Unit 1 (A2 Properties of construction Materials) Flashcards
What are the different types of walls bricks can be used for?
Load Bearing
Non-load bearing
Insulation Wall
Covering wall
What are properties of common bricks
- Cheap
- These are ordinary bricks, which are not designed to provide good finishes appearance or high strength.
- Used for backing courses of solid or cavity walls
What are properties of Facing Bricks
- Give attractive appearance (1) Hence they are free from imperfections such as cracks
- Available in a variety of closures and textures
- Primarily used for external walls of domestic and commercial properties
What are properties of Engineering bricks
- Strong and durable
- Have high compressive strength
- Low water absorption
- They are usually of high density
- Cheap / economical
Used or retaining walls, ground works and in marine environments
Characteristics of Bricks
- Appearance and colour
- Hard
- Durability
- Fire resistance
- Strength
What are the components of concrete
- Cement,
- Fine aggregate crushed stone,
- Add mixtures
- water
wet concrete is also know as green concrete
Benefits of Admixtures
- reduces water requirement in cement
- control the setting behaviour
- Improves workability, durability and strength
Normal Concrete Mix
Fixed cement - aggregate ration which ensures adequate strength
Standard concrete mix
Fixed cement - aggregate ration vary widely
Vary in compressive strength
Design Concrete Mix
Performance of concrete is specified by the designer but the mix proportions are determined by the concrete producer
Cement content can be laid down
Different types of concrete blocks
Solid
Hollow
Cellular
Advantages of using concrete blocks
Less Mortar Less dead weight less time required less cost Thermal acoustic Environmentally friendly
Properties of Aerated Concrete Blocks
- Light in weight (1) making them easy to handle (1)
- Easy to cut and shape (1) reducing the time needed to size blocks (1)
- Accepts nails (1) allowing fixtures to be directly attached (1)
- Good Fire resistance (1) as the material does not burn or give off toxic fumes/fire protection for long period (1)
- High Level of sound insulation (1) reducing noise from other rooms (1)
- Durable material (1) will withstand everyday wear and tear and damage(1)
- Appropriated flat surface (1) which will accept an internal finish (1)
Properties of high density concrete blocks
Durable
High thermal mass
high strength
Insulated concrete blocks
Includes renewable / recycled materials
very good insulating properties
Mortar Mixes
Made from fine aggregate and a binding agent mixed with water.
Cements bricks together to provide stability, whist holding them apart to spread loads evenly
Aesthetically pleasing
Seals gaps to resist wind and rain penetration
Lime is added to improve workability and enables the mortar to cope with thermal and moisture movement
Hydration
What are the requirements of Mortar
Long life requirements
Adequate compressive strength
Durability to resist the elements
joint sealant
Workability
What are he 3 main types of sand ?
Builders Sand: pure, clean sand. Has had all impurities washed out. (Mainly used for mortar mixes)
Sharpe Sand: Used in the production of concrete works
Silver Sand: Used for brushing into joints on block paving
What are the requirements of plaster board
Fire Resistance
Sound Absorbent
Water Resistance
Impact Resistance
Glass
Glass Plays an essential role in the facade (external face of a building)
Transparency
Glass is commonly used in modern architecture to open up a building
What is the purpose of insulation?
To retard/ stop the flow of heat, electricity and sound