CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

This section describes the basic properties
of materials commonly used in construction.
For convenience, materials are
grouped in the following categories:
cementitious materials, metals, organic materials,
and composites. Application of these materials is
discussed in following sections. In these sections
also, environmental degradation on the materials
are described.
Cementitious Materials
Any substance that bonds materials may be
considered a cement. There are many types of
cements. In construction, however, the term cement
generally refers to bonding agents that are mixed
with water or other liquid, or both, to produce a
cementing paste. Initially, a mass of particles coated
with the paste is in a plastic state and may be
formed, or molded, into various shapes. Such a
mixture may be considered a cementitious material
because it can bond other materials together. After
a time, due to chemical reactions, the paste sets and
themass hardens. When the particles consist of fine
aggregate (sand), mortar is formed. When the
particles consist of fine and coarse aggregates,
concrete results.
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