Materials in a project are the blood of the construction industry. The quality and nature of the materials used can be a big determinant in case of durability, safety, cost, and success of a building whether it is a residential house or a mega infrastructure project. The understanding of the various categories of building materials and their uses is essential to anybody involved in the construction process be it an architect, engineer, contractor or a homeowner. This paper explains the various types of materials that are used in construction, their characteristics and how they are applied in construction works.

What Are Construction Materials?

Raw materials or finished products in building are known as construction materials. These are the resources required in building a stable, functional and durable structure. Depending on the purpose of the building, environmental factors, aesthetic tastes and cost efficiency, the right materials ought to be selected.

Construction materials are of two types:

• Natural Materials: These are materials found in Nature e.g. stone, wood, clay and sand.
• Manufactured Materials: These are the materials produced or made in the factory like steel, concrete and asphalt.

Types of Construction Materials

1. Concrete

Concrete is a flexible, durable, cheap and widely used construction material in the globe. It is a combination of cement, sand, gravel and water which solidifies over time to become a solid mass. Concrete is used in various construction works including foundation, floor, road, bridge and walls.

• Characteristics: Concrete is durable, fire-proof and it can be molded in to almost any shape hence it is an ideal material in both small and large-scale constructions.
• Construction: Concrete is normally utilized in structural members such as foundation, columns, beams and slabs. It gives the stability and power needed to transport heavy stuff.

2. Steel

Steel is hard, tough, and flexible material that has a wide application in construction especially in large buildings such as skyscrapers, bridges and industrial structures. Steel is also strong in strength to weight ratio and can therefore be used where the ability to carry weight is the key issue.

• Properties: Steel is able to withstand high weather conditions, it can handle tension and compression and it is easily recycled.
• Building Projects: Framing and structural support of high rise buildings, bridges are the major applications of steel in building projects. It also finds its way into concrete to make concrete stronger and flexible.

3. Wood

Wood has been used as a building material for ages and it is still one of the most popular building materials in residential construction. It can be used mostly in framing, flooring, roofing and in decoration.

• Wood:Wood is insulation, renewable and light. It also brings aesthetics because its natural look improves the design of a structure as a whole.
• Construction Projects: Wood is also widely utilized in construction of houses especially in framing of the walls, roofs and the floors. It is also applied on doors, windows and cabinetry and introduces coziness and pliability into the interior spaces.

4. Brick

Brick is a highly ancient construction material that is made of clay and is fired in kilns to give it a solid durable structure. It is extensively applied to the construction of walls, facades, foundations.

• Characteristics: Brick is non-combustible, it has a good insulating value and gives a strong durable building. It is also convenient to maintain and has a good appearance that makes it favorite in both home and business places.
• Applications in Building Works: Bricks are usually applied in construction of walls both internal and external. They are capable of holding heat and resisting elements hence can be used to construct structures that last long.

5. Glass

Glass is finding more and more use in modern construction particularly in windows, facades and curtain walls. It permits the natural light to penetrate the building, which is energy efficient and makes the designs pleasing.

• Properties: Glass is transparent, which gives visibility and makes a building look good. When it is specially coated, it also makes a good insulator.
• Building Projects: Glass is to a large extent used in the construction of windows, doors, skylights and facades. It helps to make the building energy efficient since natural light is used to light up the interiors and less artificial lighting is used.

6. Stone

Stone is a construction material that has been in use over the centuries because of its beauty, strength, and durability. It is extensively used in modern and the historic building as a base, walls, and ornamentation.

• Properties: Stone is non-flammable, weather resistant, sturdy and tough. It is very durable, in many cases faring better than other materials.
• Construction Applications: Stone may be applied to a construction project in many ways like foundations and walls. It is also applied as decorative elements such as flooring, countertops, and facades, which give a classic beauty to the design of a building.

7. Asphalt

The major uses of asphalt include construction of roads, roofing and pavement. It is obtained by combining the bitumen with aggregate materials (sand and gravel).

• Properties: Asphalt is waterproof, heatproof and lasting. It is also adaptable and economical and thus suitable in paving huge surfaces like roads and parking areas.
• Building Projects: Asphalt finds application in building projects, mostly in road construction, parking area and pavements. It is also used in roofing products which offer a weather proof barrier to buildings.

8. Insulation Materials

Buildings require insulation materials to ensure that they are energy efficient. They help regulate the indoor temperatures, conserve energy and increase comfort by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

• Insulation materials: Insulation materials like fiberglass, foam board and spray foams are all good insulation materials and they inhibit heat transfer. They are lightweight and they are of different kinds, such as batts, rolls, rigid boards.
• Building Applications: Insulation is applied in the roofs, walls, floors and ceilings of buildings to enhance the thermal performance of the building and minimize the cost of energy. It is critical in attaining the sustainable building standards and energy codes.

The Role of Construction Materials in Building Projects

Every material used in construction has a purpose and the selection of materials may have great influence on the success of a building project. Some of the most important functions of materials are the following:

1. Structural Support

Steel, concrete, and wood are some of the materials that offer the building the support that it needs to bear loads and forces. Steel beams and reinforced concrete are usually used in large scale buildings and residential houses are normally framed with wood.

2. Power and living

The construction material is chosen in order to withstand wear and tear. Such materials as stone, brick, and concrete provide long-term durability, which means that the building will be safe and usable within many years.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Wood, glass, and stone are some of the materials used in a building to enhance beauty. They are applied in making appealing facades, interior finishes, and design elements that add values to the overall beauty of a building.

4. Energy Efficiency

The use of insulating materials and energy efficient glass will assist in the consumption of energy in buildings by ensuring that the temperature is regulated. Effective insulation keeps the buildings comfortable and lessens the need to overheat or cool the buildings.

5. Sustainability

As the role of sustainability in the construction industry continues to increase, material choice is one of the most important aspects to reduce the environmental impact of constructions. Recycling materials, using renewable materials and using eco-friendly options will aid in promoting sustainability.

Choosing the Right Construction Materials

The choice of the materials to be used in a construction project varies depending on various factors such as the purpose of the building, the nature of the environment, the budget and aesthetic tastes. Some of the factors to consider in the choice of construction materials are the following:

• Climate: Climate of the place can influence the kind of material to be used. As an example, in places where weather is extreme, insulating and weatherproof materials are favored.
• Budget: Materials can be very different in costs. There is the need to strike a balance between quality and budgetary restrictions and the material that is selected must be within the financial limits of the project.
• Sustainability: Most construction works nowadays focus on sustainable materials that have minimal effects on the environment. These are locally available materials, recyclable materials or those made using friendly processes to the environment.
• Building Code Compliance: Building codes and regulation are local and they determine the material that may be used in a given application. It is important to choose the materials that fit the demands of safety, energy efficiency, and structural strength.

Conclusion

Building materials are key to the success of any given building project. The appropriate materials make a building secure, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and attractive. Knowledge of the properties, strengths, and uses of the different materials assists in making informed choices that can be used to make a building project successful in the long-term. When building a house, a commercial building, or infrastructure, the right materials are important in order to attain the desired result.