CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

INTRODUCTION
Historical Perspective
 Since the beginning, people have created shelter out of whatever was at hand. Caves were
convenient readymade shelters and live in them. But after emerging from the cave shelters
 A simple igloo can maintain a 70 degree (F') temperature differential between the indoor and
outdoor environment.
 Materials are so important in the development of civilization that we associate Ages with them.
In the origin of human life on Earth, the Stone Age, people used only natural materials like
stone, clay, skins, and wood. When people found copper and known how to make it harder by
alloying, the Bronze Age started about 3000 BC. The next big step was the discovery of a cheap
process to make steel around
 Materials: Tipi, Mud Bricks, Pueblos, Glass, Wood, Iron/Steel, Cast Iron
Material Science and Engineering
Understanding of how materials behave like they do, why they differ in properties was only
possible
Structure
At the atomic level: arrangement of atoms in different
Properties
Are the way the material responds to the environment. For instance, the mechanical,
electrical and magnetic properties are the responses to mechanical, electrical and magnetic
forces, respectively. Other important properties are thermal (transmission of heat, heat
capacity
Why Study Materials Science?
To be able to select a material for a given use based on considerations of cost and
performance.
To understand the limits of materials and the change of their properties with use.
To be able to create a new material that will have some desirable properties.
All engineering disciplines need to know about the materials.
Classification of Materials
Like many other things, materials are classified in groups. One could classify them according
to structure, properties, and use. According
Modern Material's Needs
Engine efficiency increases at high temperature: requires high temperature structural
materials.
Hypersonic flight requires materials that are light, strong and resist high temperatures.
Optical communications require optical fibers that absorbs light negligibly.
Civil construction - materials unbreakable windows
Principles
Cultural Context: technology exists within a cultural context. Therefore, contemporary
building technology derives of a rich historical and cultural evolution of technique and form
that augments the ability to design intelligently.
Holistic Building: Understanding
Achievement in Material Science: 1900-1980
Polymers
Metals
Digital Technologies: CAD
 Cable Net and Fabric Structures
Efforts for Future
Modular Building
Concrete Shells and Hyperbolic Paraboloids
Fordist Mass Production and assembly
High Performance Composites
Drivers for Innovation Now
Global Economy
Competition and Alliances across sovereign borders
New Markets
Sustainable Strategies Energy Efficiencies
Obstacles for Innovation
Fragmented structure of the construction industry
Fragmented process in the industry
Relatively Low R&D investment by construction related industries