Labor shortages in the construction materials industry can create challenges across different levels of supply chain operations. These can influence everything from raw material extraction to product production and delivery.
Cost increases and product unavailability impacted builders in 2021, but price transparency and convenient online ordering can help. Discover how building products manufacturers and distributors are meeting builders where they’re at.
Advanced Building Materials
From translucent wood to self-healing concrete, new materials are popping up all the time. They’re not just changing the way buildings look, but also their lifespan and functionality. These innovative materials can make structures stronger and more efficient, as well as help reduce carbon emissions. Some even capture energy and eliminate pollution.
Construction companies are working hard to keep up with these trends in the industry. By implementing new technologies, such as 3D printing and laser tools, they can adapt to the shifting market more easily. This also allows them to offer more feasible material choices to their clients.
Moreover, these technologies can lower the costs of construction projects by reducing labour hours and boosting productivity. Furthermore, they can help improve safety on construction sites and increase project completion times. This has also helped the industry become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, which is a growing concern amongst contractors and end users.
The global advanced building materials market is growing at a rapid rate. It is largely driven by the growing demand for high-performance and durable materials. Additionally, the market is driven by the rising construction investment in Asia and government policies promoting green construction. Several players in this market are focusing on expanding their production capabilities, such as BASF, which is investing heavily in R&D and developing sustainable solutions for the construction industry.
Self-Healing Concrete
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. But like any material it is prone to cracking over time, creating leaks and reducing the lifespan of buildings and roads. Fortunately, researchers have developed self-healing concrete that uses bacteria to fill in cracks and improve the structure of concrete structures.
Microbiologist Henk Jonkers from Delft University of Technology developed the new concrete by embedding it with capsules filled with limestone-producing bacteria, either Bacillus pseudofirmus or Sporosarcina pasteurii, along with calcium lactate. When the concrete cracks, air and moisture trigger the bacteria to start munching on the calcium lactate and produce calcite, which plugs the crack.
The new concrete is also stronger and more durable than traditional concrete. It can withstand heavy loads and resist chemical damage such as de-icing salts that are notorious for damaging concrete-paved roads and runways. In addition, the bacterium embedded in the concrete can reverse deterioration by producing minerals that bond together and repair cracks.
This innovation has the potential to dramatically reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of buildings and roads. It also aligns with the construction industry’s focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. The abiotic self-healing concrete market is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period owing to rising demand for sustainable construction practices.
Calcium Silicate Board
Calcium silicate board is a new green building material that can replace traditional gypsum board and has good fire performance, moisture resistance, and durability. It is made of inorganic mineral fiber or cellulose fiber as a reinforcing material, Silica-calcium material and portland cement as the main raw materials, pulping, molding, accelerating the curing reaction in high temperature and saturated steam to form a kind of calcium silicate gel-like plate.
Incorporating calcium silicate boards into façade systems enhances a building’s aesthetic and offers insulation and protection from the elements. It can also be used as cladding for balconies and other outdoor areas, such as soffits and eaves.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to the building industry and has left many homeowners looking for cost-effective solutions. This includes changing the way they buy and use building products, and adopting time-saving measures for project delivery and installation.
Rising infrastructure development investments and urbanization in developing countries are expected to drive demand for construction calcium silicate boards. The non-combustible and fire-resistant properties of these products make them suitable for wall facades, partitions, and ceilings. In addition, they are lightweight and offer thermal, sound, and fire insulation. These features make them ideal for modern and green buildings. The global market for construction calcium silicate boards is forecast to grow significantly over the next few years.
Offsite Construction
Building material manufacturers are increasingly experimenting with offsite construction. This approach involves designing, manufacturing, transporting, and assembling building components in a factory or other location away from the final site. The process is often more efficient and less expensive than onsite construction. In addition, it can reduce waste and improve environmental impact.
This trend is expected to grow because of the increasing demand for green and energy-efficient buildings. In addition, the increasing population and urbanization are driving the need for new residential and commercial structures. However, the lack of skilled labor and high logistic costs may hinder the industry growth.
Offsite construction can take many forms, including prefabricated concrete, timber or log systems, and panelized buildings. These techniques are especially useful for projects with repetitive design features. They can also help speed up completion times and allow mortgages to be closed sooner.
These construction trends provide unique opportunities for builders to save time and money while minimizing the environmental footprint of their projects. Builders are also more willing than ever to try new products and substitutions. As such, companies that can meet these needs and deliver quality products will be in a better position to retain their customer base. For more information on how to keep up with these trends, request your copy of the 2018 Building Products Customer Guide.