1. **Properties and uses of different material: The various parts of
structures are constructed of materials known as engineering materials
or building materials.
1. Bricks
2. Properties:
1. The brick should have uniform size and plane rectangular
surfaces with parallel sides and sharp straight edges.
2. The brick should be well burnt and have a uniform deep red
or cherry color.
3. The brick should have uniform texture.
4. The surface should not be too smooth to cause slipping of
mortar.
5. Water absorption should not be more than 20% of its dry
weight.
6. Crushing strength should not be less than 10 N/mm2
.
7. The brick should be so hard that when scratched by a finger
nail no impressions made.
8. When two bricks are struck together, a metallic sound
should be produced.
9. It should be strong and durable.
3. Uses:
1. It’s used for construction of walls.
2. Hollow bricks which are light in weight are useful for
construction of wall in high rise buildings.
3. It is also useful for construction of columns, compound
walls, chimneys and other special works.
4. First class bricks can be used for facing of wall.
5. Paving bricks can be used in pavement constructions.
4. 2. Timber
Properties:
1. Colour- Colour is a uniform property by which most trees are characterized
as they show variation from tree to tree. Light color indicates weak timber.
2. Appearance-Smell is a good property as timbers for few plants as they can
be identified by their characteristic aroma. Fresh cut timbers have a good
smell.
3.Hardness-For the resistance of any kind of damage, hardness is an obvious
property.
4. Specific Gravity-Variation of timber in specific gravity (0.3-0.9) is found.
5. Moisture Content-Timbers are hygroscopic and gain water from nature
(atmosphere). The absorption of water or dehydration depends on
atmospheric humidity. If timbers moisture content is high that means the
timber quality is low. Water content is the risk of fungal attack.
6. Grain
Several types of grain arrangement found. On the grain structure quality of
timber varies. Grains remain closely related.
5. 7. Shrinkage and Swelling
The percentage of shrinkage and swelling varies from plant to plant.
Some give higher percentage after drying. Shrinkage starts when cell
walls of timber start to release water. In moisture atmosphere timber
swells when cell walls absorb water. Good quality timbers swell less.
Timbers having thicker wall swell more than a thinner one.
8.Strength
Best quality timbers have the highest strength. Strength means capable
to bear loads.
9. Density
Timber having higher density have a thicker wall. An important property
that quality of timber.
10.Toughness
Timber has to have the capability to bear shocks, jerk. Anti-bending and
ant splitting characteristic is needed. Old timbers have annual rings
which indicate their age is a good indicator.
6. 11.Elasticity
Another property elasticity means timber should attain its own shape after use.
Because of this quality, it is used in sports bat.
12.Warping
Environmental change with season can’t affect good quality timber.
13. Durability
A good quality timber has the property to resist the attack the infection of fungus or
other insects. This resistance quality makes timber better.
14. Defect less
This property is gained if the timber is from a sound tree. A defectless tree is free from
sap, shakes, and dead knots.
15.Workability
A good timber is always easy to work on it. Easy to drag using saw on good timber. The
finishing can be done well.
16. Soundness
A good quality timber gives good sound.
17. Texture
The texture of good timber is fine and even.
18. Free of Abrasion
Timber should not be damaged by the external environment. It has to gain the ability
to protect its skin.
7. Uses:
1. It is most important building material and widely used since long
time.
2. It’s used in construction of doors, windows, beams, poles, partition
walls etc.
3. It’s also useful in making various furniture, paneling and decorative
works.
8. 3. Stones
Properties:
1. Strength: the strength of the stone must be able to resist the applying load
or overcoming load.
2. Durability: stone must stay in all in all climatic conditions and resist all the
natural destructive effects. It lasts for a long time.
3. Cost-effective: if stones are locally available, it reduces the transportation
cost. Also, the dressing and polishing cost of stone should not be high.
4. Appearance: Thee appearance of stone must be aesthetic and could so that
a requirement of polish and interesting not needed. Which decreases the cost
of operation.
9. 5 Hardness and toughness: it should be enough strong and hard to
withstand all the stresses applied due to seismic forces, wind loads, and
a load of the superstructure.
6 Self-weight and specific gravity: the self-weight of stone should be less
enough two not increase any load in superstructure or dead load.
7 Property of absorption and porosity: stones should not be porous and
not allow rainwater or any type of acidic water to pass through it. It is
impermeable to any type of liquid. Also, the stone must not show any
absorption characteristics for liquid.
Uses:
1. It is used in the construction of buildings since long time.
2. Also useful for construction of foundation, walls, arches etc.
3. Large block stones are useful in construction of bridges, dams, weir
etc.
4. Broken stones are used in road construction and laying railway tracks.
5. Thin stones are used in flooring, roofing etc.
6. For facing purpose also it can be used to improve appearance.
10. 4. Sand
Properties:
1. Silt Content should be less than 3% by weight (12% by volume in 10
min).
2. Sand should be free from Organic materials, dust, clay etc.
3. Sand shall not contain any harmful impurities such as iron, pyrites,
alkalies, salts, coal or other organic impurities.
4. Sand should be well graded.
5. It is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely
divided rock and mineral particles.
6. It is obtained by dredging of river, hence harmful for the ecosystem.
11. Uses:
1. It is used in manufacturing of concrete.
2. It is used for making cement mortar for plastering work.
3. It is used as a main component in mortar.
4. It is used for filling in foundation design.
5. It is used in road construction.
6. It is used as fine aggregates for concrete.
12. 5. Aggregates
Properties:
1 Size: Aggregates come in various sizes, from fine particles smaller than 4.75mm to
large rocks over 152 mm in diameter. The size of the aggregate affects its workability,
durability, and strength.
2 Shape: Aggregates can be angular, rounded, or irregular in shape. Angular aggregates
provide better interlocking, while rounded aggregates offer better workability. The
shape of the aggregate affects the strength and durability of the resulting material.
3 Specific gravity: Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a substance to the weight
of an equal volume of water. The specific gravity of aggregates is important for
determining the weight of materials needed for a project.
4 Absorption: Aggregates have varying levels of porosity, which affects their ability to
absorb water. Aggregates with high absorption rates can increase the risk of cracking
and other types of damage in the resulting material.
13. 5 Strength: The strength of aggregates is determined by their resistance to crushing
and impact. The strength of the aggregate affects the strength and durability of the
resulting material.
6 Durability: Aggregates must be able to withstand environmental factors such as
freezing and thawing cycles, exposure to moisture, and other types of wear and tear.
The durability of the aggregate affects the durability of the resulting material.
7 Cleanliness: Aggregates should be free from organic matter, clay, silt, and other types
of impurities that can affect the strength and durability of the resulting material.
8 Grading: The grading of aggregates refers to the distribution of sizes within a batch.
Proper grading ensures that the resulting material has the right workability, strength,
and durability.
14. Uses:
1Concrete: Aggregates are a key component of concrete, providing the strength
and durability needed for structures such as buildings, bridges, and roads.
2 Asphalt: Aggregates are also used in asphalt for road surfacing, providing a
strong and durable surface that can withstand heavy traffic.
3 Rail ballast: Aggregates are used as a foundation for railway tracks, providing
stability and support for the weight of trains.
4 Drainage systems: Aggregates are used in drainage systems to provide a
porous material that allows water to flow through, preventing flooding and
water damage.
5 Landscaping: Aggregates are used in landscaping for decorative purposes, such
as in gardens, walkways, and paths.
6 Building foundations: Aggregates are used as a base material for building
foundations, providing stability and support for the weight of the building.
7 Water filtration: Aggregates are used in water filtration systems to remove
impurities and provide a clean water supply.
8 Erosion control: Aggregates are used in erosion control to prevent soil erosion
and protect against landslides.
15. 6. Cement
Properties:
1 Fineness of cement: The size of cement particles defines its fineness. Achieving the
required fineness involves grinding the clinker during the final stage of cement
production. Cement’s hydration rate is closely linked to particle size, making fineness a
critical factor.
2 Soundness: Soundness signifies cement’s resistance to volume changes upon
hardening. Quality cement maintains its volume without delayed expansion caused by
excessive free lime and magnesia.
3 Consistency: Cement paste’s flow ability is referred to as consistency.
4 Strength: Cement’s strength encompasses compressive, tensile, and flexural aspects.
Factors like water-cement ratio, cement-fine aggregate ratio, curing conditions,
specimen size and shape, mixing and moulding methods, loading conditions, and age
influence strength.
16. 5 Setting time: Cement solidifies upon water addition. Setting time varies due to
factors like fineness, water-cement ratio, chemical content, and admixtures.
Construction-grade cement should feature an appropriate initial and final setting time.
6 Heat of hydration: The reaction between cement and water is hydration, generating
heat. Optimal heat benefits curing in cold weather but excessive heat can induce
undesired stress. Heat of hydration is influenced by C3S, C3A content, water-cement
ratio, fineness, and curing temperature.
7 Bulk density: When cement mixes with water, air pockets are replaced, making bulk
density relatively unimportant. Cement density ranges from 62 to 78 pounds per cubic
foot based on composition.
8 Specific gravity (Relative density): Used in proportioning calculations, specific gravity
is around 3.15 for Portland cement, but other types vary.
17. Uses:
1 It is used in mortar for plastering, masonry work, pointing, etc.
2 It is used for making joints for drains and pipes.
3 It is used for the water-tightness of the structure.
4 It is used in concrete for laying floors, and roofs and constructing
lintels, beams, stairs, pillars, etc.
5 It is used where a hard surface is required for the protection of
exposed surfaces of structures against the destructive agents of the
weather and certain organic or inorganic chemicals.
6 It is used for precast pipes manufacturing, piles, fencing posts, etc.
7 It is used in the construction of important engineering structures such
as bridges, culverts, dams, tunnels, lighthouses, etc.
8 It is used in the preparation of foundations, watertight floors,
footpaths, etc.
9 It is employed for the construction of wells, water tanks, tennis courts,
lamp posts, telephone cabins, roads, etc.
19. Properties:
1. As cement mortar is used in masonry work, it must
have adequate strength in tension, compression, and
bond.
2. The thickness of the mortar should be easily workable.
3. Cement mortar should be durable.
4. The dry time of the cement mortar should be quick so
that other construction work can be done.
5. It should not have any impact on other building
materials.
6. Cement mortar should provide good binding power to
stone or bricks.
7. Cement mortar should not have any cracks because
cracks may allow water to penetrate.
20. Uses:
1.To bind building materials such as bricks and stones
into a solid mass.
2.To carry out pointing and plasterwork on exposed
surfaces of masonry.
3.To form an even and soft bedding layer for building
units.
4.To form joints of pipes.
5.To improve the general appearance of a structure.
6.To prepare moulds for coping, corbels, cornice, etc.
7.To serve as a matrix or cavity to hold the coarse
aggregates etc.
22. Properties:
1. Workability -
This refers to the ease with which the concrete can be mixed,
transported, and placed into its final position. A high degree of
workability is essential for achieving the desired shape and finish of
the concrete.
2. Strength -
Concrete is known for its strength and can withstand heavy loads and
stresses. The compressive strength of concrete can vary widely
depending on its composition and curing time.
3. Durability -
Concrete is highly durable and can withstand exposure to elements,
including water, wind, and extreme temperatures. Proper curing and
maintenance can extend the lifespan of concrete structures.
4. Creep -
This refers to the gradual deformation of concrete under sustained
loads over time. Creep can result in structural damage if not
accounted for during the design and construction process.
23. 5. Shrinkage -
Concrete can shrink as it dries, which can result in cracking and
other damage. Proper reinforcement and curing can help minimize
the effects of shrinkage.
6. Unit weight -
The unit weight of concrete refers to its density and can vary
depending on its composition and strength. A higher unit weight
can result in stronger, more durable concrete.
7. Modular ratio -
This refers to the relationship between the elastic moduli of
concrete and the steel reinforcement used to reinforce it. A higher
modular ratio can result in stronger, more durable structures.
8. Poisson's ratio -
This is a measure of the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain when a
material is stretched or compressed. Poisson's ratio can affect the
overall strength and stability of concrete structures.
24. Uses:
1. Driveways and patios -
Concrete is an ideal material for driveways and patios due to its
durability, low maintenance, and versatility.
2. Sidewalks -
Concrete is a popular choice for sidewalks due to its strength,
affordability, and ease of installation. Concrete sidewalks can
withstand heavy foot traffic and can be easily repaired if damaged.
They are also low maintenance and resistant to weathering and
erosion.
3. Parking -
Concrete is a common material used for parking lots due to its
strength and durability. Parking lots made of concrete can withstand
heavy traffic and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Additionally, concrete is slip-resistant and can be painted with visible
markings for safety.
25. 4. Streets -
Concrete is a preferred material for street paving due to its
durability, skid-resistance, and ability to withstand heavy
loads. Concrete streets are low-maintenance and can last for
many years with proper care. They are also resistant to oil and
gas spills.
5. Footings/Foundation -
Concrete is commonly used for building foundations and
footings due to its strength, durability, and ability to resist
water.
6. Mid-Rise and High-Rise Buildings -
Concrete is an ideal material for constructing mid-rise and
high-rise buildings due to its strength, durability, and ability to
resist natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.
27. Properties:
1.Density: The density of Structural Steel is 7750 to
8100 kg/m3
.
2.Young's Modulus of Elasticity: Typical values for
structural steel range from 190-210 GPa
3.Poisson's ratio: For structural Steel, the acceptable
value ranges from 0.27 to 0.3.
4.Tensile strength: Structural Steel has high tensile
strength, so it is preferred over other construction
materials.
5.Yield strength: The yield strength, also known as the
yield point, is the stress at which an object
permanently deforms. When stress is removed, it
does not revert to its former shape.
28. 6. Shear strength: The shear strength of steel structure is
specified at the failure under shear stress, and it is about 0.57
times the yield stress of structural Steel.
7. Hardness: The resistance of an object to shape change when
force is applied is referred to as hardness.
8. Melting point: Because there are so many different types of
structural Steel, there is no standard melting point.
9. Specific heat: The amount required to raise an object's
temperature by a particular quantity is known as specific heat or
heat capacity. A higher specific heat value indicates that the
thing is more insulating.
29. Uses:
A) Building Works
1. Used as a structural component in trusses, beams, and other
steel structures.
2. Grills, doors, windows, and other non-structural materials
3. In steel pipelines, tanks, and other similar structures.
4. Used in sanitary and sewer fittings, rainwater items, and so on.
5. The sheets are made of corrugated cardboard.
6. Used as concrete reinforcement.
B) Reinforcement Works
Since the concrete is strong in tension and weak in compression,
Steel is used as reinforcement to increase the tensile strength of
the concrete structure.
31. Properties:
1. It is dark black or brown in colour.
2. Usually solid at normal temperatures and becomes liquid on
heating.
3. Consists of components like carbon (87%), oxygen (2%) and
hydrogen (11%).
4. It becomes soft at 30°C to 100°C. • Good resistance to
acid and not soluble in water.
5. It is susceptive to oxidation, forming blisters and cracks.
Uses:
Bituminous materials were used for
6. The construction of roads
7. Preserving timber For waterproofing stone walls.
8. Nowadays, they are extensively used for surfacing of road and
airport pavements.
33. Properties:
1. Transparency
2. Strength
3. Workability
4. Transmittance
5. U value
6. Recycling property
1. Transparency of Glass
Transparency is the main property of glass which allows the vision of the
outside world through it. The transparency of glass can be from both
sides or from one side only. In one side transparency, glass behaves like
a mirror from the other side.
2. Strength of Glass
The strength of glass depends on the modulus of rupture value of glass.
In general glass is a brittle material but by adding admixtures and
laminates we can make it as more strong.
34. 3. Workability of Glass
A glass can be molded into any shape, or it can be blown during melting.
So, workability of glass is a superior property.
4. Transmittance
The visible fraction of light that passing through glass is the property of
visible transmittance.
5. U value of Glass
U value represents the amount of heat transferred through glass. If a
glass is said to be insulated unit then it should have lower u value.
6. Recycle Property of Glass
Any glass can be 100% recyclable. It can also be used as raw material in
construction industry.
35. Uses:
1. Windows and doors
2. Facades (Frontages)
3. Reinforcement structures
4. Tableware (plate, cups, bowls)
5. Insulation
6. Conservatory
7. Jar packaging for food
8. Bottles for drinks
9. Flacon for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
10. Renewable energy (solar energy glass, Wind turbines)
11. Interior design and furniture element like mirrors, balustrades,
tables, partitions, etc.
12. Applications and electronics element like cook top, oven doors, TV,
computer screens, smart phones, etc.
13. Automotive and transport like aircraft, ships, windscreens,
backlights, etc.
14. Medical technology, optical glass, biotechnology, etc.
15. Fibre optic cables to carry information from phones, TV, computer.
37. Properties:
An FRP composite’s fibre component typically contributes most of the
material’s strength. The matrix’s function is to contain the fibres and
distribute forces among them. When glass fibre is mixed with epoxy
resin, the glass fibre composite obtained is light, stiff, and robust.
Some of the most crucial characteristics of FRP composites include:
1. Strong tensile strength
2. Resistance to chemicals
3. Resistance to corrosion
4. UV endurance
5. Lightweight
38. Uses:
1. Carbon FRP materials are used for platform structural components
and undersea pipes.
2. Due to greater buoyancy and lower density, carbon fibre-reinforced
polymers are utilized to make underwater pipes for deep water.
3. For situations where excellent corrosion resistance and
electromagnetic transparency of CFRP are crucial, carbon FRPs are
employed in prestressed concrete.
4. It is used in high-performance hybrid structures.
5. For concrete constructions, FRP bars are utilised as interior
reinforcement.
6. Composite materials are also used to construct stairways and
walkways for weight reduction and corrosion resistance.
13. Composite Materials: Composite means combination of two or more
materials listed above.
