Material Science in Construction: Ceramic Tiles and Corner Defect

Material Science in Construction 1
AN INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION OF A MATERIAL USED IN CONSTRUCTION
A Research Paper on Construction Material By
Student’s Name
Name of the Professor
Institutional Affiliation
City/State
Year/Month/Day

Material Science in Construction 2
INTRODUCTION
This research paper evaluates a material used in construction by considering the
properties of the materials in the structure, the function of the material in construction, and the
defects that the construction materials have. The construction material under consideration is the
ceramic tiles used in the construction of the wall shown in figure 1 below, and the defect
observed in figure 2 below is known as corner defect.
Properties of the Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are fabricated by the use of heating and cooling process of clay and natural
minerals. The appearance and texture desired can be attained since these tiles are available in
huge range of shapes, finishes, textures, colours, and sizes.
Figure 1: Ceramic Tiles
Some of the properties of ceramic tiles construction material include slip resistance, frost
resistance, water absorption, dirt resistance, and durability which are very significant for
maintenance, future life, and usages point of view. This construction material absorbs water
easily due to its porosity making it have less frost resistance. This characteristics of water
absorption make it very delicate since it can get damaged easily (Bridge, 2011). The ceramic
tiles are also stained and chemical resistant since this property entirely depends on the ability of

Material Science in Construction 3
the tiles to absorb moisture. These tiles are highly resistant to any chemical agents especially
acids and alkaline.
The surfaces of the ceramic tiles do no retain any liquids or absorb smoke, odours, or
fumes making these construction materials to be very hygienic. These tiles are also easy to clean
and assist in attaining good hygiene. These features make the ceramic tiles to be suitable for any
environment where hygiene is very essential such as bathroom or kitchen. The ceramic tiles are
also heat resistant since it has the low conductivity of electricity, poor thermal expansion, and
low thermal conductivity (Varghese, 2009). These construction materials are also fire resistant
and are fireproof at any temperature. The surfaces of the ceramics will not alter or produce toxic
fumes, smoke, or gases when there is the occurrence of fire in the building. This construction
material is also suitable for protecting the structural surfaces of the building during fire incidence
(Buehl, 2009).
Unglazed ceramic tiles have great resistance to slip compared to the glazed ceramic tiles
and are normally recommended for sections subjected to high spillage of water. Numerous
unglazed and glazed ceramic tiles also feature an abrasive grit on their surface, this promotes
significantly the slip resistance. These features make the ceramic tiles suitable for public areas
with direct outdoor access and also in bathrooms where chances of slip are high. These ceramic
tiles have colour permanence even if exposed to direct sunlight or even fade (Hinks, 2010).
Functions of Ceramic Tiles
These ceramic tiles do not retain residues or dust as easily as numerous construction
materials and can be cleaned with common materials in the household such as brooms. This
makes the house to be always presentable and clean after cleaning the tiles. The unglazed and