Introduction to Materials and Methods
Introduction to Materials and Methods
Learning Objectives
Aim to achieve understanding of key concepts related to design and construction criteria.
Objective 1: Recognize and understand the six design and construction criteria:
Environmental Quality
Aesthetic Characteristics
Non-Mechanical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Production/Construction Considerations
Economic Factors
Objective 2: Understand the pillars of the Circle of Sustainability.
Objective 3: Be able to identify mechanical and non-mechanical properties relevant to design and construction professionals.
Responsibilities of Construction Professionals
Key Roles:
Architects
Engineers
Construction Managers
Core responsibilities include:
Selection of appropriate materials
Specification of materials for projects
Quality Control during the construction process
Design and Construction Selection Criteria
The design and construction process adheres to established criteria which include:
Environmental Quality
Aesthetic Properties
Non-Mechanical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Production/Construction Considerations
Economic Factors
Environmental Quality
Key aspects impacting environmental quality include efforts to:
Reduce depletion of fossil fuels
Preserve land
Minimize material usage and waste
Protect forests and forest ecosystems
Protect water resources
Minimize air pollution
Maximize the healthfulness of the interior building environment
Environmental Quality – Life Cycle Analysis
Environmental Impacts:
Global warming
Acidification
Smog
Ozone depletion
Carbon balance
Definition of Sustainable Development
According to the Brundtland Report:
Sustainable development is defined as: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
This definition emphasizes two concepts:
The concept of needs, prioritizing essential needs of the world's poor.
Limitations imposed by technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs.
Citation: (World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED). Our Common Future. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987 p. 43.)
UN Global Compact Cities Programme
Concept Presentation: Initially presented in Melbourne in 2011, it encompasses multiple sectors:
Economics
Production & Resourcing
Exchange & Transfer
Accounting & Regulation
Consumption & Use
Labour & Welfare
Technology & Infrastructure
Wealth & Distribution
Organization & Governance
Law & Justice
Communication & Movement
Representation & Negotiation
Security & Accord
Dialogue & Reconciliation
Ethics & Accountability
Politics
Ecology
Materials & Energy
Water & Air
Flora & Fauna
Habitat & Food
Place & Space
Constructions & Settlements
Emission & Waste
Engagement & Identity
Recreation & Creativity
Memory & Projection
Belief & Meaning
Gender & Generations
Enquiry & Learning
Health & Well-being
Culture
Vibrant
Good
Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory+
Satisfactory
Satisfactory-
Highly Unsatisfactory
Bad
Critical
Circle of Sustainability
Relevant aspects in construction include:
Time and Money
Environmental Impact
Building Codes and Specifications
“Know-how”
Aesthetic Characteristics
The appearance of material is primarily the architect's responsibility.
Collaboration between civil engineers and architects ensures satisfaction of structural and aesthetic requirements.
Design outcomes are documented in construction plans and specifications.
Non-Mechanical Properties
Types of non-mechanical properties include:
Acoustical Properties
Atomic Properties
Chemical Properties
Electrical Properties
Magnetic Properties
Optical Properties
Thermal Properties
Related issues include:
Density
Unit Weight
Specific Gravity
Thermal Expansion
Abrasion Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
Color
Material Selection Examples
Materials chosen for structural integrity and effectiveness in various applications:
Snow Guards: Help maintain green roof stability.
Rain Gutter: Directs water flow.
Metal Flashing: Prevents water intrusion at joints.
Peel-n-Stick Membranes: Applied at joints & seams for waterproofing.
Cor-a-Vent™ Vent Strip: Facilitates ventilation.
Spray Foam: Used for cavity insulation.
Various other materials contribute to the building envelope integrity.
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties describe the behavior of a material under external loads which includes:
Stress-Strain Relations
Elastic Behavior: Material returns to its original shape after load removal.
Elastoplastic Behavior: Material exhibits plastic deformation after a certain yield stress.
Viscoelastic Behavior: Material exhibits time-dependent strain.
Temperature and Time Effects on Material Behavior
Notable Earthquakes
1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake (Magnitude 6.9) - Note documented damage and responses.
2010 Haiti Earthquake (Magnitude 7.0) - Notable structural failure with reference to the Hotel Montana collapse.
Production and Construction Considerations
Factors influencing material selection based on:
Material availability
Fabrication capabilities
Equipment availability
Construction considerations
Workforce availability and competence
Engineer competence in handling materials
Economic Factors
Considerations regarding cost, including:
Materials Cost
Labor Costs
Equipment Costs
Time Factors:
Means: Refers to tools, labor, equipment resources
Methods: Refers to construction techniques and sequencing
Economic Factors - Material Choices
Comparison of selected materials such as:
Steel
Reinforced Concrete
Investigation into why differences in material choices exist based on performance and cost assessment.
Risks of Incorrect Material Choices
Consider implications and consequences associated with poor material selection:
Environmental challenges
Service life challenges
Engineering, construction, and repair challenges
Structural failures
Conclusion
Decisions made in the materials and methods selection process profoundly affect overall project sustainability, safety, and functionality.
Ongoing assessment of environmental impact is essential for sustainable development in construction.