Introduction class
Advanced Building Materials & Composites
By
Dr. Prashant Anand
1. Why is it
important to study
building materials?
https://www.iaacblog.com/programs/liv
ing-considerations-self-sufficient-
building/
1. Why is it important to study building materials?
Protection from
Wildlife
Driven by material’s
Weather
•Physical properties
Biological
contaminants
•Mechanical properties
Solar
Rain
radiation •Chemical properties
Chemicals
contaminants •Electrical properties
Heat Moisture
•Thermal properties
Better
Improved optimized
properties over a
period of time.
https://www.iaacblog.com/programs/liv
ing-considerations-self-sufficient-
building/
1.1 Physical Properties
• Bulk density - Mass of a material per unit volume
• Porosity - Measure of the void spaces or pores within a material
• Durability - Ability of a material, to withstand wear, decay, damage, or degradation over time
• Fire resistance
• Frost resistance
• Spalling resistance
• Water absorption
• Water permeability
• etc
https://photographicdictionary.com/d/density
1.2 Mechanical Properties
• Strength – Compressive, tensile or bending
• Hardness - Resist scratching by a herder body.
• Elasticity - Regain its initial shape and size after removal of load
• Plasticity - Permanent deformation without cracking
• Brittleness - Fails suddenly without causing any deformation
• Fatigue - Failure caused by steady loads
• Impact strength - Deformation without causing rupture
• Abrasion resistance - The loss of material due to rubbing of particles
• Creep - Deformation caused by constant loads for long periods
1.3 Chemical Properties
• Chemical resistance - Resistance the effects by chemicals like acids, salts and alkalis
• Corrosion resistance – Resistance to formation of rust (iron oxide) in metals
https://www.roadsbridges.com/degradation-concrete- https://www.grundfos.com/gh/learn/research-and-
structures-influence-aggressive-chemicals insights/corrosion
1.4 Electrical Properties
• To conduct or to resist electricity
1.5 Thermal Properties
• Thermal capacity
• Thermal conductivity
• Thermal resistivity
• Specific heat capacity - amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1kg of a material by
1K
2. Materials used in modern buildings
Materials that have been used for many many centuries like:
• Wood
• Stone
• Timber and
• Rock
Probably, these were the first materials that human beings used when they had to construct something. Why?
Over the last century, we have had
• Cement
• Concrete and
• Steel
These are still being used a lot.
New materials
• Polymers
• Polymer-based composites
• Retroreflective materials
• Cool coatings
• Quantum dots, etc.
Further, there are different phases of materials that are combined to give a composite material.
2.1. Expectations from advanced building materials
Should solve real
life issues with
Designed to offer a contemporary
combination of construction.
different and
optimized properties
to meet the specific
needs and challenges Self-healing
of contemporary concrete
building materias.
https://www.dreamstime.com/engineered-living-materials-vector-illustration-self-healing-
concrete-self-healing-concrete-engineered-living-material-image100704241
3. Selection of building materials
Optimization based on
required properties
•Physical Selection
Numerous available
of
•Mechanical material
options
•Chemical Cost per unit
•Electrical
•Thermal
3.1. Selection of building materials
Performance
• Modern materials have superior properties and functions than those of
the past.
• Performance requirement depends on application.
• Cost often limit the targeted performance of a material
4. Course objectives
• To understand the behavior of material.
• To get information about testing, processing, handling and fabrication
of materials.
Syllabus: Metal and metal components, Precast concrete blocks, Glass
and glazing, Heat insulating and acoustic materials and components,
Organic binders and bitumen-&-tar-based materials, Polymers and
polymer-based materials and components.
5. Tutorial
I have to choose a material for the furniture which will keep in open
space on my terrace located in a hot climate. I have to choose from
concrete, steel, and wood. Can you help me choose the most suitable
material? The cost of the furniture is not an issue.
6. Self study based question and answer
Submit your answer by explaining the concept through sketches and
descriptions and equations by the end of the semester – 10 Marks.
Statement: “Clay pots have been used for centuries as a natural way to cool water in households across
India. The pots are made by combining two types of mud clay and moulding them into a specific shape. The
pot-making process takes around eight days, including polishing, drying, and cooking the pot in a kiln for five
days. The porous nature of the clay allows water to seep through and evaporate from the surface, which results
in a cooling effect. The same concept of cooling can be applied to buildings, but there may be challenges to its
implementation.”
• Answer the following questions based on the given statement, and provide a brief discussion for each
response.
1. Why does water in an earthen pot remain cool?
2. Is the same concept applicable for building cooling?
3. If yes, what are the possible challenges to applying the same concept in buildings?
Thank you!
