Non-Metallic and Organic Materials: Properties and Uses
Non-Metallic Mineral Materials
This material group is very heterogeneous. Some commonly used materials are:
Ceramic Materials
This does not apply to objects made from clay. Mixed with water, clay forms a plastic and even mass, which acquires stiffness when dry. This property is increased and stabilizes when the parts are brought to the kiln. Ceramic materials are very resistant to high temperatures and the effects of most chemical agents.
Applications
- Structural Use: Clay for the manufacture of bricks,
Earth’s Ecosystems: Understanding Our Planet’s Life Systems
Earth as a Living System: Understanding Our Finite Resources
Read MoreEarth is a living system, or ecosystem, characterized as finite. Land is finite in space and its resources are limited in terms of sustainability. It is composed of:
- Hydrosphere: 97% saltwater, 2% ice, 1% freshwater
- Biogeochemical cycles: Water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus
- Hydrological cycle: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, solidification
The third principle of land is that it is an open system with respect to energy flow. Biodiversity
Minerals, Rocks, Mountains, and Deforestation
Types of Luster in Minerals
Metallic: Resembles metal, for example, pyrite.
Non-metallic: Includes various types such as:
- Waxy: Resembling oil or fat.
- Dull: Not shiny.
- Glassy: Resembling glass.
How Are Mountains Formed?
Mountains are formed through a combination of processes, including:
- Erosion
- Transportation
- Weathering
- Fulmination
All You Need to Know About Slate
Slate is a foliated rock. It is usually black and slightly shiny due to the presence of mica. It is hard but can be separated into thin layers or
Read MoreFundamental Principles of Energy, Motion, and Fluids
Topic 5: Energy
Energy is the property of materials, bodies, or systems that allows for the production of transformations such as work and/or heat.
- 1 J = 0.24 cal
- 1 kJ = 103 J
- 1 cal = 4.18 J
- 1 kcal = 103 cal
Mechanical energy (Em) is the energy linked to the position or movement of bodies. There are two types of Em, and Em = Ec + Ep
Ec: This is the energy that moving bodies possess. Its value depends on the mass and velocity of the body.
Ep: This is the energy that certain bodies possess due to their position.
Sedimentary Architecture, Facies, and Ichnofacies
Sedimentary Architecture and Facies
Sedimentary architecture is the division of the stratigraphic succession into a hierarchy of architectural units. Facies are bodies of rock with specified characteristics that may be identified from adjacent bodies of rock by means of color, bedding, composition, texture, fossils, and sedimentary structures.
Types of Facies
- Biofacies: Defined by biological content.
- Lithofacies: Defined on the basis of the physical and chemical characteristics of the rock.
- Microfacies:
Preventing Water Damage: Capillarity, Filtration, Condensation
Capillarity: Basic Techniques to Prevent Water Damage
Filtration
Phases:
- Wetting and saturation (the larger, the slower the rate of suction). Slow and fast.
- Sheet as texture and superficial “adsorption”.
Penetration Routes:
- Porous structure
- Construction seals (flat, angled)
- Expansion joints
- Joint practices
- Breaks (cracks, fissures)
Water Tightness:
- Exposure level
- Façade geometry (angles and corners)
- Physical properties of materials (suction and absorption)
Drainage:
Depends on:
- Tilt of horizontal planes.
- Flaps on