Chapter 1 : Introduction

I. General definition of a material

Material is the substance of which a thing is made or composed. The choice of the material
depends on its usage properties and its implementation in forming objects according to their
destination of use .

II. The general properties of materials

The materials properties depend on
 Their chemical composition (nature of the atoms)
 Their microstructure (atoms organization )

The main characteristic of the material is its state of matter :

 Solid
 Liquid
 Gas

These states are related to the temperature effect on the microstructure of the material.
The temperature of the material measures its ability of its atoms to

1. Gas (high temperature) : typical distance between neighboring molecules is much

greater than the molecular size. A gas is a compressible fluid. Its viscosity is about 10−5
PI .
2. Liquid (lower temperature) : Intermolecular (or interatomic or interionic) forces are
still important, but the molecules have enough energy to move relative to each other and
the structure is mobile . A liquid is a nearly incompressible fluid. Its viscosity is about
10−3 or 10−4 PI.
3. Solid ( temperatures lower than the liquid state) : n a solid the particles (ions, atoms
or molecules) are closely packed together. The forces between particles are strong so that
the particles cannot move freely but can only vibrate. Its viscosity is about 1017 PI.

III. Construction materials

1. Definition
Construction materials are all solid or liquid materials , natural or artificial , used in
civil engineering such as building construction , industrial facilities and others.
 Chapter 1 : Introduction

2. To know about construction materials :

 Nature
 Composition
 Source
 Mechanical and physical properties
 Preparation
 For natural materials : extraction
 For artificial materials : manufacturing

 Usage
 For what purpose is this material used ?
 Its implementation?

3. Classification of construction materials according to their usage

a. Materials used in structural elements (walls, columns, slabs, Frames , etc )

 Stones and slates
 Granulates
 Hydraulic binders
 Concrete and mortars
 Clay brick
 Wood
 Metals
 Glass

b. Materials used in exterior coating

 Plaster
 Black products (tar , artificial bitumen ,..)

c. Materials used in interior coating

 Plaster
 Tiles
 Slabs
 Panels
 Painting

d. Materials used in interior installation

 Metals
 Ceramics
 Glass
 Insulators
 Thermal and acoustic absorbing materials
 Chapter 1 : Introduction

4. Properties to be determine before construction

4.1. Properties to main efforts

 Static efforts
 Perpendicular to the plan : compression , tension, bending
 Parallel to the plan : shear and torsion
 Local superficial efforts
 Hardness
 Punching
 Scratching
 Mechanical efforts
 Resistance against chock
 Resistance to vibration
 Fatigue
 Creep
 Plasticity
 Repeated efforts
 Wear due to friction
 Wear due to repeated chock

4.2. Properties related to the resistance against destructive factors

 Physical : Climate and environment . Examples : Temperature , humidity , rain,..
 Chemical : aggressive liquid, sea water ,polluted water, harmful gases,...
 Biological : insects , bacteria, fungi

5. Sources of construction materials

Construction materials are obtained directly or indirectly from rocks and soils:
 Directly :
 Stones
 aggregates
 Indirectly
By simple treatment : Lime , cement, plaster, ceramics, glass.
By complex treatment : metals and plastics.

It is a real necessary to have general information in geology , mineralogy, crystallography,...

The mission of the engineer or the technician is to be able to choose the adequate products to be
used in each case. Economy, esthetic and comfort should also be taken into consideration

+ see tables of units in the course ( French ) + PPT