Materials Research Report for Construction Projects - Desklib

This report is about selection of construction materials for building projects, particularly G.J. Gardner Home. It covers alternative materials that can be used for the façade of the building. The report is divided into nine questions. Learn about manufacturing process, importance of using sustainable construction materials, defects, and more.

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MATERIALS RESEARCH REPORT
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Materials Research Report
Introduction
This report is about selection of construction materials for building projects, particularly G.J.
Gardner Home. The report is based on the Beachlands house design. It covers alternative
materials that can be used for the façade of the building. The report is divided into nine
questions.
Question 1: Manufacturing process
i) Steel
Manufacturing process of steel starts by crushing and sorting raw iron ore. This is followed
by loading the ore into a blast furnace from the top where it is heated while blowing hot air from
the bottom of the furnace. During this process, a reaction takes place that removes impurities
(such as carbon) and pure iron starts sinking to the furnace’s bottom. Molten iron is collected
from the furnace and heated further to allow assimilation of other substances like manganese so
that the finished steel product can attain the desired properties. This is followed by continuous
casting of molten steel into molds – slabs, blooms and billets. After creating the steel, it gets
formed into different configuration depending on its intended use (including grooving and
twisting for steel rebars). After forming, the steel is taken through fabrication, welding and
finishing processes. Some of the techniques used include: shaping, machining, joining, coating,
tempering and surface treatment (Bell, 2019). The finished steel products are then delivered to
the construction site.
ii) Timber

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Once the cut trees (logs) arrive at the processing facility (saw mill), they get cut into boards
of desired lengths followed by rough sawing and re-sawing (more precise cutting, edging,
trimming, finishing, planing and machining). The next stages involves seasoning (removing
excess moisture content or water), stickering and drying. The last stage is secondary processing,
which entails turning the timber into more refined products such as doors, windows, frames or
truss members of different dimensions (International Timber, 2015).
iii) Composite material
Fiberglass is one of the composite materials used in this project. This material is
manufactured by combining glass fibers and plastic/resin. The basic manufacturing process starts
by melting silica sand, dolomite, fluorspar, kaolin clay, limestone and colemanite in a large
furnace. The liquid form is extruded via bushings into the forming equipment to form fibers. A
chemical solution is then used for sizing or coating the filaments which are combined to form
rovings. The rovings can then be used directly or processed further into chopped strand mats.
The next step involves applying a primer or coating to the roving and then forming and cutting
the fiberglass into desired shapes and lengths respectively.
Question 2: Materials
a) Cement
Cement would be used because it is easily available and relatively cheap, is durable, has high
compressive strength, high soundness and consistency, low setting time, high heat resistance,
gains strength quickly, can be stored for a long time without deteriorating, is a stronger binding
material, can be produced in large volume, has high plasticity, and is easily workable. This
material will be used in making concrete for constructing beams, columns, lintels, stairs,

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foundation and floor slabs; preparing mortar for masonry work, plastering and pointing; making
joints for pipes and drains; used as grout material, building thermal proof and fire proof
structures such as fireplace; build water tank; .
b) Glass
Glass would be used because it is energy efficient, eco-friendly, has high aesthetics value,
high mechanical strength, allows entry of natural light with no harmful rays, boosts the mood of
occupants by creating a conducive indoor environment and allowing viewing of natural outdoor
environment, allows visible transmittance, is rust and weather resistance, is waterproof and
dustproof, UV stable, it is recyclable and sustainable, resistant to abrasion and chemical agents,
electricity insulator, can be formed into any shape, dimensional stability, natural incombustible,
non-rotting, low thermal conductivity, and helps in reducing energy costs of the building. The
glass will be used mainly in the building envelope (such as external walls and windows) and
some internal partitions.
c) Fire rated protective coatings
This material will be used because it has high fire protection level, not easily ignitable, does
not melt or drip easily, limits spread of fire, has long-term performance, lower maintenance
requirements, can be applied on different building materials, protects elements underneath it in
case of fire, available in a wide range of finishes that can match any interior decor or exterior
design elements, and it is easy to apply. The fire rated protective coatings will be applied on all
internal and external walls, ceiling and engineered timber products.
d) Ceramic tiles

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The reasons for using ceramic tiles include: they are robust, durable, water resistant, low
maintenance needs, environmentally friendly, good thermal conductivity, easy to clean, cost
effective, available in different designs, texture and colors, scratch and crack resistant, are
repairable, attractive, resistant to moisture, impact, rot, fire, fading, odor and insects, and are
anti-static. The ceramic tiles will be used for floorings and walls in wet areas (such as bathrooms,
kitchen and laundry), backsplash and countertops.
e) Plaster and plasterboard
These materials will be used because they offer acoustic insulation, fire protection, high thermal
performance/efficiency, regulates condensation of areas with high humidity thus preventing their
potential damage, provide smooth finishes or surfaces that are easy to paint and decorate, they
are lightweight, can be formed into any shape, are easy to install, do not cause cracks on
surfaces, low environmental impact, expands only slightly after setting, resistant to normal
impact/knock (Petrone, et al., 2016), are made from recycled materials and are recyclable, are
adaptable and flexible, are easy to cut, reasonably priced, and easy to repair. Plaster would be
applied on the internal walls of the building whereas plasterboard will be used on partitions and
the ceiling.
f) Terracotta and concrete roof tiles
Terracotta and concrete roof tiles will be used because they are durable, resistant to different
water conditions (including extreme weather and freeze/thaw cycles), great insulator, fireproof,
have an attractive natural beauty or appearance (high aesthetics value), available in different
designs, styles and colors, resistant to UV rays, environmentally friendly, very minimal

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maintenance requirements, impervious to insect damage and rot, energy efficient, and are
recyclable. These materials will be used as roofing material of the building.
Question 3: Importance of using sustainable construction materials
Some of the benefits of using sustainable construction materials include the following:
i) Minimal environmental impacts
Sustainable construction materials have low greenhouse gas (or carbon) emissions
throughout their lifecycle – during processing, transportation, use (construction and operation
phases). The low greenhouse gas emissions means minimal impact on the environment.
Therefore considering sustainable practices when choosing construction materials promotes
environmental conservation or protection (Song & Zhang, 2018).
ii) Low embodied energy
Sustainable construction materials consume less energy throughout their lifecycle than
conventional materials. This includes energy consumed during mining/extraction,
processing/manufacturing, transportation/delivery and utilization phases. As a result of their
sustainability characteristic, the low embodied energy means minimal environmental impacts
associated with the production and utilization of energy associated with these materials.
iii) Low maintenance costs
Sustainable construction materials have low maintenance needs and costs because they are
more durable and can withstand environmental conditions where the buildings are constructed.
Sustainable practices requires that construction materials chosen be those that are locally
available, which are able to withstand local environmental conditions.

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iv) High durability
Sustainable construction materials are more durable hence have long service life during
which they maintain their high structural strength. Therefore sustainable buildings last a
longtime, which reduces their upkeep and maintenance costs.
v) Waste reduction
Sustainable practices also promote use of recycled and recyclable materials. This has
numerous impacts including reducing the amount of waste produced by buildings.
vi) Healthier buildings
Buildings constructed using sustainable materials emit fewer toxins because the materials
contain less harmful substances than conventional materials. This also improves the health and
comfort of occupants (Darko, et al., 2018).
vii) Low operation costs
Sustainable construction materials improve flow of heat in and out of the building and also
optimizes daylighting. This significantly reduces the heating, cooling and lighting needs of the
building. As a result, the amount of energy consumed in heating, cooling and lighting the
building reduces. This lowers the overall operation costs of the building thus saving money
(Nalewaik & Venters, 2010).
Question 4
a) Substructure
The choice of sustainable materials used for the construction of building substructure is
influenced by considering several factors including: type and quantity of building or design

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loads, type of foundation, type of soil, groundwater conditions, and type of neighboring
structures. These factors are used to identify suitable or alternative materials for the substructure.
The materials are then subjected to various tests to determine their suitability. Last but not least,
the best material is selected by considering other factors such as cost, availability, environmental
impacts, durability, ease of use, health impacts and sustainability.
b) Coatings or finishes
Coatings or finishes for buildings are chosen by considering the following factors: texture,
appearance, color, gloss level, corrosion resistance, weather resistance, expected life (durability),
cleaning and maintenance requirements, ease of application, preparation requirements, number
of coats, availability, drying time, waste, environmental issues, safety issues, chemical
composition, smell, reuse & recycling, adaptability, and cost.
c) Visual effects (aesthetics)
The process of choosing aesthetics of a building is based on the following factors: size/height
of the building (Samavatekbatan, et al., 2016), type/design and color of roof, size and location of
main entrances, scale, color, texture and appearance of façade, form of building, texture of
finishes, contrast and dominance.
d) Interior finishes
The basic methodology used for the selection of interior finishes of a building is considering
key factors such as: environmental and climate challenges, orientation of the building, source of
light, light reflectance, color preferences of building owner r occupants, wall texture,
environmental effects (such as water, heat, light, noise and moisture), durability, appearance,
strength, mechanical effects, space function, antimicrobial resistance, user requirements,

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maintenance, sustainability, sound absorption, humidity, flammability, seismic, and price. The
choice is also made by consider if the finishes are for walls, floor or ceiling (Koca, 2016).
Question 5: Explanation and importance of:
a) Thermal and acoustic characteristics
i) Sound transmissions
Sound transmissions deals with assessing how sound is transmitted in the building – within
one room, between rooms or to and from the building. It helps in designing elements and
choosing suitable materials that will ensure proper control of movement of noise or sound in the
building so that it is not a nuisance to occupants.
ii) Thermal expansion
Thermal expansion is the ability of a building to expand and contract when subjected to
temperature changes. It helps in selecting materials that will ensure that when building
components are exposed to temperature changes, they expands or contract without cracking or
affecting the building’s structural integrity.
iii) Thermal resistance (R and U values)
Thermal resistance is the ability of a building to regulate movement of heat in and out of the
building. It helps in selecting materials that will ensure optimal movement of heat in and out of
the building thus maintaining the desired indoor thermal comfort.
b) Durability
Durability refers to the ability of a building to perform the required function adequately
throughout its intended design service life with anticipated maintenance levels. Covering

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durability helps in ensuring that the building is designed and constructed using elements and
materials that are able to adequately support and maintain structural integrity and safety of the
building throughout its design service life.
c) Structural integrity
Structural integrity refers to the ability of a building to support the designed structural load
without failing or breaking. Covering structural integrity helps in ensuring that the building is
adequately designed and constructed to support its design loads and prevent structural failures
(Sedmak, et al., 2012). This entails considering elements such as dimensions of building
components, types of joint systems, type of materials and factor of safety.
d) Fire resistance insulation
Fire resistance insulation are building components that are designed to protect a building
from effects of fire and maintain its structural integrity for a specified period of time in case of a
fire exposure. Covering fire resistance insulation ensures that the building can withstand certain
levels of fire for a certain period of time.
e) Expansion joints
An expansion joint is an element that is designed and incorporated in the building to safely
relieve or absorb stress subjected to building materials due to building movement caused by
thermal expansion or contraction as a result of temperature changes, seismic events, wind, or
load deflection. Covering expansion joints ensures that the building is able to absorb or relieve
the aforementioned stress.
Question 6: Defects

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a) Timber preservation
There are numerous techniques that can be used to preserve timber, protect it against harsh
environmental conditions where the building is located an increase the timber’s life. Some of the
techniques include: applying preservatives on the timber using brushing, dipping, steeping,
spraying, injection, double vacuum, vacuum pressure, empty cell, or full cell methods, cold and
hot open tank treatment and charring (Anupoju, 2019). Suitable preservatives include: water-
borne preservatives, borate compounds, copper chrome arsenic, oil-borne preservatives, light
organic solvents, and antisapstains. The timber should also be dried adequately before treatment.
The timber can be preserved during processing or after delivery on site, depending on the method
used.
b) Metals
Corrosion of metals can be prevented started from the design stage. Various techniques of
metal preservation include: metal surfaces exposed the environment should allow debris and
water to drain off easily; the metals should not have narrow gaps that can allow fluid or air to
enter them; applying a protective coating on the metal surface (the coating can be in liquid or
powder form); sacrificial coating, cathodic protection (using impressed current – overpowering
corrosive current present in the metal using an external source of electrical current or sacrificial
anode – attaching a reactive metal to the metal being protected), laying underground piping in a
backfill layer, using corrosion inhibitors, and proper maintenance of the metals (Metal
Supermarkets, 2016).
Question 7

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The key points when selecting materials include: the materials selected should be sourced
from reputable suppliers within the locality, random samples should be picked and tested to
confirm that they meet the required specifications, the materials should have sustainable features
or promote building sustainability; suppliers that promote sustainability should be given first
priority; and materials should have some innovative ideas. Examples of these materials include:
insulated concrete forms (SPEC-NET, 2019a), suspended wave blade ceiling (SPEC-NET,
2019b), and CORIUM façade system (Architecture & Design, 2019). The selection is not only
based on the final products but also the process of manufacturing, transporting and using these
products.
Question 8
Some of the factors that a building designer must consider when selecting construction
materials in relation to risk level of WHS/OHS include: type of materials; type of
plants/equipment and tools needed; chemical composition of the materials; health hazards and/or
impacts of the materials; reactivity of the materials when they come in contact with air, moisture,
temperature changes, etc.; volatility of the materials; personal protective equipment (PPE)
required when using the materials; and storage requirements of the materials (if the materials
need special containers or be stored in isolation). Transportation of construction materials can
create a risk on the road in case of an accident where these materials may scatter on the road and
some can catch fire, causing injuries to people and damaging properties. To reduce this risk, the
builder should consider the following: ensure that materials are properly packaged and fastened
on the trucks so that they do not fall off easily on the road or even in case of an accident; the
trucks are driven carefully by qualified drivers and at prescribed speed limits; the trucks are
clearly labelled to inform or warn other road users of any dangers related to the materials on

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transit so that they can keep a distance; to ensure proper planning of transport logistics so as to
avoid roads with heavy traffic or transport the materials during off peak hours (for example,
during the night); to frequently check the load after a certain period of time along the way; and to
track the movement of trucks from origin to destination.
Question 9
Some of the innovative ideas than can be added to a new building include the following:
ensuring roper orientation of the building and layout of rooms so as optimize daylighting; use
innovative building materials (such as translucent concrete, electrified wood, SensiTiles,
Flexicomb, liquid granite, fiberglass, bendable concrete and transparent aluminium, among
others); use recycled and recyclable materials; use natural siding materials and low-maintenance
exterior siding materials; include an open rainscreen to enhance passive heating and cooling;
include skylights to optimize daylighting and reduce energy costs; include large open windows
to optimize natural ventilation; design a flat rooftop and include rooftop terraces and decks to
help minimize direct sunlight impact and keep the building cool; include an open outdoor space
where occupants can sit and enjoy the views of natural beauty of the surroundings; install
energy- and water-efficient equipment and fixtures; use sustainable wall systems to improve
thermal insulation; integrate building management systems to monitor and control utilization of
water and electricity; and incorporate renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic systems,
solar panels and solar water heaters. The main goals of these ideas is to increase resource
efficiency of the building (minimize utilization of water, electricity and other materials
throughout the building’s lifecycle), improve the comfort and health of occupants, enhance the
functionality and safety of the building, and reduce the impact of the building on the
environment.

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References
Anupoju, S., 2019. Preservation of timber - methods and materials used. [Online]
Available at: https://theconstructor.org/building/preservation-of-timber-methods-materials/17324/
[Accessed 29 July 2019].
Architecture & Design, 2019. CORIUM. Brick Evolved.. [Online]
Available at: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/pgh-bricks-pavers/corium-brick-
evolved-1
[Accessed 29 July 2019].
Bell, T., 2019. The Modern Steel Manufacturing Process. [Online]
Available at: https://www.thebalance.com/steel-production-2340173
[Accessed 28 July 2019].
Darko, A., Chan, A., Owusu, E. & Antwi-Afari, M., 2018. Benefits of Green Building: A Literature Review.
London, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
International Timber, 2015. How Timber Gets From the Forest to Your Builders Merchant. [Online]
Available at: https://www.internationaltimber.com/uncategorised/how-timber-gets-from-the-forest-to-
your-builders-merchant/
[Accessed 28 July 2019].
Koca, G., 2016. Interior Finishing Materials. In: R. Efe, L. Matchavariani, A. Yaldir & L. Levai, eds.
Developments in Science and Engineering. Sofia, Bulgaria: St. Kliment Ohridski University Press, pp. 588-
601.
Metal Supermarkets, 2016. How to prevent corrosion. [Online]
Available at: https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/how-to-prevent-corrosion/
[Accessed 29 July 2016].
Nalewaik, A. & Venters, V., 2010. Cost and benefits of building green. IEEE Engineering Management
Review, 38(2), pp. 77-87.
Petrone, C., Magliulo, G. & Manfredi, G., 2016. Mechanical Properties of Plasterboards: Experimental
Tests and Statistical Analysis. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 28(11), pp. 1-8.
Samavatekbatan, A., Gholami, S. & Karimimoshaver, M., 2016. Assessing the visual impact of physical
features of tall buildings: Height, top, color. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 57(1), pp. 53-62.
Sedmak, S., Radakovic, Z., Milovic, L. & Svetel, I., 2012. Significance and Applicability of Structural
Integrity Assessment. Belgrade, Serbia, University of Belgrade.
Song, Y. & Zhang, H., 2018. Research on sustainability of building materials. IOP Conference Series:
Materials Science and Engineering, 452(1), pp. 1-4.
SPEC-NET, 2019a. https://www.spec-net.com.au/press/0719/zeg_240719/Domestic-Insulated-Concrete-
Forms-HomeFORM-from-ZEGO. [Online]
Available at: https://www.spec-net.com.au/press/0719/zeg_240719/Domestic-Insulated-Concrete-

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Forms-HomeFORM-from-ZEGO
[Accessed 29 July 2019].
SPEC-NET, 2019b. Suspended Ceiling Feature with WAVE BLADES from SUPAWOOD. [Online]
Available at: https://www.spec-net.com.au/press/0719/sup_240719/Suspended-Ceiling-Feature-with-
WAVE-BLADES-from-SUPAWOOD
[Accessed 29 July 2019].