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Alternate Building Materials Used in The Construction Industry

PC: theconstructor.org

Alternate building materials are those which can be used economically by replacing the conventional building materials. Alternate building materials are made from waste products and thus they minimize environmental pollution.

These alternate building materials can be used when they meet their respective specifications in the code of practice. Here are some novel construction materials and technology, with some briefly discussed:


  • Aluminum
  • Bitumen Materials
  • Soil Conditioning Agents
  • Tempered Glass
  • Crumb Rubber
  • Fiber Reinforced Polymer
  • Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics
  • Bamboo reinforced plastics
  • Ferro-cement
  • Polyester Fibers

ALUMINIUM

sound-proof-aluminium-construction. PC: theconstructor.org


  1. More than 3000 commercialized applications.
  2. 35 percent aluminum produced is used in construction.
  3. Non-Corrosive.
  4. High durability and low maintenance.
  5. Can be alloyed.
  6. Ductile and malleable.
  7. Aesthetically attractive.
Applications of Aluminum In Construction
  1. Windows, doors, facades
  2. Roofs, walls, building superstructure
  3. Door handles, catches, staircases
  4. HVAC and waterproofing
  5. As a support structure for solar panels
  6. Panels, solar collectors and light shelves.
  7. Wall cladding.
BITUMEN MATERIALS

Super pave system
Superior performing asphalt pavements systems

Advantages

Reduces Permanent deformation
Fatigue cracking
Low temperature cracking in hot asphalt mixtures

SOIL CONDITIONING AGENTS

Bentonite Slurry
Polymer Liquids
Foams

Applications

Tunneling
Pipe Jacking

TEMPERED GLASS

Thermally tempered glazing – automobile windows
Polycarbonate glazing – bullet proof glazing

CRUMB RUBBER

Crumb – scrap tires are shredded
Crumb rubber added to asphalt is called CRMA (Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt.)

Advantage

Helps in noise reduction
Reduces skid

BAMBOO/ TIMBER MAT BASED WALLS (EKRA WALLING)

Plastered on either side by mud or cement mortar over bamboo mat placed between horizontal and vertical timber/ bamboo as a frame. They are easy to construct, cost less and are popular in hilly areas due to self-help.

However, these are non-load bearing and need a supporting structure. This upgraded traditional technology is relevant for earthquake view point walling option. (Conventional)


COMPOSITE FERROCEMENT SYSTEM

PC: civildigital

It is simple to construct and is made of ferrocement, i.e., rich mortar reinforced with chicken and welded wire mesh. These reduce the wall thickness and allow larger carpet area. Precast ferrocement units in trough shape are integrated with R.C.C. columns.

Ferrocement units serve as a permanent skin unit and as a diagonal strut between columns. Inside cladding can be done with mud blocks or any locally available material. Ideally suitable for seismic areas. (Developed by HUDCO)


Read more on this publication at The Constructor


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Comments

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