Construction Materials Essay

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CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SCIENCE & MATERIALS ASSIGNMENT FOR A. NANTEL BY DAVID SMITHAM HNC CIVIL ENGINEERING YEAR 1 Question 1. Compare and contrast timber, concrete and steel as framework materials, clearly explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the use of each material for construction by their characteristics and properties. Overview: Most common construction materials are very durable, treated and constructed correctly can last indefinitely. Design and construction deficiencies can expose these materials to less than ideal conditions under which the materials can and will degrade. The degradation can include chemical reactions, attack from living organisms and erosion or mechanical. The three materials concerned here usually fail by well known problems. Timber Frame: Timber frame construction was introduced to the UK in the 1960’s. Buildings of up to six storeys are widely constructed throughout the country, although there is guidance from TRADA for the construction of multi storey buildings up to seven storeys. Timber frame construction offers off site pre fabrication which saves time, space and money and so allows for a flexible planning approach. Energy efficiency in a low thermal mass, sustainability of the material, the wide range of external finishes that can be achieved and the time saving makes this method of construction highly regarded and a fast way to erect a building frame especially for self build or small to medium sized projects. Timber frame construction results in a lower overall dead weight of the structure, especially if a lightweight cladding system is to be used, which can allow for shallower / lighter foundations which could be of particular use on brown field or covered contaminated sites. This method of frame construction reduces the amount of time and men required on site and allows for a quick completion in comparison to an

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