7 Factors Influencing the Selection of Building Materials

7 Factors Influencing the Selection of Building Materials

Proper selection of building materials is important for all type of construction works. Especially in buildings, if the materials are properly selected it can make a huge difference in the project cost, maintenance cost, durability, etc.,

Factors to consider while Selection of Building Materials

1. Type of Structure
2. Performance Requirements
3. Cost-Effectiveness
4. Building Materials Availability
5. Climate
6. Aesthetic Reasons
7. Environmental Reasons                                                                                                               

Type of Structure

The selection of building materials varies based on the type of building. For example, If the structure is a load-bearing structure choose best quality bricks for construction, because bricks are the primary load-carrying element in the load-bearing structure, whereas, for framed structure, high strength bricks are not necessary because concrete members are the primary load-carrying elements

Another example; if the structure is a residential kitchen, choose splash and scratch-resistant decorative tiles like Mosaics Tile, whereas for the commercial kitchen, choose high durable tiles like quarry tiles for construction. Likewise, select the best building material based on the type of structure.

Performance Requirements

The next factor to consider in the selection of building material is the performance requirements expected from the material. This is basically what we want this material to do, what are the engineering characteristics we want the materials to possess like strength, weight, heat conductivity, soundproof, durability, etc..,

For example, for high-rise building need thin lightweight blocks to reduce the weight of the structure, whereas residential building and library building needs high thickness bricks or blocks for soundproof.

Cost-Effectiveness

Naturally, cost-effective materials will take precedence over other materials, provided other requirements are met. Cost is a major concern for all stack holders involved in the project

Some of the cost-effective materials are Manufacture sand or M-Sand, Fly ash bricks, PPC cement, roofing sheets, etc.,

Building Materials Availability

Availability plays a major role in the selection of building materials because if materials are locally available transportation costs will be lower and the materials can be bought in smaller quantities based on convenience. Plus the chances of getting cheated by the local suppliers are lower than others because they usually care for their reputation in their service area. So it is best to select the locally available material for the construction of your building.

You can check the local availability of the materials through online websites like India mart for better deals.

Climate

Climate plays an important role in certain areas. For example, in places like European countries where very little sunlight is available, we can use glass as major construction materials to bring in more sunlight into the building. But unfortunately, people in India, try to copy the west, uses the glass claddings, and bring in more heat inside their building. So, the climate is one of the deciding factors that influence the selection of particular building material in certain locations.

Aesthetic Reasons

We all obviously want to built or choose to use structures that look good, right from buildings, roads to bridges, and towers. Aesthetics plays an important role in choosing the proper building materials in many areas.

Environmental Reasons

And finally, one thing what we as human beings have neglected so far, but beginning to realize the importance in the past decades is the environmental concerns about the use of the construction materials like energy content, the raw material usage, depletion of natural resources, emissions, etc..,                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  POSTED IN CIVIL, CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL   

Er.SP.ASWINPALANIAPPAN., M.E.,(Strut/.,)

Structural Engineer

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