ASSIGNMENT NO.

3
MODERN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
AIM OF ASSIGNMENT
To give the important considerations of the application, properties that will govern the
performance, recommendation of product and estimated cost for the following items of construction
1. Anchor bolt(s) for fixing a brass logo of IITM (3cm thick, 40 cm diameter) in front of BSB
2. External paint for Administration Building.
3. New flooring on the corridor in front of CE Office to replace the mosaic tiles that are sinking
4. All fittings (except ceramic ware and partitions) for a bathroom in a typical residence, with facility for
taking a shower, having a sink and WC
ANCHORS
Anchors are used in buildings for fastening external fixtures, boards on to walls or other building
components such that it can take the load and hold it in place.
There are various types of anchors in the market defined mostly by the manufactures and how the
joining is done. Cast-in-place bolts are the simplest bolts which are cast during setting of concrete. Some
bolts have bent bolts with a hook on the end. Depending on the type of material, there are three types of
anchor bolts, mechanical, chemical and plastic anchors. Depending on the amount of load it can take,
there are 4 types of bolts available in the market. They are heavy, medium, light and special duty anchor
bolts.
On the basis of the following parameters, the selection of an anchor can be done
1. Type of application The properties of anchor bolt depend upon the type of application of the bolt,
how much load it is going to take.
2. Environment The environment it will be exposed to plays a role. The selection might be different for
different temperature, exposure to rain, sun etc. Corrosion and expansion of the bolt are to be avoided.
3. Direction of load, type of construction, depth of the bolt
4. Material of the bolt
5. Torque, reinforcement, spacing of anchor
SUGGESTION
We looked at the following aspects in our situation

1. If we look at corrosion as the main factor, as the logo of IIT will be exposed in the outdoor
environment, it is prone to corrosion. So bolts made of materials such as steel or other corrosive materials
are eliminated.
2. As the logo is going to be a brass logo. We know that copper, nickel, stainless steel and monel metal as
more cathodic than brass. On the other hand, magnesium, zinc, aluminum, mild steel, cast iron, lead or
tin are more anodic than brass. When we put 2 metals of different anodic level, the more anodic metal will
corrode. So it is recommended that the material of the bolt should be kept same with the logo so than
neither will corrode.
3. Chennai comes under hot and humid climate and located near the sea. SO the atmosphere has high salt
and moisture contents in it which makes the exposed metals more prone to corrode faster. So a non
corrosive metal has to be chosen.
If we choose a material keeping in mind the above points, it is safer to choose a brass anchor bolt
because the material is same as the logo. It is corrosion resistant and cost wise it is cheaper or same price
as other bolts available in the market. We can go for ANC573 brass anchor which has a anchor length of
2.5 cm with socket to be put in the concrete.
The market price of the anchor is 250 rupees per anchor. If we go for 5 anchors for the logo, the
cost will be 1250 rupees.

EXTERIOR PAINTS
Exterior paints are used on the exterior walls of the buildings which are weather resistant in order
to resist the harsh weather and climatic conditions such as exposure to radiation, rain, moisture, wind,
temperature difference, harmful chemicals present in air.
Many paints are used for exterior paint coatings, but generally there are three types of exterior
paints given below
1. Water based latex - These are also called cement paints. These can be applied on cement plaster which
gives a nice texture to the exterior wall.
2. Oiled based latex These are also called acrylic emulsion paints. These are highly weather resistant
paints. They give a nice texture to the exterior wall. They are more durable but costlier than cement paste.
3. Textured plaster There are highly resistant emulsion based paint. It retains the aesthetic appearance of
the plaster which gives a very good exterior finish.
On the basis of the following parameters, the selection of paint can be done
1. Resistance to weathering effects The paint should be resistant to weather conditions. It should be
resistant to heat, radiation, rain, snow, temperature change.
2. Thermal insulation

3. Durability of the paint The paint should be durable. The paint should retain its color, resistant to
damages and scratch.
4. Flow of the paint The flow of paint decides how the paint will behave when applied to the surface. It
should be easy to apply by brush, but should stick to the wall as soon as it is applied and should not leave
and brush marks on the surface. Also, it should make a smooth film of paint coating on the surface.
5. Resistance to corrosion, dirt, easy to clean
SUGGESTION
We looked at the following aspects in our situation
1. If we look at weather resistant as the main factor, acrylic emulsion paint is suitable.
2. Aesthetic wise, textured plaster gives the best appearance among the three.
3. Cost wise, cement paint the cheapest.
However, the building is not going to be painted more often. So it is important for the paint to last
longer. So it is suitable to choose acrylic emulsion paint. It is highly shear thinning and surface coverage,
resistant to weather conditions, good appearance, wash ability, vapour permeability. We can go for
ISOMAT ACRYL, which is a 100% acrylic paint applied with 5-10% of water or without water. The
cost of one liter is 600 rupees. We assume the surface area of the building to be 3000 sq.m , the total paint
required will be 250 litres for 12 litres/sq.m area applied. Total cost will be 1,50,000 rupees.
FLOORING
Flooring is a part of home construction process which gives covering to the ground below. The
flooring type can be chosen based on the preference, flooring gives definite structure to the house.
Some of the basic types of flooring are:
1. Tile flooring: The material used here are mainly of 2 types, porcelain and ceramic tiles. They are cost
effective, durable, easy to replace and easy to clean. Some disadvantages are installation process is very
difficult, difficult in cleaning stain, can go through brittle fracture when rough materials are dropped and
also it doesnt give a trendy look.
2. Wood flooring: Wood flooring is of much subdivision like hardwood flooring, laminated flooring,
bamboo flooring etc. It gives a classy look, durable, easy to clean, less maintenance effort and can be
renewed by periodical varnishing. Some disadvantages of wood flooring is high cost, difficult to install
and not fire, heat and sound proof.
3. Stone flooring: This the natural means of obtained flooring type like wood. The small stones drilled
from quarries and used as flooring. Some commonly used stones are marble and granite. These give a
very good aesthetic look but are the costliest of the types; installation is difficult and not resistant to
stains.

4. Carpet flooring: Carpet flooring is generally done in colder areas and is not common in buildings other
than residences.
5. Vinyl flooring: This type of flooring provides a soft touch to the feet when roaming. It provides people
with many color options. They are cheapest of the types, resistant to water, easy installation and easy to
clean. Some disadvantages are it is not durable and wears off easily. They may cause health issues.
On the basis of the following parameters, the selection of an anchor can be done
1. Type of application Flooring will be done in the corridor area of the college building. So the flooring
has to be durable and shock resistant.
2. Environment As the flooring will be on the external corridor, it may get exposed to water from rain
and solar radiation.
3. Cost of the material Cost can be a determining factor as costs are different for different types of
flooring materials.
4. Appearance
5. Porosity and slip resistant
SUGGESTION
If we choose a material keeping in mind the above points, it is safer to choose lime stone tiling
because it perform in every category mentioned above. Also it is less costly than marble and other stones.
It is durable, weather resistant, less porous, non slippery and aesthetically good looking. For a 300mm by
300 mm sand stone time, the cost is 500 rupees per sq. meter. If we take the corridor area to be 150 sq.m ,
the total cost will come up to 75000 rupees.
ALL FITTINGS (EXCEPT CERAMIC WARE AND PARTITIONS) FOR A BATHROOM IN A
TYPICAL RESIDENCE
Bathroom fittings of a residential building should be cost effective, durable, good looking and
well designed. The selection of the bathroom fittings can be done considering the following features
1. Cost of the fitting The fittings should not be overpriced.
2. Appearance Aesthetically pleasing
3. Low requirement for maintenance, corrosion resistant
4. Leak proof, easy to fit, replace and repair
5. Should reduce the requirement of water.

SUGGESTION
Bath mixer bathroom faucet: For this, I would suggest Hindware F110018 Immacula. Hindware is most
commonly used in India. Its cost is 3400 rupees. Material used is brass which is corrosive resistant,
durable and has an elegant look.

Wash basin: For this, I would suggest Hindware F360011 single level basin mixture. Its cost is 900
rupees. Material is brass which is Material used is brass which is corrosive resistant, durable and has an
elegant look.

Plumbing pipes and other fittings:

For pipe fittings, CPVC is used in most parts such as vent pipe, traps, stops etc. They are very cost
efficient, easy to fit and replace, resistant to corroding. Rate of CPVC pipes in market is around 40 rupees
per ft. Tee joins comes for about 30 rupees and bends, traps come for about 60 rupees per unit.