All the different items that are used in the construction of a building, from the carpentry stage to the facade, are called building materials. Building materials have undergone major changes with the passage of time and development and increase in construction. The materials that are used now are basically old materials that have changed a lot over time not only in terms of appearance but also in terms of ingredients and resistance. In the past, building materials were more penetrating and had a shorter lifespan, and their appearance has changed over time. Today, building materials have more variety and longevity.
Currently, buildings are built based on and according to human needs, and this industry has changed a lot compared to the past. These changes not only include building materials but also the type of construction. Today, due to the increasing population, the construction industry is more towards building skyscrapers and apartments, therefore the building and construction materials must have a high resistance in order to meet the most basic human need, which is security. Construction materials are very diverse and different with different functions.
The most widely used building materials
Cement is one of the most widely used materials in construction. This building material is obtained from the combination of lime (calcium oxide) with alkaline oxides, iron oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide. Cement is basically a water-based adhesive that hardens and turns into a hard material when combined with water. Basically, at the beginning of mixing cement with water, this chemical turns into a paste and hardens over time, that's why it is widely used in gluing materials together. Cement is produced and offered to the market in different types. Portland cement (which is produced in 5 types), white cement, porcelain cement are types of cement.
Important features of cement and its types
Different types of cement by combining with water become a hard object that has high resistance, the difference between types of cement is their setting time and also their strength. The important point when using cement is that this material shrinks when it hardens, so fillers must be used when using cement. Basically, fillers reduce the shrinkage of cement. Cement has a very high resistance to fire and also has a high compressive strength, that's why it is resistant to impact. Finally, it should be said that the price of cement depends a lot on its type.