Carbon Concrete: Production and Advantages
Carbon concrete is a sustainable construction material produced from concrete and carbon fibers or bars. The carbon is incorporated into the concrete through mesh-like textile mats placed between its layers or as randomly or uniformly dispersed fibers throughout the concrete. Carbon fiber improves the tensile strength of concrete to a great extent.
Carbon bars can…
https://theconstructor.org/building/carbon-concrete/565362/
Carbon concrete is a sustainable construction material produced from concrete and carbon fibers or bars. The carbon is incorporated into the concrete through mesh-like textile mats placed between its layers or as randomly or uniformly dispersed fibers throughout the concrete. Carbon fiber improves the tensile strength of concrete to a great extent.
Carbon bars can…
https://theconstructor.org/building/carbon-concrete/565362/
What is U-Value of a Building Component?
The U-value of a building component measures the energy (heat) lost through a square meter of the material for every degree difference in temperature between the inside and the outside environment. Technically, U-value measures the thermal transmittance of material in W/m²·K (Watts-per-meter-square-kelvin).
U-Values for Different Glasses
The U-value of a building component represents how effectively…
https://theconstructor.org/building/value-of-a-building-component/565403/
The U-value of a building component measures the energy (heat) lost through a square meter of the material for every degree difference in temperature between the inside and the outside environment. Technically, U-value measures the thermal transmittance of material in W/m²·K (Watts-per-meter-square-kelvin).
U-Values for Different Glasses
The U-value of a building component represents how effectively…
https://theconstructor.org/building/value-of-a-building-component/565403/
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT): Features and Benefits
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product manufactured by stacking and gluing kiln-dried lumber in perpendicular layers. CLT is quite popular in Europe and stands out for its strength, appearance, versatility, and sustainability.
CLT is nowadays seeing applications in the construction industry as it is a lightweight material, and builders find it to be…
https://theconstructor.org/others/cross-laminated-timber-clt-features-and-benefits/565439/
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product manufactured by stacking and gluing kiln-dried lumber in perpendicular layers. CLT is quite popular in Europe and stands out for its strength, appearance, versatility, and sustainability.
CLT is nowadays seeing applications in the construction industry as it is a lightweight material, and builders find it to be…
https://theconstructor.org/others/cross-laminated-timber-clt-features-and-benefits/565439/
Factors Affecting Construction Cost of a Project
The cost of construction of a project is the primary concern for most clients. Frequently, they ask about the cost of the project and whether construction work can be executed at a lesser price or not.
This question can be answered by several interlinked factors that control the entire cost of a construction project. They…
https://theconstructor.org/construction/factors-affecting-construction-cost-project/565491/
The cost of construction of a project is the primary concern for most clients. Frequently, they ask about the cost of the project and whether construction work can be executed at a lesser price or not.
This question can be answered by several interlinked factors that control the entire cost of a construction project. They…
https://theconstructor.org/construction/factors-affecting-construction-cost-project/565491/
What is Ferrock in Construction?
Ferrock is an environmentally friendly construction material used as a cement substitute. It is produced mainly from recycled materials such as waste steel dust and silica from ground-up glass. The steel dust reacts with carbon dioxide to produce iron carbonate, which becomes ferrock after solidification.
The hardening process occurs when the mixture of steel dust…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/ferrock-characteristics-applications/565525/
Ferrock is an environmentally friendly construction material used as a cement substitute. It is produced mainly from recycled materials such as waste steel dust and silica from ground-up glass. The steel dust reacts with carbon dioxide to produce iron carbonate, which becomes ferrock after solidification.
The hardening process occurs when the mixture of steel dust…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/ferrock-characteristics-applications/565525/
15 Factors Affecting the Selection of Construction Materials
A sound and good quality building material is essential for constructing structures with satisfactory strength, durability, serviceability, aesthetics, etc.
It can also affect the project and maintenance costs to a large extent. Therefore, the selection of materials should be carried out carefully to fulfill the objectives of the design and specification documents.
A wide range…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/factors-affecting-selection-construction-materials/565558/
A sound and good quality building material is essential for constructing structures with satisfactory strength, durability, serviceability, aesthetics, etc.
It can also affect the project and maintenance costs to a large extent. Therefore, the selection of materials should be carried out carefully to fulfill the objectives of the design and specification documents.
A wide range…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/factors-affecting-selection-construction-materials/565558/
Mycelium as a Construction Material
Mycelium is a natural fungi material that has been explored as a potential construction material in recent years. It is a fast-growing matrix that has the capability to act as a natural glue.
Mycelium composites have been promoted in response to the need for alternate construction materials with less environmental footprint. It is experiencing an…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/mycelium-construction-material/565623/
Mycelium is a natural fungi material that has been explored as a potential construction material in recent years. It is a fast-growing matrix that has the capability to act as a natural glue.
Mycelium composites have been promoted in response to the need for alternate construction materials with less environmental footprint. It is experiencing an…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/mycelium-construction-material/565623/
What is Oxicrete in Construction?
Oxicrete is an acid system applied to cement surfaces like dam structures, polymer-modified screeds, and mortars to oxidize them and provide a stone-like or rusty iron appearance.
The thickness of the coating ranges from 3-6 mm and provides a smooth matte finish. Oxicrete is an ideal option to transform old concrete surfaces. Also, it is…
https://theconstructor.org/building/oxicrete-construction/565633/
Oxicrete is an acid system applied to cement surfaces like dam structures, polymer-modified screeds, and mortars to oxidize them and provide a stone-like or rusty iron appearance.
The thickness of the coating ranges from 3-6 mm and provides a smooth matte finish. Oxicrete is an ideal option to transform old concrete surfaces. Also, it is…
https://theconstructor.org/building/oxicrete-construction/565633/
Why is the Cost of Construction Materials Soaring?
The cost of construction materials is continually soaring and has reached a record 40-year high, as per the annual growth of the BCIS Material Cost Index.
The combination of logistical problems and increased global demand in the construction industry has resulted in huge shortages and delays, leading to increased materials prices.
Inadequate number of containers…
https://theconstructor.org/building/cost-construction-materials-soaring/565657/
The cost of construction materials is continually soaring and has reached a record 40-year high, as per the annual growth of the BCIS Material Cost Index.
The combination of logistical problems and increased global demand in the construction industry has resulted in huge shortages and delays, leading to increased materials prices.
Inadequate number of containers…
https://theconstructor.org/building/cost-construction-materials-soaring/565657/
Saudi Arabia’s Mirrored Skyscrapers to House Nine Million People
Saudi Arabia has unveiled the images of yet another mega project called the “Mirror Line” in the city of Neom.
The structure involves the construction of two parallel, mirrored buildings with a height of 500 meters running across 75 miles. At this height, the skyscraper will stand taller than the Empire State Building.
According to…
https://theconstructor.org/news/mirrored-skyscrapers/565672/
Saudi Arabia has unveiled the images of yet another mega project called the “Mirror Line” in the city of Neom.
The structure involves the construction of two parallel, mirrored buildings with a height of 500 meters running across 75 miles. At this height, the skyscraper will stand taller than the Empire State Building.
According to…
https://theconstructor.org/news/mirrored-skyscrapers/565672/
Thermobimetals for Breathable Buildings
Thermobimetal is a laminate of two different metals with different temperature coefficients used for buildings facades or shading systems. It is a composite metal that warps during temperature differences, displaying self-shading and self-ventilating properties.
Figure-1: Thermobimetal
Thermobimetal is a smart material originally used as an automatic shading system to create breathable buildings.
This article discusses…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/thermobimetals-breathable-buildings/565717/
Thermobimetal is a laminate of two different metals with different temperature coefficients used for buildings facades or shading systems. It is a composite metal that warps during temperature differences, displaying self-shading and self-ventilating properties.
Figure-1: Thermobimetal
Thermobimetal is a smart material originally used as an automatic shading system to create breathable buildings.
This article discusses…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/thermobimetals-breathable-buildings/565717/
How Bollards Can Provide Protection From Unwanted Vehicle Attack?
A bollard is a vertical post that is installed to stop the vehicle from entering a non-permitted area. It is used for multiple purposes in the parking lot. You can use the removable bollards and utilize the space for various purposes. It makes the place convertible according to your needs and specifications.
The bollards help…
https://theconstructor.org/transportation/bollards-protection-vehicle-attack/565728/
A bollard is a vertical post that is installed to stop the vehicle from entering a non-permitted area. It is used for multiple purposes in the parking lot. You can use the removable bollards and utilize the space for various purposes. It makes the place convertible according to your needs and specifications.
The bollards help…
https://theconstructor.org/transportation/bollards-protection-vehicle-attack/565728/
What is FluidConcrete?
FluidConcrete is a cement-based, self-leveling floor coating used for all types of hard surfaces. It is specifically designed for indoor applications and provides beautiful and long-lasting surfaces for functional concrete finishes.
It is an alternative to polished concrete and is a perfect choice for a modern, minimalist design as it can be combined with ceramic,…
https://theconstructor.org/building/what-fluidconcrete/565737/
FluidConcrete is a cement-based, self-leveling floor coating used for all types of hard surfaces. It is specifically designed for indoor applications and provides beautiful and long-lasting surfaces for functional concrete finishes.
It is an alternative to polished concrete and is a perfect choice for a modern, minimalist design as it can be combined with ceramic,…
https://theconstructor.org/building/what-fluidconcrete/565737/
Compressive Strength of Concrete: What Causes Low-Strength Breaks in Concrete Cylinders?
The compressive strength test results of concrete cylinders are the basis of acceptance of ready mix concrete for construction.
Low-strength breaks of the concrete cylinder during compression testing indicate the low compressive strength of produced concrete.
Compression Test of Concrete CylinderImage Credits: Concrete Construction
Concrete cylinders for the standard compressive tests are prepared from a…
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/material-testing/concrete-testing/causes-low-strength-cylinder-breaks/565748/
The compressive strength test results of concrete cylinders are the basis of acceptance of ready mix concrete for construction.
Low-strength breaks of the concrete cylinder during compression testing indicate the low compressive strength of produced concrete.
Compression Test of Concrete CylinderImage Credits: Concrete Construction
Concrete cylinders for the standard compressive tests are prepared from a…
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/material-testing/concrete-testing/causes-low-strength-cylinder-breaks/565748/
What are the Risks of Pouring Concrete at a Wrong Temperature?
Placing concrete at the correct temperature is critical for its durability and ultimate strength. This is because temperatures above the normal concrete curing range (32 °C) will not only reduce the workability of concrete but also cause a significant reduction in its ultimate strength.
Similarly, low ambient temperatures, below 5 °C, slow the hydration process…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/risks-pouring-concrete-wrong-temperature/565795/
Placing concrete at the correct temperature is critical for its durability and ultimate strength. This is because temperatures above the normal concrete curing range (32 °C) will not only reduce the workability of concrete but also cause a significant reduction in its ultimate strength.
Similarly, low ambient temperatures, below 5 °C, slow the hydration process…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/risks-pouring-concrete-wrong-temperature/565795/
How to Estimate Rate of Evaporation on Concrete Surface?
Evaporation is a critical factor that must be considered while concrete is poured in hot weather conditions. If the rate of evaporation is high, concrete surface can lose water quickly, leading to workability issues and plastic shrinkage cracks.
Plastic shrinkage cracks make the concrete vulnerable to ingression of water and chlorides and provide an unpleasant…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/estimate-rate-evaporation-concrete-surface/565830/
Evaporation is a critical factor that must be considered while concrete is poured in hot weather conditions. If the rate of evaporation is high, concrete surface can lose water quickly, leading to workability issues and plastic shrinkage cracks.
Plastic shrinkage cracks make the concrete vulnerable to ingression of water and chlorides and provide an unpleasant…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/estimate-rate-evaporation-concrete-surface/565830/
Metal Ceilings: Types and Features
Metal ceilings are architectural ceiling elements made from finished metal plates with designs pressed into them. Metal ceilings can be made from aluminum, steel, or galvanized iron.
Figure-1: Metal CeilingsImage Credits: SAS International
Metal ceilings add strength to the structure and are highly durable compared to other ceiling materials. Hence, they are widely used for…
https://theconstructor.org/building/metal-ceilings-types-and-features/565878/
Metal ceilings are architectural ceiling elements made from finished metal plates with designs pressed into them. Metal ceilings can be made from aluminum, steel, or galvanized iron.
Figure-1: Metal CeilingsImage Credits: SAS International
Metal ceilings add strength to the structure and are highly durable compared to other ceiling materials. Hence, they are widely used for…
https://theconstructor.org/building/metal-ceilings-types-and-features/565878/
How to Minimize Rate of Evaporation from Concrete Surface?
A high rate of evaporation from the concrete surface leads to quality, durability, and potential strength-related issues. Plastic shrinkage cracks are highly likely to occur if the evaporation rate is higher than 1 Kg/m2/hour. Therefore, appropriate actions to slow down evaporation are necessary if it exceeds 0.5 Kg/m2/hour.
It is found that the evaporation rate…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/minimize-rate-evaporation-concrete-surface/565887/
A high rate of evaporation from the concrete surface leads to quality, durability, and potential strength-related issues. Plastic shrinkage cracks are highly likely to occur if the evaporation rate is higher than 1 Kg/m2/hour. Therefore, appropriate actions to slow down evaporation are necessary if it exceeds 0.5 Kg/m2/hour.
It is found that the evaporation rate…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/minimize-rate-evaporation-concrete-surface/565887/
Applications of Controlled Low-Strength Materials (CLSM)
Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) is a self-consolidating cementing material used primarily as an alternative to compacted fill (ACI 229R). It is intended to result in a compressive strength of 1200 psi or less.
Figure-1: Pouring Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM) Mix
CLSM mixture usually consists of water, portland cement, fly ash or similar products, fine aggregates,…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/applications-controlled-low-strength-materials/565857/
Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) is a self-consolidating cementing material used primarily as an alternative to compacted fill (ACI 229R). It is intended to result in a compressive strength of 1200 psi or less.
Figure-1: Pouring Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM) Mix
CLSM mixture usually consists of water, portland cement, fly ash or similar products, fine aggregates,…
https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/applications-controlled-low-strength-materials/565857/
5 Ways to Mitigate Early-Age Cracking in Concrete Structures
Mitigating early-age cracks in concrete structures is critical for sufficient durability, avoiding possible strength reduction, and reducing maintenance costs.
Not only do early-age cracks diminish the aesthetic appearance of a building, but also make occupants uncomfortable and affect the contractor’s reputation.
Therefore, suitable measures should be implemented to reduce or eliminate early-age crack development. The…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/ways-mitigate-early-age-cracking-concrete-structures/565923/
Mitigating early-age cracks in concrete structures is critical for sufficient durability, avoiding possible strength reduction, and reducing maintenance costs.
Not only do early-age cracks diminish the aesthetic appearance of a building, but also make occupants uncomfortable and affect the contractor’s reputation.
Therefore, suitable measures should be implemented to reduce or eliminate early-age crack development. The…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/ways-mitigate-early-age-cracking-concrete-structures/565923/