By Ankit SinghReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Oct 24 2024The materials chosen for a construction project shape its durability, sustainability, and cost. As buildings rise to meet complex demands, selecting the right materials becomes a strategic decision that influences not only the physical structure but also its environmental impact and longevity. This guide examines both conventional and innovative materials, exploring how each contributes to the future of resilient, sustainable construction.
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Traditional Materials
Traditional construction materials like concrete, steel, and timber remain the backbone of the construction industry. However, their continued dominance is being challenged by environmental concerns and the need for more sustainable building practices.
Concrete remains a cornerstone of construction due to its high compressive strength and durability. However, its environmental impact is significant, with cement production contributing approximately 8 % of global CO2 emissions. To address this, the industry is focusing on sustainability initiatives such as using supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and slag to reduce cement usage and developing carbon-capturing technologies.1
With its excellent tensile strength and ductility, steel forms the skeleton of many commercial and industrial buildings, allows for long-span structures in bridges and stadiums, and reinforces concrete as rebar. Its nearly 100 % recyclability enhances its sustainability credentials.
However, steel production remains energy-intensive and a significant source of CO2 emissions. To address this, the industry is exploring more sustainable production methods, including electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy and the development of hydrogen-based steel production to reduce reliance on coal.1
Timber is experiencing a renaissance in construction due to its environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal. Traditional uses in residential framing are being complemented by innovative applications in larger structures. Cross-laminated timber (CLT), for example, has enabled the construction of mid-rise and even high-rise wooden buildings, challenging concrete and steel's dominance.
Timber's natural insulating properties contribute to energy efficiency in buildings, while its ability to sequester carbon during growth makes it an attractive option for reducing construction's carbon footprint. However, untreated timber has limitations in terms of durability, which has led to the rise of engineered wood products that overcome these weaknesses.1
Next-Generation Construction Materials
To address the limitations of natural materials, engineered wood products and high-performance composites have emerged, offering improved strength, stability, and sustainability for modern construction needs.
Engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam) have revolutionized the use of timber in construction, enabling the creation of taller, more complex structures that would not be possible with traditional wood. By layering wood in perpendicular directions, these materials achieve superior strength and stability while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of natural timber. Saint-Gobain, in particular, is recognized for its sustainable building materials and plays a significant role in producing high-performance engineered wood products.2
High-performance composites are also being increasingly used in specialized applications. For instance, polymer-based composites reinforced with fibers exhibit exceptional strength relative to their weight and excellent corrosion resistance, meaning that they are well-suited for demanding environments like marine infrastructure and chemical facilities. While the upfront costs may be higher, these composite solutions can yield long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance requirements and extended service lifespans.2
Smart Materials, Smarter Buildings
As buildings become more complex and environmentally conscious, smart materials are slowly emerging as innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency, durability, and maintenance while also lowering long-term operational costs.
A cutting-edge innovation in smart materials is aerogel insulation, often called "frozen smoke" due to its ultra-lightweight structure. Aerogels provide exceptional thermal insulation with minimal bulk, making them ideal for energy-efficient buildings. Despite their delicate appearance, they offer high durability and are increasingly being explored for advanced construction applications.3
Phase change materials (PCMs) are another innovation aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. PCMs absorb and release heat as temperatures fluctuate, helping to regulate indoor climates and reduce energy consumption. By integrating these materials into walls, floors, or ceilings, buildings can achieve better thermal performance with minimal additional costs.3
The adoption of smart materials is still in its early stages, but as these materials become more cost-effective and accessible, they are likely to play an increasingly important role in green building initiatives. Materials like self-healing concrete and PCMs also align with sustainability goals by extending the useful life of buildings and reducing energy usage.3
Material Selection
Material Sourcing and Sustainable Construction
Material selection in construction is crucial for balancing cost, sustainability, and performance. Responsible sourcing of materials can significantly reduce a building's environmental footprint while ensuring that upfront costs align with long-term savings.
Mindful material sourcing involves choosing options that have been certified for sustainability, such as timber from responsibly managed forests, recycled steel, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional concrete. By prioritizing materials with lower embodied energy—like wood or recycled steel—builders can effectively lower the overall carbon impact of their projects.4
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of traditional materials like concrete and steel presents challenges for sustainable construction. However, innovations are emerging to address these concerns. Global suppliers like Holcim are actively developing low-carbon concrete products that aim to reduce the environmental impact of cement production, thus contributing to greener construction practices.
Similarly, ArcelorMittal is innovating in the steel industry with lightweight and high-strength options that minimize material usage without compromising performance. These advancements are key to addressing the environmental impact of large infrastructure and high-rise buildings.4
The Role of Sustainability in Construction
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost-benefit analysis also plays a crucial role in material selection, especially when it comes to sustainable materials. While green alternatives like engineered wood or smart materials may carry higher upfront costs, they often lead to long-term savings through reduced energy consumption, less maintenance, and longer lifespans. For example, using engineered wood products like CLT in place of steel or concrete can reduce construction time and material costs while contributing to sustainability goals.4 The initial investment in these materials is frequently balanced by the benefits they provide over the life cycle of the building.
The Future is Now: Nanomaterials and Self-Healing Concrete in Construction
Cutting-edge innovations such as nanomaterials and self-healing technologies are shaping the future of construction materials, offering new possibilities in strength, durability, and sustainability.
Nanotechnology, in particular, is opening the door to new possibilities in construction by enhancing materials at the molecular level. Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, offer extraordinary strength, lightweight properties, and improved durability. These innovative substances have the potential to substantially decrease the quantity of materials required in construction, thereby reducing both costs and environmental impact.5
Similarly, self-healing concrete is emerging as another technology set to alter the construction landscape. It contains microcapsules that release restorative agents when cracks emerge, enabling the material to autonomously repair itself. This extends the lifespan of structures and reduces the need for frequent maintenance, making it incredibly valuable for infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. While self-healing concrete carries greater initial costs, the long-term savings in upkeep and repair expenses make it an appealing option.5
Conclusion
The construction industry is at a critical juncture, with a range of robust, sustainable, and innovative materials becoming available. Leading companies are driving solutions to tackle urgent issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and rapid urbanization. By carefully evaluating the cost, environmental footprint, and performance of these materials, architects and builders can create structures that are not only durable and efficient but also future-ready, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable built environment.
What to Expect from the Construction Industry by 2030
References and Further Reading
- Allen, E. et al. (2019). Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods. Spain: Wiley. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Fundamentals_of_Building_Construction/2HGqDwAAQBAJ
- Sterley, M. et al. (2020). Building and construction: Timber engineering and wood-based products. Adhesive Bonding (Second Edition), 571-603. DOI:10.1016/B978-0-12-819954-1.00021-6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128199541000216
- Liu, P. et al. (2022). Aerogels Meet Phase Change Materials: Fundamentals, Advances, and Beyond. ACS Nano. DOI:10.1021/acsnano.2c05067. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.2c05067
- Hossain, M. U. et al. (2020). Circular economy and the construction industry: Existing trends, challenges and prospective framework for sustainable construction. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 130, 109948. DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2020.109948. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032120302392
- Goyal, R. et al. (2023). Nanomaterials based self-healing concrete. Materials Today: Proceedings. DOI:10.1016/j.matpr.2023.03.553. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214785323016206
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