Building Materials
"Future Architect! From concept to reality - materials bring designs to life. Understanding materials is essential for practical and beautiful buildings!"
ALE Challenge
Building Materials - from raw to finished!
1. Concrete and Masonry
Concrete
- Cement + Aggregates + Water
- Standard mix: 1:2:4 (C:S:G)
- Strength: f'c in MPa (21, 28, 35)
- Curing: 28 days for full strength
Masonry
- CHB: 4", 6", 8" (100, 150, 200mm)
- Bricks: Clay fired units
- Adobe: Earth blocks
- Mortar: Type M, S, N, O
2. Steel and Wood
Structural Steel
- Wide flange (W shapes)
- Channels, Angles
- Hollow sections (HSS)
- Fy = 250-345 MPa
Wood/Timber
- Hardwood vs Softwood
- Glulam (engineered)
- Plywood, OSB
- Moisture content: 12-19%
3. Finishes and Roofing
Floor Finishes
- Ceramic tiles, Porcelain tiles
- Granite, Marble (natural stone)
- Vinyl, Laminate, Wood flooring
- Epoxy, Polished concrete
Wall Finishes
- Paint (latex, enamel, epoxy)
- Wallpaper, Wall panels
- Drywall/Gypsum board
Roofing
- Metal sheets (GI, pre-painted)
- Clay/Concrete tiles
- Asphalt shingles
- Built-up roofing (flat roofs)
ALE Pro Tips - Building Materials
- - Know material properties and applications
- - Consider sustainability and local availability
- - Understand maintenance requirements
- - Specify materials properly in drawings
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