Concrete, steel, wood, and masonry are just a few of the building construction materials utilised in the construction industry. Every material differs in terms of weight, strength, durability, and cost, making it appropriate for different sorts of applications. The materials used in building are chosen depending on their cost and efficacy in resisting the loads and stresses imposed on the structure. Architects and builders collaborate closely with their customers to determine the type of construction and building materials that will be utilised in each project.
The building business in India now incorporates a wide range of locally derived materials. This is greatly dependent on the kind of construction, which can range from ‘Kuccha’ mud huts to sophisticated town infrastructures constructed with high-quality materials. The main issue with the sector, however, is how the raw materials are sourced. Sand mining, open fly ash plants, and contempt for environmental rules have all had a significant influence on the ecosystem during the last few decades. While the civil engineering and construction industries have expanded over the last decade, the country confronts significant issues due to the extensive and highly polluting nature of building materials. River systems have been harmed by issues such as unlawful sand mining. Densely packed city design has resulted in climatic disasters such as the one our nation’s capital has been dealing with for over a decade.
India’s construction & building materials
To achieve the intended shell life and sustainability, the new age infrastructure weighs a combination of novel design styles, vigorous technology, and high-end and durable construction and building materials. With an increasing number of skyscrapers and massive infrastructure projects planned, the requirement for them to be constructed of the most appropriate materials has increased. The Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) was established by the Indian government in 1990 to encourage and promote sustainable, energy-efficient, and ecologically viable building materials.
Various types of construction materials are used in building construction
In India, the following construction and building materials are frequently used:
PPC/ OPC Cement- Grade 53:
Cement is a construction binder that hardens, sets, and grips other materials to join them together. The primary constituent of cement is Lime (almost 60-65%) followed by Silica (17-25%). Cement is most typically used to produce concrete by combining cement with sand, coarse aggregate, and water.
Cement is also mixed with fine aggregate (sand) to make mortar for brickwork, plaster, etc. It provides significant resistance to the building’s structure and overall integrity.
There are several varieties of cement, however, the most prevalent are as follows:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)- Nowadays available only on bulk order
- Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)- Most prevalent in the market
- Quick Setting Cement- This is a type of cement where the initial setting time is 5 mins and the final setting time is 30 mins. This cement is used in special conditions such as working in running water.
- Rapid hardening cement- This is a special type of cement that achieves high strength in less time. Normally the strength achieved by conventional cement in 7 days is the same as the strength achieved in 3 days.
- Low Heat Cement- Cement with low heat of hydration. Used in dams, piers, etc. where the slightest shrinkage cracks must be avoided.
- Sulfate-resisting cement- Used in places where construction remains in contact with groundwater, soil, seacoast, and seawater.
- White cement- Used on external surface white washing prior to applying external primer and paint. This reduces the voids inside the plastered surface.
Area of use:
- By combining cement and sand, mortar is formed that is used both for bricklaying and plastering.
- Concrete that is made by combining cement with sand and aggregates may be used for slabs, columns, footings, and beams.
- Cement slurry i.e., made of cement and water can be utilized for tile laying works.
Steel:
Steel or Rebar is the second most common construction material after cement. It is one of the most adaptable and long-lasting building materials accessible. Steel’s primary function is to create a framework for a building or structure, which is the component of the structure that holds everything together.
For steel structure projects, such as Pre Engineered Buildings, Industrial warehouses, etc. steel is used as the primary structural element. Steel is also used as a frame to mount wall partitions.
Area of use:
- In any and all reinforced concrete structures such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, etc.
- Roofing, rafters, supports, inner walls, ceilings, paneling, and insulated external wall panels
- Inside fixtures and fittings such as rails, shelves, and stairs are also made of steel.
Aggregates (Coarse):
Coarse aggregate can be obtained by blasting quarries or crushing them by hand or crushers. Since course aggregate is a key ingredient in a concrete mix, it is imperative to wash them before use. The angularity and strength of coarse aggregates affect the concrete. Materials that are large enough to be retained on the 4.7mm sieve size usually constitute coarse aggregates and can reach a maximum size of 63mm but the shape and size of aggregates also depend on local availability. The size of coarse aggregates affects the strength and workability, and the amount of water needed for the concrete mix. It also helps determine how much fine aggregate is needed to produce a concrete batch.
Area of use:
- Aggregate is used in many different types of substructures such as foundations & superstructures such as buildings, bridges, dams, etc.
- This construction material is also used on roads to assist, distribute weight and keep groundwater off the road.
- A highly resistant aggregate is necessary not only to support the immense weight of trains, but also to properly disperse and transmit the weight to the ground in order to prevent damage to the rails, ground, and other nearby buildings.
Sand:
Fine aggregate- Sand is a naturally occurring loose, fragmented material composed of extremely small particles of decaying rocks, corals, or shells. Different types of sand are available to the market for construction purposes. It gives constructions mass, strength, and other properties.
Different types of sand are:
River Sand – Yellowish-white in color and rounded particles of sand that is generally gathered from the bank of the river. River Sands are highly effective for plastering and other construction purposes.
Coarse Sand/Pit Sand – Coarse Sand is procured from deep pits where the supply is abundant. In Course sand, the grains are sharp, yellow-reddish in color, and salt-free. It is commonly used in Concreting.
M Sand – M Sand is used as a substitute for River Sand. It is manufactured by following the guideline of Indian Standards (IS) codes. M Sand is manufactured by crushing granite/basalt rock. It is also known as Artificial Sand or Stone Sand.
Sand beds are used as a decorative feature in landscaping. Glass is formed from certain types of sand, whereas metal casting molds are made from specific types of sand.
Area of use:
- Fine Aggregate- sand is used in many different types of substructures such as foundations & superstructures such as buildings, bridges, dams, etc.
- Sand is also used for plastering.
- For landscaping works
- Sandpaper is made from sand which is used for filing & sanding surfaces.
Clay Bricks and Blocks:
Clay is molded & baked at high temperatures of up to 1100 degrees celsius to make bricks. The heat fuses the clay particles together, resulting in a strong ceramic binding. As a result of its practicality and great sustainability, it is also the oldest known construction material. Clay, fly ash, rice husk ash, and sawdust make up their composition. Clay bricks are still manufactured manually and lack the evenness in their physical properties.
Unfired clay bricks that are molded and sun-dried are also used in buildings. They are more eco-friendly and result in sustainable buildings.
Area of use:
- Clay bricks are commonly used for walls, footpaths, sidewalks, lanes, pathways, and landscaping.
Fly Ash Bricks:
Fly ash bricks are a type of construction material manufactured from fly ash or stone dust. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal-fired power stations that is commonly used in cement as an additive to substitute a proportion of Portland cement. In India, fly ash bricks are widely employed, primarily in the construction of low-rise buildings.
Mineral residue, glass, water, and fly ash are also used to make a few types of fly ash bricks. They are low-cost, energy-efficient, water-resistant, and provide natural thermal insulation. However, they too have drawbacks, which include:
- Longer setting times and slower strength gain
- Inadequate Air Content Control
Stones or Rock:
Stones are an important building material in construction. They are made up of two or more minerals from the earth’s crust and have no particular shape or chemical makeup.
A mineral is a substance with specific chemical composition and molecular structure that is formed by an inorganic activity. They are strong, long-lasting, and appealing.
Area of use:
- As a foundation material for building projects, as well as wall surfaces, towers, bridge decks, and reservoirs.
- Stone masonry in areas where it is naturally accessible.
- As coarse aggregate in cement concrete.
Wood:
Wood has a significant inherent advantage over substitutes such as plastic and other artificial goods. Traditionally, wood building has been the predominant option of Indian construction, especially in rural regions. Wood as a construction material is making inroads into metropolitan areas in the modern era. Some of the benefits are:
- High tensile strength while being lightweight and having a longer self-support length
- Heat and electrical resistance – naturally resistant to building and heat – providing greater stability and safety
- Sound absorption – Its naturally acoustic features make it an excellent choice for city life and workspaces.
- Aesthetically, the natural touch of wood is appealing once again. In addition, depending on the requirement, an astounding variety of wood is available.
Area of use:
- Softwoods are frequently used to make doors, furniture, and window frames.
- Hardwood is used to construct walls, roofing, and flooring.
Glass:
Glass is one of the oldest and most flexible building materials. Glass has been used to enhance the appealing look of constructions since its discovery and has been a spectacular material.
Glass is a clear or translucent inorganic substance that may be moulded into any shape. It is a hard open solid formed by heating sand or quartz.
Various varieties of glass are being employed as building materials, and here is a list of them:
- Chromatic glass
- Float glass
- Double glazed glass
- Extra clean glass
- Glass blocks
- Glass wool
- Laminated glass
- Shatterproof glass
- Tinted glass
- Toughened glass
Area of Use:
- Balconies and curtain walls
- Stairwell and balcony railings.
- In the restroom, there are cubicles.
- Creating a barrier between the office and the home
- Office/home furnishings, etc.
- Terrariums
- Frameless glass doors
Plastic:
They are mostly employed as polymers in the construction sector and account for a minor fraction of building materials in India. Its benefits include:
- Moldable into any shape or form
- Heat resistant, hard, and resilient
- Water damage resistance
- Reasonably priced
But, at the same time,
- Environmental harm – Because it is not biodegradable, it pollutes the environment.
- Flammable – Can easily catch fire.
Conclusion – Be Cautious While Selecting Building Materials
Because a good design can only be achieved with high-quality materials, materials are essential to a well-functioning structure. The materials selected have a considerable influence on the quality of the structure. The building materials you select will affect the overall sturdiness, lifespan, and beauty of the project.
As a result, while selecting building materials, one must be cautious and attentive.
Other Links:
5 Facts to Build a Structurally Sound Home in Indore
How To Check The Construction Quality Of Your House
Civil Constructions, Home Interiors & Renovations!
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