When it comes to constructing construction equipment, there are many different types of materials that can be used. From concrete and steel to wood and masonry, each material has its own unique properties that make it suitable for certain applications. As a structural engineer, I work with my clients to decide which type of material is best for their project based on cost, weight, strength, durability, and other factors. Construction materials can include wood, concrete, steel, cement, aggregates, bricks, clay, metal, and more.
In the past, people used to rely solely on bricks, wood or straw for construction projects. However, modern engineers have learned to mix and match materials to create higher-quality structures. The choice of materials is always based on the customer's budget and the effectiveness of the materials in the project.
Cement
Cement is one of the most important materials used in construction. Its properties depend on its chemical composition, manufacturing process and degree of fineness.There are almost 16 types of cement used in construction depending on the type of structure. The two most common types are ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Portland pozzolana cement (PPC).
Coarse-Grained Aggregates
Coarse-grained aggregates are another type of filling material larger than 4.75 mm. These aggregates come in various sizes from 4.5 mm to 150 mm with 20 mm being the most commonly used size. Coarse-grained aggregates are widely used in the production of concrete and in the construction of flexible pavements (bituminous and asphalt pavements).Wood
Wood that comes in larger dimensions is called wood or beams and is commonly used to build the frames of large structures such as bridges and multi-story buildings.Masonry construction consists of using individual units to build structures that are joined together with mortar. Different types of concrete are also used in construction such as smooth cement concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete etc.
Artificial Wood
The use of construction products can make the work of the project team faster and easier while minimizing waste at the construction site. Artificial wood is another type of wood used in construction that consists of several forms of wood glued together to form a composite material suitable for specific construction applications.Reinforced Concrete
In a timber-framed house, the foundations and basement walls are usually built of reinforced concrete. Cement is also used in concrete for the construction of buildings, bridges, plasters, dams, railroads, roads etc.Natural Stones
The materials used in construction can be classified into two general sources: natural and synthetic.Natural stones come in different sizes and shapes which can be difficult to use in masonry construction but they can make or break a project so planners should analyze what materials will work best for the project during the planning stage.
