Civil Engineering Materials &

Construction CE-115

Properties of Materials
 Properties of Materials
A material is defined as a matter found in nature. It is
made of atoms and occupies space e.g. paper is made
from wood. The materials properties are subdivided into
 Physical Properties
 Electrical Properties
 Chemical Properties
 Thermal Properties
 Mechanical Properties
 Physical Properties
 Physical Properties reflect those properties that
describe a material e.g. Size, Density, Specific
gravity, Porosity, thermal and electrical
conductivities.
 Density is defined as the mass per unit volume
of a material. Density is more for solids followed
by liquids and then gases.
 Physical Properties
 Specific Gravity describes the ratio of the
density of a material to the density of water.
 Porosity refers to the ratio of the volume of pores
in a material to the total volume of the material.
 Thermal and electrical conductivities refer to the
ability of a material to allow the passage of heat
or electricity respectively through it.
 Electrical Properties
 Electrical properties refer to the ability of a
material to permit or resist the flow of
electricity through it.
 The Electrical resistivity is defined as the
property of a material to resist the flow of
electricity through it.
 Electrical Conductivity is the property due to
which electric current flows through the
material.
 Chemical Properties
Chemical properties of a material reflect the
manner in which the material reacts with
substances such as air, water, and acids. The
important chemical properties are oxidation and
corrosion.
 Chemical Properties
Oxidation is the process in which
metal reacts with oxygen to form
layers of metallic oxides on its surface.
Corrosion is the process of metals
being destroyed when exposed to
atmosphere.
 Thermal Properties
Thermal properties of a material measure the
change caused in the material due to application
of heat.
The thermal properties determine the amount by
which a material expands or contracts for a given
change in temperature.
The important thermal properties are thermal
conductivity and thermal expansion.
 Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity is defined as the ability
of a material to allow heat to pass through it.
Thermal expansion is the amount by which
the length of a material changes when the
temperature increases.
Building Stones
 Building Stone
Stone A construction material derived from
rocks in the earth’s crust and mixture of two or
more minerals.
Mineral is a substance which is formed by the
natural inorganic process and possesses a
definite chemical composition and molecular
structure.
 Characteristics of Good
Building Stones

Durability A compact stone is more durable a

good stone should be homogeneous. the
stones which are found at larger depth are
naturally compacted.
Resistance A good stone should have
sufficient resistance against wear and tear. It
should be free from calcium carbonate . It
should have sufficient fire resisting qualities.
 Characteristics of Good
Building Stones
Appearance & color a good stone should have
uniform color, lighter shade sand it should be free
from clay holes.
Structure a good stone should not be dull in
appearance it should be homogeneous.
Weight a good stone should be heavier as heavier
stones are compacted, it should be less porous and
good for hydraulic structures.
 Characteristics of Good
Building Stones
 Strength A good stone should have sufficient compressive
strength this property is very important if stones are to be
used in structures like dams, bridges and foundation.
 ToughnessA good stone should be tough so that it
can withstand vibration and moving load. Stones to
be used in road work need to be tough to resist
impacts exerted by periodic loading of traffic
 Civil Engineering Uses
 Construction of residential and public buildings
 Construction of dams, bridge abutments, etc
 Face work of structures for appearance and
ornamental value
 Road metal and railway ballast
 Aggregate for concrete
 Stone dust as substitute for sand
 Thin slabs for roofing, flooring and pavements
 Limestone for manufacture of lime, cement, etc
 Building Stone
Stone as building material lost its importance
due to
Advent of cement and steel – less bulky,
stronger and more durable
Structural strength can not be rationally
analyzed
Transportation difficulties
Dressing problems
 Building Stone
Stones used in most historical places
Pyramids
 of Egypt
Taj Mahal of Agra, India

Great wall of China

Greek and Roman structures

Quaid’s Mausoleum in Karachi

Shahi mosque in Lahore

Forts at Rohtas, Lahore

Grand Trunk Road

Classification of Rocks
 Classification of Rocks
Rocks

Geological Physical Chemical Practical

Granite,
Igneous Stratified Argillaceous
Basalts

Sedimentary Un-Stratified Siliceous Marble

Limestone,
Metamorphic Foliated Calcareous Sandstone,
Slate
 Class Assignment No: 1

Due Date: October 13th 2014.

 What is mechanical properties of the material?

 Write name of important mechanical properties of materials.
 Differentiate between tensile, compressive, shear and bending stresses.
 With respect to mechanical properties of materials what is strength and how it is
classified?
 Define strain and differentiate between elastic and plastic strain.
 Enlist the important materials characteristics under mechanical stress define ductility
and hardness.
 What is the Difference between stone and rock ?
Your report should have the usual elements: title page, table of contents, body, and a list
of references/source of information.