Construction Materials

Introduction

the engineering structures are composed of materials. these materials are known as engineering materials. Those engineering materials which are used for construction are called construction materials. it is necessary for an engineer to become conversant with the properties of such materials.

the subject of construction materials includes the study about the sources, composition, properties, methods of manufacturing testing and utility of various construction materials.

the grouping of construction materials can be done by considering specific particles of materials such as stones, ceramics, cement, concrete, Timber, metals etc. Each group is then suitable subdivided. The application of each building materials is predetermined by its chief or main properties. when alternatives are available, the final choice can be made from the considering of engineering and economics does for the purpose of convenience. construction materials can be broadly classified in following three groups.
1- solid materials such as stones bricks Timber iron at 17

2- cementing materials such as lime cement mortar

3- protective materials such as paints varnishes plaster etc.

Significance of construction materials

the significance of teaching this subject to the engineering student is to enable them to make decisions regarding selection of right materials and most important steps to achieve economy in design and construction.

the purpose of teaching this subject is discussed below:
1- This subject tells the engineers about the sources of engineering materials raw materials needed in the manufacturing and their availability in the region.

2- It tells us how to make the best use of local materials

3- It helps in identifying various construction materials

4- It helps in testing the construction materials

5- It helps in selection of suitable construction materials for different types of engineering works.

6- It helps to give proper specifications while placing orders for materials

7- It helps to know the methods of storing the construction materials properly

8- It helps to know about common inherent defects in the materials and the process involved in overcoming these defects.

Common construction materials

1- Stones. 6- Glass

2- Lime

3- Mortar

4- Timber

5- Metals

STONES

The term 'stone' usually means piece or block of the basic material rock. Rock is mainly found in the earth of crust i.e. outer surface of earth approximately 20 kilometre depth. stones are used in the construction of building from the ancient times and most of the ancient temples and forts of our country where built with stones. the Taj Mahal at Agra, Red fort, Jama masjid, parliament house central secretariat and Rashtrapati bhawan at Delhi are the splendid examples of contribution of stones as a building materials even at present they form a basic raw materials for cement concrete and they are also used for facing flooring work.

A natural material of construction which is obtained from rocks by suitable method is called a stone. The stone which is used for the construction of engineering structures is known as building stone.

stones are derived from rocks. Rock is a mixture of two or more minerals which forms the crust of earth and has no definite shape or chemical composition and is not a homogeneous stone.