UNIT-1

CIV234
PROPERTIES OF BUILDING MATERIALS

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Strength
Hardness
Elasticity
Plasticity
Ductility
Brittleness
Stiffness
Flexibility
Toughness
Abrasion Resistance
1. STRENGTH:- Ability of a material to withstand applied
load without failure or plastic deformation.
2. HARDNESS:- Resistance of a metal to deformation by
indentation.
3. PLASTICITY:- Non reversible change shape under
applied load.
4. ELASTICITY:- Ability to regain the initial form and
dimension after removing applied load.
5. DUCTILITY:- Ability of a material to undergo
appreciable plastic deformation/elongation before fracture.
6. BRITTLENESS:- Tendency of a material to fracture without
undergoing significant plastic deformation.
7. STIFFNESS:- Ability of a Material to undergo low displacement
on application of force.
8. FLEXIBILITY:- . Ability of a Material to undergo high
displacement on application of force
9. TOUGHNESS :- It is a measure of the energy absorbed before
and during fracture.
10.ABRASION RESISTANCE:- Resistance of a material surface
from being worn away by friction or rubbing
PROPERTIES OF BUILDING MATERIALS

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density
Bulk Density
Density Index
Specific Weight
Specific Gravity
True Or Absolute Specific Gravity
Apparent Or Mass Specific Gravity
Porosity
Void ratio
Hygroscopic
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Water Absorption
Weathering Resistance
Water Permeability
Frost Resistance
Heat Conductivity
Thermal Capacity
Fire Resistance
Refractoriness
Chemical Resistance
Durability
1)Density: Mass of unit Volume of a homogeneous material. ρ = M/V
g/cm3

2)Bulk Density: Mass of unit volume of a material in its natural state

(with voids) ρb = M/V kg/m3

3)Specific Weight: Weight per unit volume of a material. γ = ρ*g

Heat Conductivity: Ability of a material to conduct heat.

Thermal Capacity: Property of a material to absorb heat described as

specific heat.

Fire Resistance: Ability of a material to resist the action of high

temperature without deformation of loss of strength.

Refractoriness: Ability of a material to withstand prolonged action of

high temperatures without melting or losing shape.

Chemical Resistance: Ability of a material to withstand action of acids,

alkalis, sea water and gas.

Durability: Ability of material to resist the combined effect of

atmospheric and other factors.
COMPONENTS OF BUILDINGS

Foundation

Plinth

Super Structure
Foundation: The part of the building constructed below GL and
directly in contact with sub strata. Transmits loads to sub soil.

Plinth: Above the GL and up to floor level.

Super Structure: Part of building above plinth level.

 Plinth
Height must not be less than 45cm.

Height depends on architectural elevation, GL, highest flood level,

etc
Masonry or RCC walls and columns in superstructure

Strong enough to take self weight, lateral wind pressure, provide

stability, weather resistance, fire resistance, heat insulation, sound
insulation, privacy and security.
Basement, Ground floor and Upper floors

Provides support to occupants, fixtures, furniture, equipment etc.

Floors divide the building into different levels
More accommodation from a given plot of land Components

Sub-Floor: Structural component which gives strength and stability providing

aspects like support, durability, damn prevention, heat, sound insulation & fire
protection

Flooring: Suitable floor finish which imparts clean, smooth, durable & wear
resistant surface
Sills, Lintels and Weather sheds:

Provided between bottom of window frame and top of wall below.

Lintel provided above it to support weight of the wall above
Weather sheds or Chajjas, are generally combined with Lintels to protect
doors/windows from Sun, rain, wind, frost etc
Doors, Windows and Ventilators:

Provided to allow freedom of movement

Open-able barrier secured in an opening of a wall
Consists of frame and shutter
Windows and Ventilators provided for proper light, ventilation and vision.
Roofs:

Uppermost part of a building

Framework to protect the building from rain, heat, snow, wind,
frost, etc.

Components:-
Roof Deck: Structural component which may be flat, sloping, dome
etc.
Roof Covering: Provided on top of roof deck to protect building
from weather effects.
Stairs, Lift & Ramps

Means of vertical transport between floors

Stairs: a sequence of steps suitably arranged for
purpose of ascent or decent between floors or
landings
Consists of treads, risers, stringers, newel posts, hand
rail etc
Ramp is a sloping surface, substitute for stairs
Escalators are moving flights of electronically
operated stairs
Building Finishes i.e. Plastering, Painting, Whitewashing,
Flooring etc:
Done to protect the exposed surface or walls and floors
To enhance aesthetics of building and provide smooth finishes
Helps cover up defective workmanship
Plastering is a thin covering applied on walls and ceilings to remove
unevenness and give decorative effect
Painting, polishing and varnishing are done to enhance aesthetics
Whitewashing, colour-washing, distempering is done to protect building
from weathering effects
Flooring is done on upper surface of the floor to give pleasant
appearance, materials like asphalt, concrete, wood, tiles marble etc
Utility fixtures

Meant for utility and are immovable in nature like Wooden cupboards,
shelves, chimneys etc
QUESTION

Elasticity of a material is a ability to not to regain the

initial form and dimension after removing applied load.
a) True
b) False
QUESTION:

Primary function of Beams and Columns is to transfer the

load to the foundation?
a) True
b) False
QUESTION:

Which of the following is/are component of the Building?

a) Beams
b) Column
c) Foundation
d) All of the above
e) None of the above