Question

Scanrio 2:Present material choices for a given building using performance properties, experimental data, sustainability and environmental consideration

P3 Discuss the benefits of product declaration and environmental certification.

P4 Present the results of relevant testing procedures to identify the performance characteristics of selected construction materials.

P5 Discuss the results in terms of the material properties and regulatory requirements, highlighting any unexpected results and why these may occur.

P6 Select construction materials for a given building based upon their performance properties in use.

Answer 1

CHOOSING MATERIALS:

    The choise of materials 0f a project requires considerations of aesthetic appeal and initial and ongoing costs, life cycle assessment considerations such as material performance, availability and impact on the environment and ability to reuse, recycle or dispose of the material at the end of its life.

    Material must be used sustainability, this means the present use will not compromise future use by running out or harming the environment at ant time. Few materials fully meet this criteria. The aim when selecting materials should therefore be to use:

   1. Materials from renewable or replacement sources

     2. Recycled materials

   3. Materials that are in plentiful supply

   4. Materials with a lower environment impact across their whole life cycle.

Life cycle cycle assessment considerations include:

   * Extraction and manufacture

   * Sourcing

   * Construction/installation

   * Waste disposal/recycling/reuse

EXTRACTION AND MANUFACTURE:

Impact of extraction: The environmental impact of extraction such as large-scale mining, on scarce, non-renewable resources is obvious, but even the extraction of renewable resources will have some impact on environment. The effects of the environment may be,

* noise

* visual pollution

* air pollution

* water pollution

* chemical emission

* release of CO2

* damage to ecosystems

* water use

* energy use.

Energy and resource use:

The total energy used in the extraction, production,transportation and construction of a building material is the embodied energy of that material. As high consumers of energy, buildings have a significant impact on our environment. Understanding embodied energy allows us to understand how much and where energy is used in the construction of buildings and the benefits of recycling.

Sourcing;

Material sources; The source of materials must be considered to keep transport costs and resultant emissions to a minimum. The heavier or more bulky materials are the great the transport costs will be where possible, heavy and bulky materials in particular should be sourced locally.

Availability: Availability may influence material selection decisions. Long delivery lead in times must be allowed for as delay may cause project hold-ups and cost and energy losses.

Cost: Cost considerations must include the initial cost of purchase and life cycle costs of materials. Life cycle costs include maintenance, replacement, demolition and disposal. Maintenance cost considerations must also factor in additional environmental costs such as the emission of volatile organic compouns(VOCs) when repainting.

Transport to site: The further materials must be transported, the greater the financial and emissions costs will be heavy or bulky products will have greater transport costs than lighter weight materials.

CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION;

Health and safety during construction/installation;

Some materials such as solvents and chemicals release VOCs, and materials that release dust and other airborne pollutants may be harmful to people during instalation or application. Limit harmful effects by,

* Using paints, adhesives and primers that contaions fewer harmful solvents

* Providing good ventilation in spaces where LOSP treated timber is being used

* Following the recommendations made by the manufacturer or supplier regarding installation or application.

Adaptability:

   The design of any building and the materials selection should consider the future use or reuse of the building and use materials that facilitate adaption or future replacement. The more adaptable a material, the less waste will result from changing needs or taster.

Factors to consider in choosing building materials:

* Durability and strength

* Cost and availability

* Aesthetic value

* Ease of maintenance

* Fire-resistant

Here is the types of building materials:

1. Rock:

   Is one building material that has been used in building structures for centuries.

2. Thatch:

Another very old building material used today is thatch. It is very cheap, is a great insulator and is very easily harvested.

3. Ice:

   it is another famous building material which was once used only for building igloos. Today it is also being used in building ice hotels for tourist attractions in cold places.

4. Cement;

Cement is a common building material made from rock. Today, cement is used in constructings mainly because it is long lasting.

5. Metal:

Metal is today popularly used for constructing a buildings structural framework. Metals are used mainly because it is long lasting there are different types of metals you can use for building like "steel" which is ametal alloy. Sometimes gold and silver are used for decorative purposes. However not many people can afford it, and moreover, it is not as hard as other metals.

6. Glass:

     It is building material used a lot nowadays in building structures because of its class and richness.