Essential Building Materials: Properties and Applications

Lime

Lime is derived from the calcination of dry limestone. Quicklime (calcium oxide) tends to absorb water, forming slaked lime (calcium dihydroxide). Lime is used for various applications in construction and is also a substitute for gypsum in certain areas.

Cement

The most commonly used cement in construction is Portland cement. It is a mixture of limestone, clay, and gypsum, with additional additives often included to improve its properties. Cement serves as a crucial binding material, primarily used to join bricks and to make plaster. However, it is a significant environmental concern, emitting large amounts of CO2, approximately 5% of global emissions.

Ceramics

Ceramics are materials directly derived from the firing of clays.

Bricks

A ceramic piece typically in the form of a parallelepiped. Bricks are classified into three main types:

• Solid bricks
• Hollow bricks
• Perforated bricks

Tiles

Tiles are a covering material, classified into three types: curved, flat, and mixed. They are increasingly being replaced by tar paper in some applications.

Ceramic Bovedillas

Mainly used in the construction of building floor slabs.

Azulejos

Azulejos are glazed ceramic tiles, often used in buildings for their waterproof and glossy enamel finish.

Marble

Marble is a versatile natural stone used in the manufacture of countertops, walls, flooring, and other decorative applications.

Mortars

Mortars are a mixture of one or several binders with water and sand. Common types include:

• Cement mortar
• Lime mortar
• Gypsum mortar

Concrete

Concrete is a fundamental construction material, a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. It is highly resistant to compressive forces. Reinforced concrete is a type that incorporates steel reinforcement, typically consisting of corrugated steel rods, to enhance its tensile strength.

Metals

Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, characterized by its high strength and resistance. It is used in various construction profiles, such as double-T beams and T-beams. Rebar (Ferralla) consists of corrugated steel rods, wires, and caps used for concrete reinforcement.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight metal, lighter than steel but less resistant. It is obtained from bauxite through an energy-intensive extraction process. It is commonly used in prefabricated windows and other applications due to its ductility.

Copper

Copper is a very ductile metal, highly conductive of heat and electricity, making it ideal for pipes, cables, and other electrical applications.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is becoming less common in primary structural roles but is still widely used for decorative purposes, such as paving and cladding.

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock, a mixture of mica, quartz, and feldspar. It is widely used as a coating on large structures and facades.

Basalt

Basalt is formed from pyroxenes and olivines, and has a dark gray color. It is often used for cobblestones and facades.