Unit - I

Overview of
construction Materials
FY Civil Engineering
 Scope of construction materials in civil
engineering
Construction materials are used in many civil engineering sectors, including:
•Building construction
Construction materials are used for building structures like bridges, dams,
buildings, and housing.
 Scope of construction materials in civil
engineering
•Transportation
Construction materials are used for transportation projects like highways and
pavements.
 Scope of construction materials in civil
engineering
•Irrigation engineering ,Water supply and Sewage treatment
 Scope of construction materials in civil
engineering
Civil engineers select construction materials based on their strength,
durability, cost, and other factors.
They are involved in all stages of construction projects, from planning
and design to execution and maintenance.
Some common construction materials include:
Cement, Steel, Concrete, Aggregates, Stones, Bricks, Tiles, Damp-proof
materials, and Paints and varnishes.
Construction materials can be classified based on different criteria,
including source, composition, sustainability, and use.
Classification of Materials
Materials

Natural Artificial

• Natural Sources: Materials obtained directly from nature with minimal processing.
Examples:
• Stone: Used in foundations, masonry, and decorative works.
• Clay: For bricks and tiles.
• Sand and Gravel: Used in concrete and road construction.
• Timber: For formwork, scaffolding, and structural elements.
• Artificial Sources: Materials engineered to meet specific construction needs.
Examples:
• Cement: Manufactured using limestone and clay.
• Steel: Produced through smelting and alloying for reinforcement.
• Plastics and Polymers: Used in plumbing, insulation, and lightweight
construction.
• Based on Metallurgy

Materials

Non-
Metals
metals

• Metal: Hard, Malleable and ductile

• Ferrous : Steel
• Non Ferrous Aluminium
• Based on Use

Materials

Special
Structural Aesthetic
Need

• Structural engineering material: used as a structural units during

construction process
• Stone, Bricks, Cement, Sand etc
• Aesthetic Materials: used for decorative purpose to enhance beauty of
structure
• Paints, Distemper, PoP etc.
• Special need engineering materials: artificially created materials for special
characteristics by mixing or processing the naturally available materials
 Artificial Materials
 Artificial materials are manufactured by humans, often combining or altering natural materials.
They are designed for specific purposes and enhanced properties. Types include:
 Cement: The key binding material in concrete and mortar.
 Concrete: A composite of cement, aggregates, and water, used in structural elements like beams, slabs,
and foundations.
 Steel: Used for reinforcement in concrete structures and as a structural framework in buildings and
bridges.
 Bricks and Blocks: Engineered to provide uniform strength and durability.
 Glass: For windows, facades, and decorative purposes.
 Plastics: Utilized in pipelines, insulation, and formwork.
 Special material
• Special materials are used for advanced applications and to improve structural performance:
• High-Performance Concrete (HPC): With enhanced strength and durability for bridges and high-rise
buildings.
• Geosynthetics: Geotextiles and geomembranes for soil stabilization and drainage systems.
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC): Improves tensile strength and crack resistance.
• Aluminum and Composites: Lightweight materials used in roofing and cladding.
• Smart Materials: Such as self-healing concrete and phase-change materials (PCMs) for energy-efficient
structures.
• Finishing Materials in Civil Engineering
• Finishing materials ensure durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal:
• Plaster and Stucco: Used for smooth wall surfaces and weatherproofing.
• Paints and Coatings: Protect structures from environmental damage and provide
aesthetic value.
• Tiles and Flooring: For durable and decorative finishes in interiors and exteriors.
• Polished Stone and Veneers: Enhance the visual appeal of facades and interiors.
• Recycled Materials in Civil Engineering
• Recycled materials contribute to sustainable construction practices:
• Recycled Aggregates: Derived from demolished concrete and masonry for road
bases and new concrete.
• Fly Ash and Slag: Byproducts of industries used in cement and concrete to improve
strength and reduce carbon footprint.
• Recycled Plastics: Incorporated into concrete, pavements, and insulation
materials.
• Reclaimed Timber: Used in structural and decorative applications.
• Recycled Steel: Melted and reused in reinforcement and structural applications.
• Applications in Civil Engineering
• Buildings: Use of cement, concrete, steel, bricks, and finishing materials.
• Bridges: High-performance concrete, steel, and composites.
• Roads and Pavements: Asphalt, concrete, and recycled aggregates.
• Dams and Reservoirs: Concrete, geomembranes, and aggregates.
• Foundations: Natural and recycled aggregates for strength and stability.
• Importance of Classification in Civil Engineering
• Material Selection: Ensures the right materials are used for specific purposes.
• Cost Efficiency: Optimizes construction budgets.
• Sustainability: Encourages the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials.
• Durability: Enhances the lifespan and performance of structures.
• This systematic classification supports the design, construction, and maintenance
of resilient and sustainable civil engineering projects.
Selection Criteria for construction materials
• Properties of materials
• Physical properties
• Mechanical Properties
• Thermal properties
• Chemical properties
• Electrical properties
• Magnetic properties
• Optical properties
• Performance required: should perform for it is used without failure and decrement in
capacity
• Material’s reliability: it should remain stable enough to function in service for intended
life of the product without failure.
• Safety: material should be safe to handle.
• Environmental conditions: The material should operates strongly without any influence
on strength and serviceability for a working environment.
• Availability: it should be readily available and easily transportable with good quality.
• Disposability and Recyclability: it can be easy to dispose and its better to be recyclable.
• Economic factors: selection of material should be according to budget.
 Stones
• Stones are obtained from rocks.
• A rock represents a definite portion of earth's surface. (widely available)
• Process of taking out stones from natural rock beds is known as quarrying.
• The term quarry is used to indicate the exposed surface of natural rocks.
• Stones, thus obtained, are used for various engineering purposes.
• Stone has been used to build small residential buildings to larges palaces, forts, temples and
monuments.
• Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Jaipur Palace, Forts in india, Birla Mandirs at Delhi, Banaras and
Hyderabad, Taj Mahal, Gateway of India and India Gate etc. are the world-famous stone
buildings.
• It is Durable
• Low maintenance
Uses of Stones:
• Stones are used as a construction material for foundations, walls, columns and
lintels.
• Stones are used for face-work of buildings to give appearance.
• Thin stone slabs are used as roofing and flooring material.
• Crushed stones are used for production of cement concrete.
• Crushed stones are also used as ballast for railway track.
• Aggregate of stone is used as a road metal.
Stone types and uses
• Basalt
• Commonly used in construction of roads, retaining structures, dams, as aggregates,
rubble masonry work in building and bridge pier.
• It is weather and moisture resistant
• It is medium to fine grained
• Colour: dark grey to black
• Granite
• Extremely hard and durable
• Used in bridge piers, dams. Curbs, retaining structures and stone columns
• Good resistant to water and frost
• Polished granite used as table top, flooring, cladding.
• Colour: light grey to pink
Stone types and uses
• Marble
• Strong stone with uniform texture
• It can be easily cut and carved and polished
• Used in flooring, steps, facing and ornamental works
• Colour: white, grey and pink.
• Sandstone
• It is weathered by rain, so must be used in combination with cement.
• Used in construction of heavy structures such as bridge piers, dams, River walls
• composed of quartz and feldspar
• Colour: white, yellow, red, brown and grey.
• E.g. Jama Masjid, Laxmi niwas palace
Stone types and uses
• Slate
• Commonly used in roofing tiles, also used in building slabs and pavements
• Consists of quartz, mica and clay minerals.
• Colour: Various shades of grey or black.
• Construction found in hilly areas
• Limestone
• High resistance to corrosion
• It is strong and durable
• It can be highly polished and can be used as tiles and for surface finishing.
• Colour: white, yellow, beige, bcream and grey to blue.
• E.g. Lincoln memorial, the colosseum, empire state building
Timber
• It is cost efficient material
• Good lasting performance and natural appearance, depending on timber type
and grade.
• Advantages:
• It is readily available
• It is safe
• Easy to work
• Cost effective
• Versatile and visually appealing
• Naturally anti corrosive
• Disadvantages
• Changes with climatic conditions (shrinks, twists, cracks, bends)
• Prone to pest, rot, Mold and fungi attack.
• Look old if left natural or unpainted
• Maintenance is higher as compared to other materials
Soil
• The type of soil and its properties depends on its process of formation
• Natural soil can be used for construction as well as the properties of soil can
be modified to achieve desired working properties and increase the working
performance as a building material.
• It is basic material for pavement construction for embankment
• Used is construction of dams, canals, bandhara etc.
• Land fill liner for disposal of solid waste
• Hard murum is used as a filler material for buildings
• Construction of bricks
• Building the walls in rural areas.
Aggregates
• Derives from rocks by blasting and crushing.
• Shape affects the workability of concrete
• Classification of aggregates based on shape:
• Rounded aggregates
• Irregular or partly rounded aggregates
• Angular aggregates
• Flaky aggregates
• Elongated aggregates
Aggregates
• Rounded aggregates
• Rounded aggregates results in the min. percentage of voids (32-33%)
• Gives more workability
• Hence require less W/C ratio
• Not considered for high-strength concrete due to poor interlocking behaviour and
weak bond strength.
• Irregular aggregates
• Irregular aggregates results in the min. percentage of voids (35-37%)
• Lesser workability compared to rounded aggregates
• Bond strength slightly higher than rounded aggregates but not used in High strength
concrete
Aggregates
• Angular aggregates
• Consists of well defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly
Planer surfaces and obtained by crushing of the rocks.
• Rounded aggregates results in the min. percentage of voids (38-45%)
• Gives less workability
• Gives 10-20% more compressive strength due to stronger aggregate-mortar bond.
• Useful for high-strength concrete.
• Flaky and elongated aggregates
• When thickness is small as compared to width and length called as flaky.
OR
• When least dimension is less than 60% of its mean dimension called as flaky.
• When length is larger than other two dimensions called as elongated.
OR
• The length is greater than 180% of mean dimension called as elongated.
• Obtained from the poorly crushed rocks.
• Not suitable for concrete mixing.
 Fine Aggregate Size range
Aggregates Category
Coarse Sand 2 – 0.5 mm
• Classification based on size Medium Sand 0.5 – 0.25 mm
• Fine aggregates Fine Sand 0.25 – 0.06 mm
• Passes through 4.75 mm sieve. Silt 0.06 – 0.002 mm
• Natural sand, silt, clay comes under this category. Clay <0.002 mm
• Used for filling voids in the coarse aggregates and acts as a
workability agent.

• Coarse aggregates Coarse Size range

• Retains on through 4.75 mm sieve. Aggregate
Category
• The max. size aggregate used depends on upon some
conditions Fine gravel 4 – 8 mm
Medium gravel 8 – 16 mm
• E.g. 40 mm size used for normal strength, 20 mm used for high
strength concrete Coarse gravel 16 – 64 mm
Boulder > 256 mm
Aggregates
• Physical properties of aggregates
• Grading (IS 2386 Part 1)
• Particle size distribution of aggregates as determined by
sieve analysis
• Fine aggregates
• Coarse aggregates

• Fineness modulus
• The results of aggregate sieve analysis is expressed by a
number called fineness modulus

𝐶𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒

𝐹. 𝑀. =
100
Aggregates
• Physical properties of aggregates
• Flakiness index
• Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by
weight of particles in it whose least dimension is less
than 3/5th of their mean dimension.
• Not applicable for sizes less than 6.3 mm.
• It is done with various thickness gauges.
Aggregates
• Physical properties of aggregates
• Elongation index
• Elongation index of aggregates is the percentage by
weight of particles whose greatest dimension is greater
than 1.8 times their mean dimension.
• Not applicable for sizes less than 6.3 mm.
• It is done with various elongation gauges.
Aggregates
• Physical properties of aggregates
• Toughness (IS 2386-1963)
• Resistance of aggregate to failure by impact.
• Hardness
• Resistance to wear by abrasion.
• Abrasion value is defined as the percentage loss in
weight on abrasion.
• Sp. Gravity (Relative density)
• Sp. Gravity is the ratio of the weight of unit volume to the
unit volume of water at the stated temperature.
• Thermal properties
• Thermal conductivity
• Thermal expansion
Bitumen
• Bitumen is a black or dark brown adhesive material
composed of complex hydrocarbons.
• It is obtained as a by-product during the distillation of
crude oil or naturally occurring in certain deposits.
• Properties:
• High viscosity and adhesive properties.
• Waterproof and weather-resistant.
• Importance: Widely used in road construction, roofing, and
waterproofing due to its binding and sealing properties.
 Classification of Bitumen
1. Natural Bitumen:
1. Found in natural deposits like tar sands and rock asphalt.
2. Example: Lake Asphalt in Trinidad.
2. Coal Tar Pitches:
1. Derived from the destructive distillation of coal.
2. More brittle compared to petroleum asphalt.
3. Petroleum Asphalts:
1. A by-product of crude oil refining.
2. Most commonly used type in construction.
 Types of Bitumen
1. Penetration Grade Bitumen:
1. Classified based on penetration test results (e.g., 30/40, 60/70, etc.).
2. Used for road surfacing and pavement construction.
2. Oxidized Bitumen Grades:
1. Produced by blowing air through hot bitumen.
2. Harder and more heat-resistant.
3. Used in roofing and waterproofing.
• Types of Bitumen
1. Cutback Bitumen:
1. Bitumen mixed with solvents to reduce viscosity.
2. Types: Rapid-curing (RC), Medium-curing (MC), and Slow-curing (SC).
3. Ideal for surface dressing and priming applications.
2. Bitumen Emulsions:
1. Bitumen dispersed in water with an emulsifying agent.
2. Types: Anionic and Cationic emulsions.
3. Used in cold applications like surface sealing.
3. Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB):
1. Bitumen modified with polymers for enhanced properties.
2. Provides better elasticity, adhesion, and resistance to deformation.
• Advantages of Bitumen
1. Durability: Resistant to weathering and oxidation.
2. Adhesion: Excellent binding properties with aggregates.
3. Flexibility: Can withstand repeated load cycles without cracking.
4. Economical: Cost-effective for large-scale road and infrastructure projects.
5. Recyclable: Can be reused, promoting sustainability.
• Uses of Bitumen
• Road Construction:
1. Used for paving roads, highways, and runways.
2. Acts as a binder for aggregates.
• Roofing and Waterproofing:
1. Applied in roofing sheets and membranes to prevent water ingress.
• Sealing and Insulation:
1. Used for sealing joints, cracks, and as an insulator in buildings.
• Industrial Applications:
1. Utilized in pipe coatings, paints, and adhesives.
• Airport Runways:
1. Provides a smooth, durable surface for heavy traffic.
Lime
• Lime is a calcium-containing inorganic material obtained by heating
limestone (calcium carbonate) in a kiln.
• It is a versatile material with a history of use in construction dating
back thousands of years.
• Types:
• Quicklime (Calcium Oxide).
• Hydrated Lime (Calcium Hydroxide).
• Importance:
• Used as a key ingredient in mortars, plasters, and for soil stabilization.
• Advantages of Lime as a Construction Material
• Workability:
• Provides excellent plasticity and smoothness to mortars and plasters.
• Durability:
• Enhances the life of masonry by acting as a protective layer.
• Breathability:
• Allows structures to "breathe," preventing moisture build-up and damage.
• Eco-Friendly:
• Low energy consumption in production compared to cement.
• Can absorb CO₂ over time, making it more sustainable.
• Improved Bonding:
• Promotes better adhesion between bricks or stones.
• Resistance to Sulfates:
• Offers higher resistance to sulfate attack compared to other binders.
• Enhances beauty of finish
• Gives unique aesthetic combination of a soft texture with luster
• Classification of Lime (IS 712-1984)
• Class A :Eminently hydraulic lime used for structural
purposes.
• Class B :Semi-hydraulic lime used for masonry mortars,
lime concrete and plaster undercoat.
• Class C :Fatlime used for finishing coat in plastering,
whitewashing, composite mortars, etc, and with
addition of pozzolanie materials for masonry mortar.
• Class D: Magnesium/dolomitic lime used for finishing
coat in plastering, white washing, etc.
• Class E: Kankar lime used for masonry mortars.
• Class F: Siliceous dolomitic lime used for undercoat
and finishing coat of plaster.
• Uses of Lime
• Construction Mortar and Plaster:
• Acts as a binder in mortars for masonry and plastering work.
• Provides a smooth and durable finish.
• Whitewashing:
• Used to create a bright, reflective, and hygienic surface.
• Soil Stabilization:
• Enhances the load-bearing capacity of soils in road construction and foundations.
• Manufacture of Cement:
• Serves as a key ingredient in cement production.
• Waterproofing:
• Combined with pozzolans for water-resistant construction.
• Environmental Applications:
• Neutralizes acidic soils and water.
• Used in flue gas treatment in industrial settings.
• Restoration of Heritage Structures:
• Ideal for restoring old masonry due to its compatibility with traditional materials.
Artificial building construction material
Bricks
• Bricks are small rectangular blocks made from clay or other materials,
typically fired in a kiln.
• They are one of the oldest and most widely used building materials due to
their strength, durability, and ease of use.
• Importance:
• Bricks provide excellent structural integrity, thermal insulation, and aesthetic
appeal to buildings.
• They are commonly used for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
• Standard Sizes:
• Standard Brick Size: 190mm x 90mm x 90mm (length x width x height).
• Other sizes may include 230mm x 110mm x 75mm for concrete bricks and 200mm x
100mm x 75mm for fly ash bricks.
 Classification of Bricks Based on Quality
1. First-Class Bricks:
1. Quality: Best quality, uniform shape, smooth surface, and durable.
2. Uses: High-end construction such as buildings, pavements, and load-bearing
structures.
2. Second-Class Bricks:
1. Quality: Good quality but may have slight imperfections.
2. Uses: General construction like walls and foundations where aesthetics and
perfect uniformity are less critical.
3. Third-Class Bricks:
1. Quality: Poor quality, with rough surfaces and irregular shapes.
2. Uses: Temporary structures or as filling material. Not suitable for load-
bearing walls or high-stress areas.
4. Fourth-Class Bricks (Clinker Bricks):
1. Quality: Highly fired and distorted, making them very hard and durable but
unsightly.
2. Uses: Road construction, refractory applications, or as a filler in low-stress
areas.
• Classification of Bricks Based on Material
• Clay Bricks:
• Material: Made from clay that is molded into shape and fired in a kiln.
• Uses: The most common type of brick, used in walls, pavements, and facades.
• Concrete Bricks:
• Material: Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregates.
• Uses: Commonly used for foundations, partitions, and in areas where high strength is required.
• Fly Ash Bricks:
• Material: Made from fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, mixed with cement and water.
• Uses: Used in low-cost housing, non-load-bearing walls, and partition walls due to their low cost
and lighter weight.
• Calcium Silicate Bricks:
• Material: Made from a mixture of lime, sand, and water under high pressure.
• Uses: Ideal for decorative facades, load-bearing walls, and where fire resistance is required.
• Refractory Bricks:
• Material: Made from materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as alumina and silica.
• Uses: Used in furnaces, kilns, and chimneys due to their heat-resistant properties.
• Sand-lime Bricks:
• Material: Made by mixing sand and lime, which is then compressed and cured under heat.
• Uses: Used for interior walls, partition walls, and in areas where uniformity in color and shape is
desired.
Cement
• Cement is a binding material used in construction to hold materials such as sand,
gravel, and aggregates together.
• It reacts with water to form a paste that hardens and gains strength over time,
making it ideal for use in concrete and mortar.
• Types of Cement:
• Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):
• Uses: Commonly used for general construction purposes such as buildings, roads, and bridges.
• Grades: 33, 43, and 53 grades, where 53 grade is the highest strength.
• Compressive Strength: 53 MPa at 28 days for grade 53 OPC.

• Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC):

• Uses: Suitable for use in marine structures, dams, sewerage systems, and under water works.
• Pozzolana: A natural or artificial material that enhances the cement’s durability by reducing
permeability.
• Compressive Strength: 33 MPa at 28 days.

• Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC):

• Uses: Used in fast-track construction projects and precast concrete products.
• Compressive Strength: 33 MPa at 3 days, higher than that of OPC.
• Low Heat Cement:
• Uses: Used in mass concrete structures like dams, where heat buildup due to hydration is a
concern.
• Compressive Strength: Gradual gain in strength with time.
• Sulphate Resisting Cement (SRC):
• Uses: Recommended for structures exposed to soil or water with high sulphate content, such
as coastal regions and sewage treatment plants.
• Compressive Strength: Similar to OPC, but with enhanced resistance to sulphate attack.
• White Cement:
• Uses: Used for aesthetic purposes such as decorative work, flooring, and in architectural
finishes.
• Compressive Strength: Similar to OPC, around 53 MPa for grade 53.
• Hydrophobic Cement:
• Uses: Used in regions with high humidity and rain, it resists the absorption of moisture.
• Compressive Strength: Similar to OPC.
• Blended Cement:
• Uses: Made by mixing OPC with other materials like fly ash, slag, or silica fume.
• Compressive Strength: Varies depending on the proportion of additives.
• Blast Furnace Slag Cement:
• Uses: Ideal for use in large-scale construction, marine works, and where durability
is required under severe environmental conditions.
• Compressive Strength: Similar to PPC but with enhanced resistance to chemical
attack.
• High Alumina Cement (HAC):
• Uses: Suitable for high-temperature conditions and fire-resistant applications, such
as in the construction of furnaces and kilns.
• Compressive Strength: High initial strength, up to 70-80 MPa, but lower long-term
strength compared to OPC.
• Colored Cement:
• Uses: Used for decorative and aesthetic purposes, including colored pavings and
concrete structures.
• Compressive Strength: Similar to OPC but may vary slightly due to the added
coloring agents.
• Air Entraining Cement:
• Uses: Used for concrete exposed to freeze-thaw conditions, as it improves the
durability of concrete by entrapping air.
• Compressive Strength: Similar to OPC, but can slightly reduce strength due to the
air bubbles introduced.
Plywood
• Introduction
• What is Plywood?
A versatile engineered wood product made from thin layers of wood veneer
glued together.
• Key Features:
• Strong and durable
• Lightweight and flexible
• Resistant to cracking and warping
• Common Applications:
Used in furniture, interior design, construction, and packaging.
 Types of Plywood
1. Softwood Plywood: Made from softwoods like pine or fir; used in
construction.
2. Hardwood Plywood: Made from hardwoods like oak or birch; used for
furniture and flooring.
3. Tropical Plywood: Composed of tropical woods; known for durability and
strength.
4. Marine Plywood: Water-resistant and durable; ideal for boat construction
and outdoor use.
5. Flexible Plywood: Thin layers for curved designs.
6. Decorative Plywood: Veneered for aesthetic appeal in interiors.
Production
• Uses of Plywood
• Construction:
• Wall and floor sheathing
• Roofing
• Formwork and scaffolding
• Furniture:
• Cabinets, wardrobes, and tables
• Interior Design:
• Wall paneling, partitions, and ceiling finishes
• Packaging:
• Boxes, crates, and pallets
• Specialized Applications:
• Marine and automotive industries
 Particle Boards
 Introduction
• What is Particle Board?
An engineered wood product made from wood chips, sawdust, and
resin, pressed into sheets.
• Key Features:
• Cost-effective and lightweight
• Smooth surface for finishing
• Easy to cut and shape
• Common Applications:
Used in furniture, cabinets, partitions, and temporary construction.
• Types of Particle Boards
• Raw Particle Board: Basic form, used for general applications.
• Laminated Particle Board: Coated with melamine or veneer for decorative use.
• Cement-Bonded Particle Board: Mixed with cement for moisture resistance and
strength.
• Fire-Retardant Particle Board: Treated with fire-resistant chemicals.
• Moisture-Resistant Particle Board: Designed for humid environments.
• Uses of Particle Boards
• Furniture:
• Shelves, wardrobes, desks, and cabinets.
• Interior Design:
• Wall paneling, partitions, and ceiling tiles.
• Packaging:
• Lightweight crates and boxes.
• Flooring:
• Subflooring and underlayment.
• Temporary Structures:
• Exhibition setups, trade show booths.
Glass
 Introduction
• What is Glass?
A non-crystalline, transparent material made primarily from silica (sand) and
other additives.
• Key Features:
• Transparent and aesthetically appealing
• Durable and resistant to weathering
• Versatile and recyclable
• Common Applications:
Used in windows, facades, partitions, and decorative elements.
 Types of Glass
1. Annealed Glass: Basic form, used in windows and doors.
2. Tempered Glass: Heat-treated for strength; shatters into small, safe pieces.
3. Laminated Glass: Two layers of glass bonded with a plastic layer for safety.
4. Insulated Glass: Multiple glass layers separated by air or gas for thermal
insulation.
5. Frosted Glass: Opaque surface for privacy and decorative purposes.
6. Toughened Glass: High-strength glass used in construction and automotive
applications.
7. Smart Glass: Adjustable transparency for modern applications.
National building code (2005)
• What is NBC?
• The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides
guidelines for planning, designing, and constructing
buildings to ensure safety, sustainability, and functionality.
• Objective:
• Ensure structural safety, fire protection, and health
standards.
• Promote efficient and sustainable building practices.
• Applicability:
• Covers all types of buildings, from residential to industrial.
• General NBC Guidelines
• Fire Safety: Fire-resistant materials, alarms, and exits.
• Structural Safety: Compliance with seismic and wind load
standards.
• Accessibility: Features for disabled individuals (ramps, lifts,
tactile paths).
• Sanitation and Plumbing: Adequate water supply, drainage,
and waste disposal.
• Energy Efficiency: Use of sustainable and energy-saving
practices.
 Classification of Buildings (As per NBC)
• Group A: Residential Buildings
• Dwellings, apartments, hostels, and hotels.
• Group B: Educational Buildings
• Schools, colleges, universities, and training institutions.
• Group C: Institutional Buildings
• Hospitals, nursing homes, sanatoriums, and jails.
• Group D: Assembly Buildings
• Theaters, cinemas, auditoriums, and stadiums.
• Group E: Business Buildings
• Offices, banks, and professional establishments.
• Group F: Mercantile Buildings
• Shops, stores, markets, and shopping complexes.
• Group G: Industrial Buildings
• Factories, workshops, and assembly plants.
• Group H: Storage Buildings
• Warehouses, cold storage, and godowns.
• Group I: Hazardous Buildings
• Buildings storing or handling hazardous substances.
 Key Provisions for Each Type
1. Residential Buildings (Group A)
1. Minimum room dimensions and ventilation requirements.
2. Safety provisions for multi-story apartments.
2. Educational Buildings (Group B)
1. Adequate fire exits and assembly points.
2. Sufficient natural lighting and ventilation.
3. Institutional Buildings (Group C)
1. Accessibility features for differently-abled persons.
2. Infection control and sanitation guidelines.
4. Assembly Buildings (Group D)
1. Maximum occupancy and evacuation planning.
2. Acoustics and soundproofing considerations.
 Key Provisions for Each Type
5. Business and Mercantile Buildings (Groups E & F)
1. Fire safety systems and emergency exits.
2. Parking space and circulation requirements.
6. Industrial Buildings (Group G)
1. Structural stability and fire protection for machinery.
2. Worker safety and ventilation requirements.
7. Storage Buildings (Group H)
1. Design for load-bearing capacity.
2. Fire safety measures for flammable materials.
8. Hazardous Buildings (Group I)
1. Isolation from residential areas.
2. Advanced safety mechanisms and monitoring systems.