Posted: 2016-07-02 09:23:38 by
India is a land of various cultures and geographical variations leading to varied housing and dwelling seen in different parts of the country. It varies from “Kuccha” architecture in rural areas involving usage of mud, grass, bamboo, thatch or sticks that are naturally available creating impermanent structures that are tarnished by natural forces to “Semi Pukka” construction made up of materials that enhances durability lending some strength to withstand adverse climate. The modern day version observed in non-rural areas are “Pakka” structures that are strong, lasting and dependable and are made up of man-made substances like stone or brick, clay tiles, cement, concrete, metal or other durable materials.
The new age infrastructure demands a combination of innovative construction styles along with usage of robust technology and high end and durable building material to give it the desired shell life and sustainability. With an increased number of skyscrapers and massive infrastructure projects being designed, the need for them to be made up of most appropriate materials has risen. Though the combination and variety of materials used by different developers varies as per their style, requirements and budgets, we will talk about the commonly used building materials in today’s era:-
Cement – A binder, it can bind other substances together. The most important usage is in the production of mortar in masonry, and of concrete, a combination of cement and an aggregate to form a strong building material.
Concrete – It is a stone like hard structure which is made up of water, aggregate, and cement and then put in molded into shape. Structures formed using concrete are strong and long lasting and is widely used in all kinds of construction including architectural structures, foundations, brick/block walls, pavements, bridges/overpasses, highways, runways, parking structures, dams, pools/reservoirs, pipes, footings for gates, fences and poles.
Brick and block – Bricks are made up of mud or clay which are kiln fired and put in molds to give desired shape and thickness to add strength to the material. They are mainly used to build wall like structures of the building.
Metal – Metal such as steel and aluminum alloys are used in taller structures and are used as structural frameworks for these skyscrapers. Its advantages are strength and flexibility while its prime enemy is corrosion.
Glass – Glass has become a very important material used in construction as we seen more and more buildings having a glass facade exterior. It is generally made from mixtures of sand and silicates, and is very brittle. Glass finds major usage in beautification of the structure and keeping temperatures regulated.
Plastics – A widely used substance, it is a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic condensation or polymerization product that can be molded in various forms and differs in heat tolerance, hardness, and resiliency. It is cost effective and owing to qualities like ease of manufacturing, versatility, and imperviousness to water, is extensively used as a building material.
Ceramic – It is a tile or fixture made up of clay-pottery firing in kilns and mainly used for flooring, ceiling, walls, counter tops and other coverings in the building.
Foam- Mainly used for insulation purposes owing to its properties of maintaining temperatures, being flexible and light in weight, it is compressed between wood and cement to give the desired effect.
Wood – An abundantly available natural resource, wood is a very strong material specially when compressed vertically. It finds usage as boards and planks in any type of structure and can resist any climate, is flexible and finds strength in its ability to bend. Varied varieties are available from different species of trees and can be used as per requirement.
With the changing times and newer technologies replacing the old ones, each day sees a new substance with higher resilience, longevity and cost effectiveness being innovated and used. It shall not be long before that India shall see a complete makeover in the construction technique and materials being used. Way to go before the industry takes a pause!
About: Vijay K Wali is the Director, Operations with Smart Homes Infrastructure (P) Ltd.Smart Homes Infrastructure is a subsidiary of Smart Homes infrastructure Pte Ltd.
is a professionally managed young organization that specializes in affordable Group Housing and Town Planning Projects in India and plans to build more than 100,000 homes in next decade. Smart Homes has a Team that has over 200 man years of experience in development of apartments in group housing projects and the team has the experience of selling more than 80 million square feet of housing projects