Types and Uses of Construction Materials: Ceramics to Cement
Ceramics
Ceramics apply to household objects made from various types of clays. They have great resistance to compression but are weak against tensile forces.
Igneous Rocks
- Composed of silicates and other compounds
- Formed by the cooling of magma inside the Earth
Igneous Rock-Crystal Structures
The most popular are:
- Granite: A composite of quartz, feldspar, and mica
- Gravel: Crushed to produce smaller pieces
- Gabbro and Diorite: Used for laying road surfaces
Igneous-Glass Structure
- Basalt
- Pyrite and Pumice: Used
Concrete: Properties, Types, and Production
Concrete
Material consisting of cement, water, and aggregates. Additives can be added to improve its characteristics. Concrete is a material with good compressive strength and poor tensile strength. The aggregates do not act directly on the setting of concrete; they make up approximately 80% of the mix. Aggregates provide increased strength, durability, abrasion resistance, and tensile strength. They also give more grip to the mix but make it less workable. Fresh concrete has to have plasticity to
Read MoreUnderstanding Cement Properties and Manufacturing
ITEM 6: CEMENT
1. Content of a Standard
Purpose: This section outlines the purpose of the standard and describes specimen testing procedures, including sample characteristics (quantity, volume, weight), equipment, and tools used in the process. It also explains how results are obtained.
2. Definitions
Pozzolanic Activity: Finely ground pozzolan reacts with Ca(OH)2, creating stable compounds with binding properties.
Hydraulic Activity: Hydraulic binders, when mixed with water, set and harden upon contact
Industrial Applications of Nitric Acid
From the Standpoint of Industrial Life
Nitric acid (HNO3) is one of the most important acids in industrial processes. Here’s how HNO3 is used in various industries:
- Fertilizer Industry: Used in the production of fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.
- Explosives: A key component in the manufacturing of explosives like nitroglycerin and TNT (Trinitrotoluene).
- Metallurgy and Refining: Utilized due to its reactivity with most metals.
- Chemical Synthesis: Employed in various chemical
Building Materials and House Construction Guide
Building a House: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Structural Elements of a House
Foundations
Foundations transmit the weight of the entire structure to the ground. They support the pillars and concrete beams, which in turn hold the roofs and upper floors.
Roof
The roof protects the building from rain and weather. It can be sloped or flat (a terrace).
Exterior Walls
Exterior walls, typically made of bricks, protect the interior from the elements. Double walls with insulation improve energy efficiency.