deformed, so failure of a structure takes a lot longer with this material. Typically, steel is construction is used for structural members, roofing sections, or rails and stairs. It is also the most important member of skyscrapers due to its ability to withstand heavy loads with smaller members in a structure.
Wood- Wood has been a material in construction for thousands of years. It’s one of the cheaper products in construction, and if taken care of well it can last for many years; however, if neglected it is very easily damaged by excessive moisture. This material is typically used for homes or smaller residential buildings because it’s so lightweight that it cannot withstand heavy loads; However, different trees create wood with different properties so their uses may vary; it is up to the design professional to ensure that the wood being used will be suitable for its application. Wood is typically used for the framing of a house, flooring, ceiling, doors and window frames, and for thermal and acoustic insulation.
Masonry/Brick– Masonry building consists of binding together individual bricks by using mortar to create a structure. There are different types of materials that can be used in masonry building: concrete blocks, clay bricks, cinder blocks, among others. The type of material used for any construction project will depend on its role in the structure. The preferred material in masonry construction is concrete blocks that are reinforced with steel. This type of block is fire resistant, strong, and durable. It is used for the construction of load bearing walls and multi-story buildings. Masonry foundations have also become common.
Stone- Stone is the oldest material used for construction. This material is extremely durable, fire-resistant, and cost effective; however, it is very hard to work with due to its weight. Constructing with stone requires a lot of manpower and planning. It also lacks insulating properties which makes it very hard to keep houses warm with this material. Stone is now commonly used for floors, walls, or bridge piers. Stones with unique finishes are more expensive but they are preferred for finishing touches. For example, marble is a preferred stone for floors, or countertops because of its beautiful aesthetic.
There are a vast variety of materials that can be used for a construction project. Some of these materials can be purely decorative, while others are essential in maintaining the structural stability of a building. Structural engineers are extremely important in the process of picking out the materials for the structural members of your home because they know how to factor in the durability of the material, the cost, and the load bearing capacities so that a structure can have a long life. Do you need a structural engineer on your team? Give Sabio Engineering a call at (929)381-0030 and let us help you!
