Architects and designers are still learning about the advantages of green building materials such as composite materials.
Some of the advantages they’ve uncovered so far include:
- Increased durability
- Low maintenance requirements
- High strength
Composite materials can be engineered to produce specific performance characteristics. The shape, size, proportion, weight, and material of the reinforcing fibres usually determines the properties of the material such as strength and stiffness. In each case, composite materials are designed to offer a combination of properties that are intended to be superior to the original material.
Advances in manufacturing technology and plastic composite formulation offer exciting opportunities to custom design high-performance properties in a wide range of residential and commercial building applications, not only for new home builds, but also for renovation projects. If you want to know more about composites in construction, then keep reading below:
The Choice of Construction Materials
The selection of construction materials in the building industry is extremely restricted. Currently, the four main options are:
- Steel
- Wood
- Concrete
- Masonry
While some of these materials have composite properties, they have limited durability, strength, or stiffness. For example, wood is a natural composite but it is vulnerable to decay and water damage. Concrete is also a composite, however, its weight to strength ratio is fairly high and it has low tensile strength.
Types of Composites in Construction
There are three main types of composites based on matrix constituents:
- Polymer Matrix Composite (PMCs) – these are created using a range of short continuous fibres. The fibres are bound together by an organic polymer matrix. These composite materials are strong, stiff, and lightweight. Not only that, but they’re also abrasion resistant and corrosion resistant.
- Metal Matrix Composite (MMCs) – these composites are usually created using aluminium. They can be created to hold a specific weight and be a certain stiffness.
- Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMCs) – these composites have a carbon or ceramic fibre that is surrounded by ceramic materials such as silicon carbide.
Using Composites in Construction
Recently, the use of composite materials has shown promise in the construction industry. These materials are seen as having the potential to change the construction of new buildings, resulting in more attractive and efficient structures. The reinforcing fibre provides strength and stiffness. The polymer matrix safeguards the reinforcing fibres from environmental issues and enables property load transfer between the reinforcing fibres.
Advantages of Using Composite Materials
Composite construction is well-known as being an efficient way of enhancing the structural performance of products. Here are some of the other advantages of using composite materials:
- They can be lightweight
- They are corrosion resistant
- They speed up construction
- The provide good value for money
- They are durable
- They are stronger
- They can be tailored to meet the requirements of a project
Examples of Composites Used in the Construction Industry
We come into contact with products made from composite materials daily. Here are some of the composite materials you can find in a home:
Reinforced steel bars – composites have been used in concrete construction in place of traditional reinforcing steel.
Reinforced steel columns – fibre-reinforced plastic can be used to cover concrete columns to increase the strength properties or add confinement
Reinforced panels– reinforced panels can be used on ceilings and walls to create a durable scratch-resistant surface.
Roof panels – fibre-reinforced roof panels are suitable for use in highly-corrosive environments where exposure to saltwater or chemicals is common.
Bathtubs/shower trays – if your bathtub is not made from porcelain, then there’s a high possibility it has been created using a composite material. Most bathtubs are reinforced with fibreglass.
Doors – fibreglass doors are another excellent example of a composite you can find in your home. These doors are lightweight, long-lasting and will never twist or warp. Not only that, but they look almost identical to wooden doors.
Composite decking – composite decking has to be one of the best examples available. Composite decking is suitable for all decking projects, including commercial projects and personal renovation projects. If you’re thinking of installing composite decking, then check out these composite decking ideas from Ecoscape UK. Ecoscape UK is the leading supplier of environmentally friendly composite products. They have a large selection of composite products for your project, including fencing, cladding, decking and balustrade systems. Their products imitate the natural beauty of wood without the drawbacks like splitting, rotting, or warping.
The UK construction industry has made huge steps to adopt reinforced composites. Since the 1960s, composites have been successfully used in a range of construction projects such as pressure pipes, load bearing and infill panels, tank liners and roofs.
In recent years, new systems have been developed to create entire composite structures, including road, foot, and rail bridge systems. Not only that, but they can also be used for aesthetic purposes such as fittings, linings, and cladding.
There are many reasons why people are choosing to use composite materials in their home building or renovation project. Not only are they stronger, lighter, and more durable, but they can also be tailor made to suit a certain project.