Proper selection of construction materials is important for all type of construction. If the Construction materials are chosen correctly, it can make a huge difference in the project cost, maintenance cost, durability etc.,
Factors to consider when choosing Construction Materials
- Type of Structure
- Performance Requirements
- Cost- Effectiveness
- Building Materials Availability
- Climate
- Aesthetic Reasons
- Environmental Reasons
Type of Structure
The choice of construction materials will vary depending on the type of building. For example, If the structure is a load-bearing structure, select the best quality bricks for construction because the bricks in the load-bearing structure are the primary load-carrying element.
Another example: if the structure is a residential kitchen, choose splash and scratch-resistant decorative tiles such as Mosaics tile, while for the commercial kitchen, choose high durable tiles such as quarry tiles for construction. Similarly, select the best building material based on the type of structure.
Performance Requirements
The next factor to consider when selecting a construction material is the performance requirements expected from the material. Based on what this material is supposed to do, we would like to know what engineering properties it should have such as strength, weight, thermal conductivity, sound resistance, durability.
For example, tall buildings require thinner lightweight blocks to reduce the weight of the structure, while residential and library buildings require thicker and soundproof bricks and and blocks.
Cost- Effectiveness
Cost is a major concern for all stakeholders involved in the project. when other requirements are met, lower priced items will take precedence over other items.
Some of the cost effective materials are Manufacture sand or M-Sand, Fly ash bricks, PPC cement, roofing sheets etc.,
Building Materials Availability
Availability plays an important role in selecting construction materials. The transportation costs are lower if materials are available locally. Materials can be purchased in small quantities based on convenience. In addition, local suppliers are less likely to cheat than others because they generally care about their reputation in their service area. So it is best to choose locally available materials to build your building.
For the best deals, you can check the local availability of products through online websites like India mart.
Climate
Climate plays an important role in some areas. For example, in places where sunlight is low, such as in Europe, glass can be used as a major building material to bring more sunlight into a building. Large open windows can be used for good ventilation. Therefore, climate is one of the determining factors in selecting specific construction materials for buildings.
Aesthetic Reasons
We all love to create beautiful structures of buildings, roads, bridges, towers etc. Aesthetics play an important role in choosing the right construction materials for many areas.
Environmental Reasons
Environment is something we as humans have so far ignored when it comes to construction industry. But over the decades we have begun to realize the importance of choosing sustainable materials that causes less pollution to our environment. Construction industry is one of the major pollutant.
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