Construction Materials: Types, Properties, and Uses
Ceramics
NSF rocks are composed of significant-sized mineral particles and indeterminate forms. They are used for building stone.
Igneous Rocks
These include:
- Granite: Composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Used in the form of crushed gravel for making concrete.
- Gabbro and Diorite: Used as an ornamental stone and for laying road surfaces.
- Basalt: Slightly resistant to atmospheric effects.
- Liparita and Pumice: Very porous rocks, used for the preparation of lightweight aggregates.
Sedimentary Rocks
- Siliceous Rocks: Formed by sand and gravel.
- Limestone: Very resistant and widely used in construction.
- Clay Rocks: Sedimentary deposits from the weathering of igneous rocks.
Metamorphic Rocks
- Slate: Made up of clay and shale, easily exfoliates in sheets, and used for making roofs.
- Marble: Supports polishing and is used as an ornamental stone.
Clay Bricks, Tiles, and Derivatives
Offer mechanical resistance and are used in insulation and roofing walls.
Tile
Abrasion-resistant, used in flooring and tiling.
Porcelain and Earthenware
Resistant to heat and chemical processes, used in medical and electrical insulation.
Refractory Materials
High heat resistance, used in lining furnaces.
Cements
Portland Cement and Variants
The most used type of cement as a binder for concrete preparation.
Natural Cement
Basic cement with minimal components.
Slag Cement
Good corrosion resistance, high natural alkalinity.
Pozzolanic Cement
Like slag cement, very suitable for use in hot climates.
Composite Cement
Formed apart from Portland cement.
Alumina Cement
Its composition is 50-60% aluminum compounds.
Concrete
A mixture of cement, sand, and gravel, to which water is added. Very resistant and used in general construction.
Reinforced Concrete
Concrete and iron armature obtained by inserting the reinforcement. The concrete is poured and set, providing tensile and flexural strength.
Prestressed Concrete Structures
Concrete and steel body, tension reinforcement before pouring concrete. Very resistant structures used in flexure.
Glass
Hollow Glass
Made from sand, limestone, soda, and other components. Obtained by blowing and used in lamps and containers.
Flat Glass
Made from sand, limestone, soda, and other components. Obtained by means of flotation or drawing and used in glass and security mirrors.
Cast Glass
Made from sand, limestone, soda, and other components. Obtained by casting or laminated glass and used in ornamental and reinforced glass.
Pressed Glass
Made from sand, limestone, soda, and other components. Obtained by pressing into molds and used in bricks and glass tiles.
Fiberglass
Made from sand, limestone, soda, and other components. Obtained by using tissue extruded insulation and structural reinforcement.
Woods
Components are cellulose and lignin.
Natural Board
The process of obtaining involves felling, debarking, cutting, and drying. Used in doors, windows, and furniture frames.
Plywood
Process involves gathering boards glued crosswise. Used in flexible applications.
Agglomerate
Process involves gathering, gluing, and pressing wood chips. Used in warp-resistant boards.
Pressed Board
Process involves pressing wood pulp under high pressure. Used in flexible thin boards.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Obtained by dry pressing adhesive binders panels. Used in thin and flexible applications.