construction Flashcards
What are the properties of materials used in construction?
Mass and density, strength (tensile, compressive, shear, bending), hardness, toughness, malleability, workability, stiffness, fatigue and creep, fire resistance, electrical conductivity and conductance, thermal conductivity and conductance, resistance to moisture penetration, resistance to vapour penetration, resistance to degradation, embedded energy, recycling potential.
These properties are critical for determining the suitability of materials in construction applications.
Define tensile strength.
The resistance of a material to being pulled apart.
It measures how much force a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled.
Define compressive strength.
The resistance of a material to being pushed together.
It indicates how much load a material can bear without collapsing.
What is shear strength?
The resistance of a material to sliding forces acting parallel to its surface.
Important in applications where materials are subjected to forces that can cause them to slide past one another.
What does bending strength refer to?
The ability of a material to withstand bending forces without breaking.
This property is crucial for beams and structural elements.
What is hardness in relation to materials?
The ability of a material to resist abrasion and indentation.
Hardness is often tested with specific scales like Mohs or Brinell.
Define toughness.
The ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing.
Tough materials can withstand impacts better than brittle ones.
What is malleability?
The ability of a material to deform under compressive stress.
Malleable materials can be shaped into thin sheets.
What does workability refer to?
The ease with which a material can be manipulated or shaped.
This is particularly important in construction and manufacturing processes.
Define stiffness.
The resistance of a material to deformation under load.
Stiff materials do not bend easily.
What is fatigue in materials?
The weakening of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads.
Fatigue can lead to failure even if the loads are below the material’s ultimate strength.
What is creep?
The tendency of a solid material to slowly move or deform under the influence of persistent mechanical stress.
Creep becomes significant at high temperatures and long-term loading.
What does fire resistance mean?
The ability of a material to withstand fire or to prevent the spread of fire.
Fire-resistant materials are essential for safety in construction.
Define electrical conductivity.
The ability of a material to conduct electric current.
Materials with high electrical conductivity include metals like copper and aluminum.
What is thermal conductivity?
The ability of a material to conduct heat.
Materials with high thermal conductivity are good heat conductors, while those with low conductivity are insulators.
