Top 5 Game Changing Construction Material

Construction Materials

New construction materials are constantly being developed and researched to improve buildings’ efficiency, sustainability, and durability. some of the material that has the potential to change the way construction is done are cross-laminated timber (CLT), bio-based plastic, Graphene-based materials, self-healing concrete and recycled plastic lumber (RPL).

CLT

CLT is a type of engineered wood that is made by gluing layers of solid-sawn lumber together. The layers are stacked in perpendicular directions, creating a strong and stable panel. CLT has several advantages over traditional building materials such as concrete and steel. First, CLT is a sustainable material. It is made from a renewable resource, wood, and has a low carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel. Additionally, the manufacturing process for CLT is energy-efficient and produces very little waste. Second, CLT is lightweight and easy to work with. This makes it a great option for tall buildings, as it reduces the load on the foundation and allows for more flexible design options. Third, CLT has excellent insulation properties, keeping buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can help to reduce energy costs and improve the overall comfort of the building. Despite these advantages, CLT is not yet widely used in the construction industry. However, as more research is done on this material, it has the potential to become a major player in the construction industry, changing the way buildings are designed and built. In conclusion, CLT is a new construction material that offers many advantages over traditional materials. It is sustainable, easy to work with, and has excellent insulation properties. As research on this material continues, it has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry.

Bio-based Plastic

Another new construction material that has been gaining attention in recent years is bio-based plastic. This material is made from sustainable and renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, and vegetable oils, rather than fossil fuels. Bio-based plastic has several advantages over traditional petroleum-based plastics. For one, it is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally in the environment. This reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Additionally, the production of bio-based plastic generates significantly fewer greenhouse gases, making it a more environmentally friendly option. This material is also versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, such as insulation, pipes, and even structural components. It is also suitable for 3D printing technology, which can provide architects and engineers with more options for creating unique and sustainable building designs. However, it’s important to note that bio-based plastics are not always fully biodegradable and may still have an impact on the environment if not disposed of properly. Additionally, the production of bio-based plastics still requires energy and resources, and the material properties may not be as strong as traditional plastics. Overall, bio-based plastic is a promising new construction material that offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. As research and development continue, it has the potential to play a bigger role in the construction industry in the future.

Graphene-based Materials

Another new construction material that has been gaining attention in recent years is Graphene-based materials. Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice pattern. It is known for its exceptional strength and conductivity properties. Graphene-based materials can be used in construction in several ways, such as making stronger and more durable concrete and building envelopes. Graphene nanoplatelets can be added to concrete to improve its mechanical and electrical properties, making it more resistant to cracking and more conducive. Graphene oxide can also be used as a barrier material in building envelopes, allowing for better insulation and reducing energy consumption. Graphene-based materials can also be used in producing flexible and transparent conductive films, which can be used in building-integrated photovoltaics, smart windows, and other applications requiring transparency and conductivity. Moreover, Graphene-based materials can also be used in sensors, that can be embedded in the building structure to monitor and report on the building’s performance and safety, providing valuable information for maintenance and retrofitting. It’s worth noting that Graphene-based materials are still in the early stages of research and development, and are not yet widely used in the construction industry. However, as the understanding and production of Graphene-based materials improve, it has the potential to significantly impact the construction industry. In conclusion, Graphene-based materials are a new and exciting construction material that offers exceptional strength, conductivity, and other properties. It has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by providing new and innovative solutions for building design and construction.

Self-healing Concrete

Another new construction material that has been gaining attention is self-healing concrete. Self-healing concrete is a type of concrete that has the ability to repair cracks and damage on its own, without the need for human intervention. This type of concrete is made by adding microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, and nutrient-rich capsules to the concrete mixture. These microorganisms are dormant when the concrete is poured, but when a crack forms, water and oxygen enter the concrete, activating the microorganisms. The microorganisms then consume the nutrients in the capsules and produce limestone, which fills in the crack and repairs the damage. Self-healing concrete has several advantages over traditional concrete. For one, it is more durable and long-lasting. The ability to repair cracks on its own means that the concrete is less likely to suffer from structural damage and deterioration over time. Additionally, self-healing concrete can reduce maintenance costs, as it eliminates the need for regular inspections and repairs. This material is also more sustainable, as it reduces the need for constant repairs and replacements, which in turn reduces the amount of concrete that needs to be produced. However, it’s important to note that self-healing concrete is still a relatively new technology and more research is needed to fully understand its capabilities and limitations. Additionally, the microorganisms used in self-healing concrete may not be able to survive in certain environments, such as extremely hot or cold temperatures. Overall, self-healing concrete is a new and innovative construction material that offers the potential for increased durability and sustainability in the construction industry. As research and development continue, it has the potential to change the way we think about building maintenance and repair.

Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL)

Another new construction material that has been gaining attention is recycled plastic lumber (RPL). RPL is a type of plastic lumber that is made from recycled plastic materials, such as milk jugs, grocery bags, and other post-consumer plastic waste. RPL has several advantages over traditional wood lumber. For one, it is more durable and long-lasting. Plastic is resistant to rot, insects, and other forms of damage that can affect wood. Additionally, RPL is resistant to moisture, making it a great option for outdoor applications such as decks, fences, and playground equipment. RPL is also more sustainable than traditional wood lumber. It is made from recycled materials, which reduces the demand for new wood and reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. Additionally, RPL does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides, which is another advantage over traditional wood. However, it’s important to note that RPL is not as strong as traditional wood, and it may not be suitable for certain types of construction. Additionally, the manufacturing process for RPL requires energy and resources, and the material properties may not be as strong as traditional plastics. Overall, RPL is a new construction material that offers a more sustainable and durable alternative to traditional wood lumber. As more research is done on this material, it has the potential to play a bigger role in the construction industry in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, new construction materials are constantly being developed and researched to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and durability of buildings. Some of the new materials that have been gaining attention in recent years include:

• Cross-laminated Timber (CLT), an engineered wood material that is sustainable, lightweight and easy to work with, and has excellent insulation properties.
• Bio-based plastic, a sustainable and renewable material that is biodegradable and has a low carbon footprint.
• Graphene-based materials, which offers exceptional strength and conductivity properties, and have potential uses in making stronger and more durable concrete, building envelopes and flexible and transparent conductive films.
• Self-healing concrete, which has the ability to repair cracks and damage on its own, without the need for human intervention, increasing durability and reducing maintenance costs.
• Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL), a material made from recycled plastic that is more durable, weather resistant and sustainable than traditional wood lumber.

It’s important to note that these materials are still in the early stages of research and development, and are not yet widely used in the construction industry. However, as research and development continue, these materials have the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by providing new and innovative solutions for building design and construction.