Aluminum is one of the widely used materials in various industries. It can be used in the energy and electronics industry, transportation industry as well as healthcare industry. However, in recent years aluminum is most prominently utilized in the construction industry as a building material. With the rise in residential and commercial infrastructure developments across the globe, demand for aluminum has also increased.
What is Aluminum ?
Aluminum is a type of non-ferrous metals which is available on the surface of earth in abundance. Although, it is not available in direct form and generally needs to be extracted from bauxite. Aluminum can also be available in the form of oxides, sulfates, silicates and phosphates etc.
Why Is Aluminum Suitable For Construction ?
Aluminum used in construction has add-on alloying elements including copper, manganese, zinc and others. As the production process for these elements are different, it is possible to change the physical and mechanical properties of the material to meet requirements for various applications. It can be used in external facades, roofs and walls, in windows and doors, in staircases, railings, shelves, and other several applications.
Aluminum has several properties which makes it suitable as a building / construction material. Some of its significant properties are as discussed below.
1.Strength to weight ratio
Aluminum has a very high value of strength to weight ratio, which means even small amounts of aluminum can provide more strength to the structure. Also, due to its lightweight properties it takes less time to construct the structure and helps to reduce the load transferring to foundation.
2.Cryogenics
Cryogenics is the phenomena that occurs at very low temperature which affects the strength of the material. In the case of aluminum, it is highly suitable for sub-zero temperatures, making it the perfect construction material for snow bound areas.
3.Reflectivity
Aluminum has very high Reflectivity, that means it does not absorb radiant heat and low absorption heat. This helps to keep the interior cool during summer and maintain warmth during winter.
4.Corrosion resistance
This is one of the most important properties of aluminum i.e. corrosion resistance. This material is not affected by weathering conditions and also can withstand humid or hot dry conditions very well. Due to its good corrosion resistance, aluminum corrugated sheets are widely used for power plants, chemical plants, paper mills, and petroleum refineries.
5.Sound proof
Aluminum sheets are excellent reflectors of sound waves and electromagnetic waves. Due to its sound proofing properties, it does not allow any external noise inside and vice versa.
6.Durability
Aluminum alloys for Building are resistant to water and immune to the harmful effects of UV rays, thus ensuring a lasting endurance.
Benefits Of Utilizing Aluminum In Building Construction
Thanks to its features, there are many benefits that aluminum offers to the construction industry:
1.Low Maintenance and Transportation Cost
Maintenance of aluminum is almost negligible, as this material has high corrosive resistance and good properties against low temperature so, maintenance of aluminum is negligible. Also, it can be handled very easily because of its less weight, keeping transportation cost of aluminum low. One can transport large quantities of aluminum to any place with ease and at lower cost than some of the other materials.
2.Ease in Fabrication and Assembly
Aluminum alloys are easy to cast, forged, extrude, roll or weld into desired structure. These materials do not have brittle nature, so they cannot break during or after the composition process of aluminum alloy. Also, the assembly of aluminum structures can be easily dismantled or transported or assembled.
3.Appearance and Finishes
Aluminum materials can be anodized or lacquered in any color, so it’s possible to focus on the beauty of the structure and also meet the architect’s decorative needs. It provides smooth and bright finishing to the structures.
4.Aluminum is not combustible
Another benefit of aluminum that provides safety is that aluminum is classified as non-combustible material, because it can not burn. That’s why these materials are used for constructing outer covers and external surfaces of industrial infrastructure to allow heat and smoke to escape and reduce damage caused in case of fire.
With more research and development it is possible to enhance properties of aluminum, which provide new and improved building materials to the construction industry.
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