Materials and consumables used in construction
The construction of a building, statue, barrier wall, or any other structure requires a lot of consumables and building materials. The most common types of materials used in construction are wood, cement, aggregates, metals, brickwork, concrete, and clay. Typically, they are categorized into two – natural and man-made. Concrete, masonry, and steel are man-made materials, whereas natural ones used are stone and timber. But both kinds must be prepared and treated before they’re used in construction.
Commonly used building materials
The following is a list of some of the most common types of building materials-
Steel
Steel is a metal alloy made of iron and carbon. Frequently additional components are used to increase the strength and damage resistance of iron. Stainless steel’s additional chromium content helps them withstand corrosion and oxidation. Since they don’t have the same tensile strength as steel, chrome, gold, and silver are typically used as accents or decorative elements. The functions of steel in construction are:
- To improve the tensile strength of structural parts (steel is used as reinforcing bars)
- To create roofing materials like purlins, interior walls, ceilings, and cladding
- To create interior fixtures like railings and steps.
- Used in the construction of underground electricity, gas, fuel, and water lines.
Steel can easily be bought from any building materials supplier.
Concrete
Aggregate and a binder are combined to create the composite substance known as concrete (often cement). This composite material made with Portland cement is the most popular type. Concrete is used in virtually every type of building. Since it has poor tensile strength, it is typically reinforced with rebar. Concrete can be used for foundation work, other structural components, and in some instances, for finishing when shaped and molded in unique ways. Some attributes of concrete include the following:
- The blend determines the strength. The materials used to make concrete are typically provided by suppliers who test the concrete mix for strength.
- Concrete can be put into a mold to shape it into almost any form, and it will harden into a substance akin to stone.
- Engineers and builders must consider the concrete hardening time when planning each stage of construction because it takes at least seven days to solidify properly.
- It is the best material for laying a foundation because of its adaptability, affordability, and strength. A concrete foundation is typical because it can support a heavy load and endure the forces of the nearby environment.
Wood
Wood has been used for thousands of years and is one of the oldest building materials. It can be used to construct both domestic and commercial structures, and it blends well with other materials like steel, marble, and aluminum. Wood is comparatively lightweight and straightforward to standardize in size when compared to other building materials. It is effective in insulating and soundproofing and has high tensile strength.
Wood can be used for:
- Building the roof, floors, and walls
- Building interior features like entrance and window frames
- Designing frames in buildings and bridges
Stone
The most durable building element is stone. Stones were used in constructing some of the world’s oldest structures. They are frequently used for walls and surfaces because of their adaptable texture. Sandstone, granite, and marble are a few examples of stones that are used in buildings. Although common stone is inexpensive, expensive and unique options are also available.
Mud & clay
Low clay soil is typically employed in sod construction, and larger quantities of clay are used in constructing cob/adobe-style buildings. Sand/gravel, straw, and grasses make up the remaining major ingredients in varying amounts. Rammed earth is a traditional and modern method of building walls. Clay, which is a strong thermal mass, is excellent at maintaining constant temperatures. Like stone, it absorbs heat or cold and slowly releases it.
Construction consumables
The term “construction consumables” refers to goods and materials that are consumed or used regularly in the construction business. Examples of construction equipment include:
- Adhesives
Various materials and surfaces, including carpeting, walls, and roofing are sealed using adhesives and sealants. - Temporary site facilities
Site cabins, portable restrooms, and fencing are examples of temporary site consumables that are used to provide short-term housing and protection at building sites. - Fasteners and fixings
These are tools used to join construction materials together, such as screws, nails, bolts, and anchors. - Abrasives
These materials are used for surface preparation and finishing, such as sandpaper, grinding blades, and wire brushes. - Protection gear
Hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and respirators are just a few examples of the protective gear used to shield employees from dangers at the construction job site.
If you are planning to build a house, you can approach a trusted construction company and give them the contract for the building work.