Building materials companies are in the midst of significant transformation. Digital trends are affecting how projects are planned and executed, and new materials are being developed that offer greater efficiency in construction.
Most manufacturer case studies revolve around product features – but in order to help grow their business, they should focus on the benefit that customers get from using their products. This way, they will convert more leads into sales.
Case Study 1: Innovative use of concrete
Concrete is an ancient construction material, first used by the Romans 2000 years ago. It hasn’t remained the same over the centuries, however, and advancements in scientific research have brought us new types of innovative concrete. These new products are changing the way we build, opening up new design options and reducing maintenance requirements.
One of the biggest challenges faced by builders is the need to cut back on carbon emissions, and concrete is no exception. One of the solutions to this is using a new type of concrete that can absorb carbon dioxide, and MIT researchers have developed a material called ALUSION that does just that. This innovative building material is made of ceramic particles that are dissolved in molten aluminium, creating bubbles similar to those in a chocolate bar. The result is a strong and durable material that is also sound-absorbing and 100% recyclable.
Other innovative uses of concrete include the use of fibres that can strengthen concrete structures, reducing the amount of steel needed in a structure and improving its resilience to shear and flexural loads. Another innovation is a flexible concrete that can be bent into shapes, which could make it useful in bridges and other structures where flexibility is required.
Another innovative use of concrete is a pigmented concrete that can absorb sunlight during the day and emit light at night. This type of concrete can be used to create a range of different colours, and can be used to create buildings that are visually striking, while also being functional and environmentally friendly.
Case Study 2: Innovative use of glass
Glass has a special place among modern construction materials. It allows natural light to flood into the interior of a structure, giving it an aesthetic appeal and making it feel larger and more spacious. It is also highly versatile, allowing designers to play with its shape and color, as well as use it to cover different parts of the building.
Another advantage of glass is that it is lighter than concrete and other conventional building materials, which reduces the overall dead load. This is important because the heavier a building is, the more stress it will have, increasing the risk of structural failure over time.
Moreover, glass is an excellent insulator against heat, keeping structures cool throughout the day even without air conditioning. Its transparency also enables natural sunlight to enter the interior of buildings, eliminating the need for artificial lighting and saving energy costs.
Finally, glass is recyclable, which means that it can be recycled again and again without losing its properties. This makes it a sustainable choice for high-performance construction. For example, RMIT has developed a process that recycles waste glass into coarse aggregate for cast in situ concrete. This reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, and the resulting material is stronger, more durable, and more environmentally friendly than other concrete alternatives.
Case Study 3: Innovative use of steel
Steel has long been a popular building material due to its tensile strength and durability. It is widely used in a range of structures, including towering skyscrapers and expansive bridges, as well as stylish residential homes. Today, engineers are using steel to create innovative structures that would have been impossible to build in years past.
In addition to being a versatile construction material, steel is also an environmentally friendly choice. It is 100 per cent recyclable, and the waste from the production process can be used to make new steel. This makes steel one of the most sustainable building materials available.
Unlike other common building materials, such as cement and concrete, which have their own limitations, steel can be used in a wide variety of applications. It is also able to withstand a number of environmental challenges, making it ideal for use in earthquake-prone areas.
In addition, steel is available locally, which helps to reduce the time it takes to construct buildings. It also eliminates the need to transport materials from far away, which can help to save money and reduce the impact on the environment. Additionally, it can be fabricated to precise specifications in advance, which reduces the number of on-site adjustments and speeds up construction. This is especially helpful for projects in remote locations, where the speed of construction can make or break the entire project.
Case Study 4: Innovative use of wood
Wood is a renewable material that can help reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and natural resources. It has many advantages over other materials, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, predictable fire behavior, good performance in seismic zones, and reduced construction and operational costs. In addition, wood is less damaging to the environment than steel and concrete. New innovations in wood construction are helping to make it more sustainable than ever before.
For example, a Toronto-based company has developed a transparent building material that can be used for walls and doors. The material is made from recycled aluminum and ceramic particles, which are dispersed like air bubbles in a chocolate bar. The result is a durable, lightweight material with a unique appearance that can be easily customized to match a building’s design.
Another innovation in wood is cross-laminated timber, a panel that uses layers of framing lumber (such as two by fours) oriented at right angles to one another and then glued together. This allows for higher, longer-span structures than would be possible with traditional wood. It also offers improved fire resistance and lowers the life-cycle carbon footprint of a structure by 40 percent.
The quality of a case study depends not only on the collection and interpretation of empirical materials, but also on the reporting of those results. A sound report structure and “story-like” writing are essential for ensuring that the case study research is conducted successfully. The authors of this article have provided an easy-to-read, practical, and experience-based guideline for conducting a qualitative case study.