From door frames to highways, the construction industry relies on metals for their durability, resistance to weather and strength. These include aluminium, stainless steel, copper and brass.
Architects find aluminium one of their favourites for its lightweight and durable qualities. It is also highly conductive and corrosion resistant. It is used with zinc coatings to protect steel structures such as pylons and harbour installations.
Steel
Often, the first material that comes to mind when you think of construction materials is steel. This metal is a common component in the pots and pans that you use to cook, in the wheels of the vehicles that you drive, and in the buildings that you live or work in. It is a versatile material that can be shaped and reinforced to suit a variety of uses, making it the most popular choice for construction projects.
A type of ferrous alloy constructed from primarily iron and carbon, steel is extremely durable and long-lasting and can be made to withstand various types of natural disasters. It also offers superior resistance to fire than many other building materials, making it a good choice for construction projects that require extra safety features.
Another benefit of steel is that it can be welded together quickly and easily. This makes it easier to construct a structure on site, which reduces labor costs and helps to speed up the overall completion of the project. This helps to keep the cost of a construction project under budget and allows for a faster return on investment for the builders.
Steel is also environmentally friendly. It contains only two raw materials and is readily recyclable, so it has a lower environmental footprint than most other building materials. It also requires less energy to manufacture, which cuts down on the amount of oil that is used and conserves the Earth’s natural resources.
Titanium
Titanium, a silver-colored metal with the atomic number 22 on the periodic table of elements, is naturally corrosion resistant and lightweight. It is also highly biocompatible, meaning it does not react with human tissue or bone. This characteristic makes titanium a great choice for medical devices, prosthetics and replacement parts that require prolonged contact with human body fluids.
It is the ninth most abundant element in Earth’s crust, but titanium is expensive to harvest and produce. This is because it requires a larger quantity of raw material to make than other metals. Nonetheless, it has unique properties that make it well worth the investment.
A prime example is its low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that when exposed to extreme temperatures, titanium does not expand and contract as much as other materials do. This can help prevent the failure of structures that are subjected to repeated stress and strain.
BDP’s decision to use titanium cladding at the science center stemmed from a chance encounter with a sample piece in their office. When placed under an uncharacteristically grey Los Angeles sky, the piece glowed golden and the team was immediately smitten. BDP’s use of the material differs from that of the Guggenheim Museum in that they were careful to protect the surface during construction and used a different texturing treatment which they are confident will give more consistent results.
Aluminum
Aluminum has become a popular choice for many construction projects, especially those involving windows. It’s a durable material that can withstand many different weather conditions. It can also be clad in various configurations to enhance the aesthetic of a building or home. The most common type of cladding is anodised aluminium which provides a metallic appearance that reflects light.
This material is often used for high-rise buildings and blocks of flats due to its sustainability, energy efficiency, and strength. It can withstand the weight of multiple floors and is highly resistant to corrosion. It is also an environmentally friendly material since it can be recycled again and again.
Like steel, aluminum is a versatile metal. It’s found in everything from soda cans to airplanes. However, it’s important to remember that pure aluminum is soft and not as strong as it looks. This is why it’s almost always combined with other elements to improve its properties. These additives can include copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and zinc.
The addition of these elements improves the strength, workability, resistance to corrosion, and electrical conductivity of aluminum compared to its pure form. This can be particularly helpful in the construction industry as architects seek to evoke specific emotions in their designs. Choosing the right materials can help achieve this as they choose which colors, textures, and shapes to use in their designs.
Copper
Copper is one of the oldest metals used in building construction. It is a highly flexible and durable metal with a good conductivity. This metal is used in electrical wiring, plumbing systems, heating systems, oil and gas lines, gutters, downspouts, domes, spires, vaults, wall cladding, and more. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, especially in cold environments. This is why it has become an increasingly popular material for modern architecture. Copper wall cladding is also a popular design element in many new buildings.
Anodised aluminium facade cladding is also becoming more popular in the industry. This is because it is able to offer the same sleek look and striking beauty of other metals, but at more affordable prices. It is also very sustainable, reducing the energy costs of buildings and saving on carbon emissions. This makes it the ideal choice for both high-rise buildings and offices.
In addition, anodised aluminium is very easy to work with and can be shaped into almost any style of building. This means that architects and builders have the freedom to create truly unique and beautiful buildings. This type of cladding is also more durable than other materials, making it a great option for buildings that will be exposed to harsh weather conditions. This is why it’s becoming a more and more popular choice for commercial buildings, hospitals, office buildings, and more.