Question

With the aid of annotated digram, critically explain the application of various
construction materials for Civil & Infrastructural projects as well as comparing the
physical characteristics of construction materials
1. Low rise building
2. High rise building
3. Pavement project

- Should be .DOC
- The length of essay should be between 1500 - 2000 words.
- The report shall be typeset
- Formal report format is required
- Photos are appreciated in the report
- Reference should be provided

Answer 1

1. soil

soil is an important material in the construction of pavement. The characteristics of soil applicable to [avements as subgrade, sub-base and base material are compressibility, drainage characteristics, compaction characteristics, dry unit weight, CBR-value, and subgrade modulus.

The soil under the foundation of low rise buildings should be able to take the transfered load.It should have low settlement (less than 2.5cm).Also the bottom of the foundation should be below the maximum winter frost level.

For high rise buildings, the bottom of the foundations are hard rocks.

2. stone aggregate

In pavements,they are used for granular bases, sub-bases, as part of bituminous mixes and cement concrete.It should have enough strength to withstand the wheel load stresses. It should be hard, tough and durable. It should have less affinity towards water.

In low rise buildings, stones can be used for foundation, walls andaesthetic purpose as dry stone stacking. It is also used as aggregate in cement concrete. the properties of the stone is different depending on the purpose. For aesthetic purpose, you dont need high strength stones. But for foundation, you need strong, tough and durable stones. Stones like granite and marble are used as floor slabs.

In high rise buildings, stones is used as aggregates in cement concrete and stones like granite an dmarble is used as floor slabs.

3. Bitumen

In flexible pavements, bitumen is a main component. It should be workable and durable. It should be strong and cost effective.

In low and high rise buildings, bitumen is only used as a component in damp proof course.

4. cement

In rigid pavements, cement is an important component. It is needed for the concrete slab.

In low rise buildings, cement is an important construction material because cmnt concrete constitutes of majority of the structure. It can be foundations, beams, walls, columns, roofs, etc. Different type of cement is used depending on climatic conditions and purpose of the building.

In high rise buildings, cement concrete can be used for walls, foundation, etc. The building can be made up of prestressed concrete too. Elevator and stair shafts are made of concrete.

5. steel

In pavements, reinforcing steel is used as tie bars and dowel bars.

In low rise buildings, steel is used as reinforcement in foundation, column, beam etc. Steel is also used for roof.

In high rise buildings, steel is the main component. It is used to build the frame of the structure. It is used as reinforcing steel in foundation

6. Timber

Timber is not usually used in pavement construction. But it can be used as decking of pavement in bridges.

In low rise buildings, timber can be used to make frame of the building. It can be used to make roof trusses or flooring material. It is also used for scaffoldings and formwork.

In high rise buildings, timber is used as flooring material, scaffoldings and formwork.