Construction Industry: Practices, Markets, and Materials

Key Concepts in the Construction Sector

The Construction Industry Defined

The construction industry encompasses a set of companies engaged in activities designed to carry out work, such as contracts for housing, non-housing, industrial, and civil projects.

Evolution of Construction Practices

Traditionally, construction has been very artisanal. However, it has been changing for some time, albeit with little significant progress until the introduction of modern technology. This includes:

• On-site Construction: Introducing modern technology to support work tools and materials, increasing project productivity.
• Partially Industrialized Construction: Involves the prefabrication of components that are then installed in the final structure.
• Highly Industrialized Construction: Increases the number of components made in a factory before being site-assembled, potentially reaching 100% prefabrication.

Market Dynamics and Key Players

The Construction Market

The construction market is a phenomenon driven by unmet or clear needs within the field, producing supply and demand dynamics.

Construction Firms

Originating in the 1950s, construction firms are responsible for executing projects on-site. They operate based on the client's requirements, optimizing labor, equipment, materials, and financing, while adhering to time and cost objectives.

Real Estate in Construction

Real estate is a part of the construction sector. Its main function is the purchase and sale of housing, completely dissociated from the responsibility of its construction.

Technological Advancements and Materials

New Technologies in Construction

The application of new technologies in construction involves utilizing machinery and support elements to develop advanced construction techniques.

Essential Building Materials

Common building materials include:

• Concrete
• Reinforced masonry
• Composite materials
• Wood
• Metal
• Adobe

Types of Construction Projects

Building Works and Housing

Building works refer to construction for non-residential purposes, such as hospitals, schools, etc. Housing, on the other hand, is for residential use by people.

Civil Engineering Works

Civil engineering encompasses works such as ports, bridges, roads, and highways.

Structural Fundamentals

Understanding Structures

Structures are defined as the basis for all construction. Elements like foundations, pillars, and walls must be well-formed and assembled to provide stability and resilience to the stresses they will endure throughout their lifetime.

Structural Elements

Structural elements are all those components that make up the structure.

Specialized Materials and Components

Acoustic and Thermal Insulation

These materials have the ability to isolate interiors from external effects such as cold, heat, and noise, thereby protecting the dwelling or building.

Special Concretes

Special concretes are made with a mixture of aggregates, cement, water, and additives.

Concrete Additives

The function of additives, when applied to concrete, is to retard or accelerate its hardening process.

Steels in Construction

It is challenging to establish definitive physical and mechanical properties for steel, as these properties vary based on its composition and different heat, chemical, or mechanical treatments. Through these processes, steel can be produced with combinations of characteristics suitable for countless applications.