Construction Materials and Their Uses in Australia

Running head: CONSTRUCTION 1
Construction
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Course
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CONSTRUCTION 2
Task 1
Building material is any material which is used for the construction of structures, such as
Concrete, Metal, Masonry, and Timber. Their choice is dependent on the cost-effectiveness of
the material. The table below shows the various categories of these building materials, which are
used in Australia.
Construction material Material products Uses
Concrete Driveways and patios These are pavements or
driveways made of concrete
to complement the exterior
of a home, as well as
increase its value
Sidewalks These offer a safe network
in between the
neighborhoods- such as safe
walking grounds for school
going children
Parking Safe zones for parking of
vehicles and other
machinery
Streets and bridges These acts as safe networks
for transportation purposes
as well as sustenance of the
heavyweights of vehicles
and goods
Footings/foundation These offer reliable support
for many homes, more so in
terms of hurricanes, and
bad weather such as storms.
Mid-rise and high-rise buildings These are buildings which
offers much security as well
as durability.
Homes These are energy-efficient
buildings which offer
protection and security to
residents (Mallo &
Espinoza, 2016)
Metal
Aluminum This is a metal with high
resistance to corrosion, and
lightweight, making it
suitable for various

CONSTRUCTION 3
applications. Mostly, it is
used in making of ceilings,
window frames, HVAC
systems, roof covers, walls,
construction of bridges as
well as bridges.
Copper Its desirable material
characteristics such as
strength, ductility,
corrosion resistance as well
as conductivity make it
suitable for construction
activities. Some of the most
applications include
electrical wiring, oil and
gas lines, roofing, rainwater
systems, as well as heating
systems.
Iron These are mostly used for
making of the beams,
girders, trusses, as well as
architectural projects
Steel It is mostly utilized in
construction due to its
sustainability issues. It is
used in the construction of
mid-rise and high-rise
buildings, as well as in
bridge deck plates. Also,
used in security fencing.
Titanium It is associated with a high
level of corrosion, hence
mostly used on heating and
cooling systems. Also, it
can be used in roofing,
piping, as well as security
systems and reinforcement
of frames.
Masonry Stucco-Portland cement plaster Popularly used as an
exterior finish for buildings.
It has architectural values
such as the provision of
economically hard surface
which does not rust and is
fire resistant.
Clay brick Clay ricks are used in

CONSTRUCTION 4
building structures for the
provision of shelter which
is comfortable, safer,
durable as well as attractive
Concrete block They create structures
which are energy-efficient,
economical, fire-resistant as
well as easy to maintain.
They also allow for
versatility and architectural
freedom (Mallo &
Espinoza, 2016).
Cement These include mortar
cement and masonry
cement which helps in
enhancing the properties
such as water retention,
durability, setting time.
Mortar and grout Generally meant to produce
a workable mixture.
Timber and timber
products
Glued laminated timber Normally, they are used as
horizontal beams, vertical
columns, as well as arches.
The main reason is due to
the optimization of the
structural values of wood
Laminated veneer lumber They are used for beams,
headers, rim road as well as
edge-forming material.
Wood structural panels Mostly includes composite
panels, plywood, as well as
oriented strand board. Used
for subflooring,
underlayment as well as
roof sheathing.
Structural wood fire It is mostly utilized in
hydroculture as well as
situations which do not
require high structural
strength.