SHREE L.

R TIWARI COLLEGE
OF
ENGINEERING

Prepared By: Aadarsh Singh

Roll No:63
SEM: 4

Building Materials &

Concrete Technology
 What is
• Asbestos is Asbestos?
the name given to a number of naturally
occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the
ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most
chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers
have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods,
including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and
cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products
such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts.
 History of
Asbestos
Asbestos has been used for over 4500 years. It is derived from the
Greek Word “Amiantus” meaning unquenchable or inextinguishable.
The Ancient Greeks used it for wicks for their lamps and Romans used it
to weave into fabrics for nets, towels and head coverings for women.
The Industrial Revolution in Europe and around the world in the 1800′s
saw the advent of the use of Asbestos in many manufactured items and
uses. It’s resistance to heat meant it was in great demand for its
insulation qualities.
Before long Asbestos mines and processing of it’s fibres became a
global industry.
Between 1945 and 1980 Asbestos was widely used in Australia in the
Construction Industry as well as in shipyards, power stations, boilers
and plumbing. It was widely used in home construction. It was used in
Fibro Cement sheets, insulation, fireproofing, pipes, paint, floor
coverings, ceiling tiles and roofing materials.
 Properties of Asbestos
 Naturally occurring fibrous
minerals

 Good tensile strength

 Flexible

Asbestos ore  Heat resistant

 Electrical resistance

 Good insulation

 Chemical resistant
Asbestos fibers

Because of these unique properties, asbestos

was used extensively in variety of products.
 Types of
Asbestos
Asbestos is the name applied to six naturally occurring minerals that
are mined from the earth. The different types of asbestos are:

- Chrysotile - “White
Most asbestos”
commonly - Amosite -
used:
“Brown
asbestos”
Asbestos fibers,
- Crocidolite - high magnification

“Blue asbestos”
Tremolite
(sometimes found in vermiculite)
Others: Actinolite
Anthophyllite
C h r y s o t il e Amosit e Crocidolite
Mg3 (Si2 O5)(OH)4 Fe7Si8O22(OH)2 Na2Fe2+3Fe3+2Si8O22(OH)2

The most common form This has superior heat This fiber has a variable
of asbestos, contains resistance to chrysotile texture, between flexible
oxidizing metals, such and its principal use and brittle, depending
as chromium, nickel, in the UK is for the on source.
and iron, that are
linked to the negative
manufacture of This mineral has greater
health effects of the insulating boards. fiber strength and is
fibers. The fibers have a harsh, more resistant to acid
Long, Flexible fibers brittle acicular texture. attack than both the
resistance to other types.
degradation by alkaline
attack
When is Asbestos Dangerous?
 The most common
way for asbestos
fibers to enter the
body is through
breathing.
 Uses of Asbestos
Asbestos has been used for centuries, but
greatly increased during and after World War II
in ship insulation and the following:

 Pipe insulation

 Surfacing insulating materials

Asbestos insulated pipe
 Reinforcement of materials

 Fireproofing

 Acoustic and decorative plaster

 Textiles

Use has greatly declined since the late 1970’s

Asbestos insulated boiler
 Examples of Uses of Asbestos

Sheet vinyl containing asbestos

Sprayed-on fireproofing material

These products may be found in

homes and buildings
constructed before 1981.
Vinyl asbestos
 Damaged asbestos pipe insulation

This damaged pipe insulation is a health hazard to persons working around it,
handling it or removing it. Asbestos fibers are visible on the torn edges.
 Cement-asbestos pipe (Transite)

Cement-asbestos pipe, sometimes called Transite, was used

underground and above ground in years past and may show up in
pipe replacement jobs, building demolition jobs or excavations.