Most Common Materials

Used in Construction
By: Keneth Jed R. Manuel | CE100 – C06
1. Concrete
 Concrete is frequently used in the building industry.
 It is categorized as a thermal mass material and is made up of a
variety of materials, including gravel, stones, fine aggregate,
cement, water, and cement.
 This material are the building blocks for many constructions,
both for the superstructures and for the foundations.
 Concrete finds application in a variety of areas, including but
not limited to basic foundation work, exterior surfaces,
superstructure construction, floor systems, wastewater
treatment facilities, and the creation of parking lots and
structures.
 Assessing the quality of cement involves evaluating factors such
as precision in placement, overall appearance, and the
effectiveness of consolidation.
2. Steel
 Steel has maintained its status as one of the most widely favored materials
for erecting buildings, bridges, and various structures.
 The appeal of steel lies in its formidable strength, durability, resistance to
corrosion, and fireproof qualities, rendering it a prime choice for a diverse
range of structural applications.
 Renowned for its robustness and rigidity, steel exhibits remarkable resistance
to deformation, a characteristic that enables it to shoulder substantial loads
without succumbing to bending or twisting.
 Steel is a compound containing carbon and iron. It mostly contains 90% iron
and also contains other elements, such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus,
sulfur, and silicone, that enhances its capabilities.
 It serves as a crucial structural component in skyscrapers and other towering
edifices, offering the necessary support.
 Steel also fulfills the role of load-bearing beams in bridges and overpasses,
distributing weight effectively.
 It frequently reinforces concrete foundations and walls, bolstering their
stability and shielding against fissures stemming from temperature
fluctuations or seismic activity.
 Steel emerges as a valuable cladding material for exterior walls, fortifying
structures against water infiltration and safeguarding them from the
elements, including wind and rain.
3. Cast Iron
 Cast iron, prized for its robustness, longevity, and ability to resist
corrosion, has found a multitude of applications in the construction
industry.
 Cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content greater than
2%. It is composed of iron, its primary component, and other
elements, such as carbon, silica, manganese, sulfur, and
phosphorus, which enhances the capabilities of the alloy.
 Cast iron pipes, renowned for their endurance and anti-corrosive
properties, are extensively employed for plumbing and drainage
systems, making them a reliable choice for conveying water and
sewage within buildings.
 Furthermore, cast iron serves as a prevalent material for fabricating
manhole covers and grates, furnishing essential entry points to
subterranean utility networks. These covers, prized for their
strength, are well-suited to withstanding substantial loads in such
scenarios.
 Although not as prevalent as steel, cast iron has a historical track
record of use in specific structural components, like columns and
beams, particularly in older structures where its compressive
strength can offer distinct advantages.
4. Glass
 Various types of glass are employed in construction, and their usage
is dictated by their intended purpose, which can include providing
natural light, serving as components in doors, windows, balconies,
and more.
 The primary component of glass is silica, although sodium
potassium carbonate is added to lower its melting point. To
enhance its durability, lime or lead oxide is also introduced.
 Manganese oxide is incorporated to counteract the undesirable
effects of impurities like iron in the silica.
 Soda Lime Glass, for example, is utilized for window panes and
laboratory equipment.
 Potash Lime Glass is preferred for items requiring resistance to high
temperatures.
 Potash Lead Glass finds its application in the production of synthetic
gemstones, electric bulbs, lenses, prisms, and similar optical
components.
 Common Glass is predominantly used for crafting medicine bottles.
 Special Glasses have emerged as a versatile material, capable of
fulfilling diverse engineering requirements.
5. Plywood
 Plywood is a highly prevalent building material appreciated for its versatile
characteristics. This cost-effective, factory-manufactured wood sheet
maintains precise dimensions and remains resistant to warping or cracking
when exposed to varying atmospheric moisture levels.
 Plywood is a construction material composed of thin wood layers, known as
veneers or plies, which are adhered together using an adhesive. It typically
comprises three main components: the face, core, and back layers.
 Plywood boasts an extensive array of applications in the construction sector,
with some of the most frequently encountered uses including:
1. Crafting lightweight partition walls or external wall coverings.
2. Constructing formwork or molds to contain wet concrete during the casting
process.
3. Creating various types of furniture, such as cabinets, kitchen cupboards, and
office tables.
4. Integrating into flooring systems to enhance structural integrity.
5. Employed in packaging for its durability and strength.
6. Fashioning lightweight doors and shutters, offering both functionality and
aesthetic appeal.
6. Limestone
 Limestone is a remarkably versatile and extensively utilized natural material
in the construction industry due to its numerous advantageous
characteristics.
 Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily made up of calcium carbonate,
which can exist in the form of calcite, or the compound calcium and
magnesium double carbonate, known as dolomite. Typically, limestone
contains minute fossils, shell remnants, and various fossilized debris.
 Limestone is harnessed creatively for landscaping purposes, allowing the
construction of features like retaining walls and ornamental elements.
 Crushed limestone plays a pivotal role in road construction as an essential
road base material. It also serves as an integral aggregate in concrete and
asphalt, enhancing structural integrity and material strength.
 Limestone is a popular material for crafting fireplace surrounds and mantels,
offering a secure choice due to its resistance to high temperatures.
 Limestone tiles or slabs are frequently chosen for flooring in both residential
and commercial structures, delivering a resilient and visually pleasing
surface, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic.
 Limestone stands out as a favored option for enhancing the exteriors of
buildings, whether it involves the carving of blocks or its application as a
veneer. Limestone-clad buildings often exude an enduring and refined
appearance.
7. Slate
 Slate is an incredibly versatile natural stone.
 Slate is primarily made up of quartz and muscovite or illite
minerals, often accompanied by biotite, chlorite, hematite, and
pyrite. Occasionally, you may also find minerals like apatite,
graphite, kaolinite, magnetite, tourmaline, or zircon, as well as
feldspar in its composition.
 It finds frequent use as a roofing material, often replacing
traditional ceramic tiles.
 Additionally, slate is widely employed for covering floors and
walls, whether it's for interior or exterior spaces.
 This type of natural stone can be applied to surfaces in living
rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and even on building facades.
 Slate can be used to create attractive fireplace surrounds,
providing both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
 Slate is used for window sills and sills in construction due to its
durability and ability to withstand exposure to the weather.
8. Marble
 Marble has a rich history of diverse applications dating back to
ancient times.
 Marble is a metamorphic rock created through the process of
metamorphism, which occurs when limestone undergoes high
heat and pressure. It is predominantly made up of the mineral
calcite (CaCO3) and commonly includes other minerals like clay
minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides, and graphite.
 Its ability to enhance the aesthetics and elegance of
architectural structures has made it a popular choice for both
interior and exterior uses in buildings.
 Crushed marble serves as a construction aggregate and finds
utility as a filling material.
 Marble flooring stands out as one of the most opulent options
for homes, imparting a captivating touch to living spaces while
also offering exceptional durability for high-traffic areas.
 Moreover, marble is a favored material for crafting floors, slabs,
and countertops due to its inherent aesthetic charm.
9. Basalt
 Basalt is the most prevalent type of volcanic rock, formed when
volcanic magma erupts onto the surface or into water and
rapidly cools.
 Basalt is a tough, dark volcanic rock containing less than
approximately 52% weight of silica (SiO2).
 Crushed basalt serves various construction purposes, such as in
asphalt paving, as concrete aggregate, and for rock filtering. It's
often employed as an additive to enhance the strength of
concrete.
 Basalt slabs can be cut into various sizes for use as flooring,
veneers, and are also utilized by sculptors for creating
monuments and artistic pieces.
 Additionally, basalt is employed in the construction of
worktops, wall panels, fireplaces, countertops, and serves as an
excellent choice for decorative stone and interior decoration.
10. Brick
 For centuries, bricks have been a cornerstone in the world of construction
and continue to serve a multitude of purposes.
 Bricks are typically made from a blend of different clays and additional
components such as sand. Clays suitable for brick production typically
contain about 20-30% alumina, 50-60% silica, 1-5% lime, and 5-6% iron
oxide, in addition to various other minor quantities of carbonates and oxides.
 They are primarily employed for building walls, whether load-bearing or non-
load-bearing, offering essential structural support for both interior and
exterior partitions.
 Bricks are also pivotal in establishing robust and enduring building
foundations, ensuring stability and structural integrity.
 Beyond structural elements, bricks play a vital role in creating lasting and
visually appealing features like walkways, driveways, and patios.
 Their exceptional heat resistance makes them a preferred choice for
constructing fireplaces and chimneys.
 Additionally, bricks are utilized to establish privacy and security by crafting
fences, walls, and barriers around properties.
 Bricks with insulating properties contribute to energy efficiency by regulating
internal temperatures.
 Finally, they find application as an exterior cladding material, safeguarding
the underlying structure while enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal.
Bricks remain a versatile and enduring choice for various construction needs.
References:
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The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/building/cast-iron-types-properties-uses/16022/
 Chinn, S. (2023, October 10). How is Concrete used in Construction Projects | eSUB. eSUB Construction
Software. https://esub.com/blog/how-is-concrete-used-in-construction-projects/
 Colonial, L. (2022, December 27). Slate stone: applications at home. L’Antic Colonial.
https://www.anticcolonial.com/en/slate-stone-applications-home/
 Debadrita (2022). Marble and its Uses in Construction- Types, Design, Advantages. Brick&Bolt.
https://www.bricknbolt.com/blogs-and-articles/different-types-of-marble-and-their-uses-in-construction
 Faggiotto A. (2020). BASALT STONE AND USES IN CONSTRUCTION. BASALT STONE AND USES
IN CONSTRUCTION. https://eximstone.com/basalt-stone-and-uses-in-construction
 Hamakareem, M. I. (2019, September 23). 10 Structural and non-structural applications of bricks. The
Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/building/applications-bricks/35789
 Limestone for building. (2020). Designing Buildings.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Limestone_for_building
 Mishra, G. (2019, May 16). Uses of glass in construction. The Constructor.
https://theconstructor.org/building/uses-of-glass-in-construction/6469/
 Plywood as a building material. (2017). Understand Building Construction.
https://www.understandconstruction.com/plywood.html
 Vohera, H., & Vohera, H. (2023). Uses of Steel In Construction. ThePipingMart Blog.
https://blog.thepipingmart.com/metals/uses-of-steel-in-construction/