BASIC CIVIL ENGINEERING PROPERTIES AND USES

OF MATERIALS……

Selection of materials on the basis of following factors…………………….

Strength Durability

Aesthetical
Factors ly pleasing

Eco- Economical
friendly

Selection of materials on the basis of strength, durability, Ecofriendly

and economy………….

 Strength: is the ability of the material to resist failure under the

action of stresses caused by loads, the most common being
compression, tension, bending and impact.
 So the material is tested for the capacity to carry these loads in
the laboratory.

Examples:
1) Stone: high compressive strength but low bending tensile and
impact.

2) Concrete: high compressive strength but low bending tensile and

impact.

3)Durability/serviceability: is the ability of a material to resist the

combined effects of atmospheric and other factors (toughness,
durability, corrosion resistance, heat resistance).

It means materials should be selected as light in weight, flexible, not

crack etc. The resistance of a particular species of wood to decay.

Concrete, stone, etc.

4)Aesthetically Pleasant: it involves attractive look of material.

 It is through the senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell that the
aesthetic qualities can be measured.

Example…..

Paints, varnish, aluminum, plywood, sheets of different materials.

5)Eco-friendly: literally means earth-friendly or not harmful to the

environment.

Less use of water and energy for product manufacturing.

Eco-friendly products also prevent contributions to air, water and land

pollution.

Example: stone, wood, clay, bamboo, Recycled Plastic, etc.

6)Economy: This is often what governs decision making about what

materials to use.
Considerations of energy savings or durability of the materials

 For example, an asphalt roof costs less than a metal roof to install,
but the metal roof will last longer so the lifetime cost is less per
year.

 Some materials may require more care than others, maintaining

costs specific to some materials may also influence the final
decision.

 Cost of raw material accounts for the 50% of the overall cost of
the project.

 So the materials should be ordered in local or nearby so the

transportation cost is reduced.

BROAD CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS…….

1. Natural Materials: The materials which are occurring naturally is

called as natural materials.

2. Artificial materials: The materials which are made artificially by

various manufacturing processes is called artificial materials.

3. Special materials: The materials which are specially made for

various construction process

4. Finishing Materials: The materials like cement mortar etc. which

are used for smooth finishing of masonry, floors etc. are called
finishing materials.

5. Recycled materials: It is the separation of waste materials

generated during construction and demolition.
6. Some of these materials are used for constriction are called as
recycled materials.