How can you choose the most durable and safe building materials?

1 Material properties

The first step is to understand the material properties that are relevant for your design objectives and constraints. Some of the common properties are strength, stiffness, ductility, durability, fire resistance, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. You should also consider how the materials interact with each other and with the surrounding environment, such as soil, water, and weather conditions. For example, concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so it needs reinforcement with steel bars or fibers. Steel is strong and ductile but prone to rusting, so it needs protection with coatings or galvanization.

2 Material availability

The second step is to check the availability and accessibility of the materials you want to use. Depending on your location, some materials may be more abundant and cheaper than others, or vice versa. You should also factor in the transportation and logistics costs and challenges of delivering the materials to your site. For example, wood is a renewable and versatile material, but it may not be readily available in some regions, or it may require special treatment and handling to prevent decay and pests. Brick is a durable and fire-resistant material, but it may be heavy and bulky to transport over long distances.

3 Material sustainability

The third step is to evaluate the sustainability and environmental impact of the materials you choose. You should aim to reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint, waste generation, and pollution associated with your materials, both during their production and their life cycle. You should also consider the recyclability and reusability of the materials, as well as their potential to enhance the natural features and biodiversity of your site. For example, bamboo is a fast-growing and biodegradable material that can be used for structural and aesthetic purposes, but it may require careful harvesting and processing to ensure its quality and durability. Glass is a transparent and recyclable material that can be used for insulation and lighting, but it may also increase the solar heat gain and glare in your building.

4 Material testing

The fourth step is to test the materials you select for their performance and reliability under various conditions and loads. You should conduct laboratory and field tests to verify the material properties, behavior, and compatibility that you assumed in your design calculations and specifications. You should also monitor and inspect the materials during and after their installation and operation, to detect any defects, damages, or failures that may compromise their safety and functionality. For example, concrete is tested for its compressive strength, slump, and curing time, using standard methods and equipment. Steel is tested for its tensile strength, yield point, and elongation, using universal testing machines and extensometers.

5 Material innovation

The fifth step is to explore the possibilities of using new or alternative materials that may offer better performance, efficiency, or aesthetics than the conventional ones. You should keep yourself updated with the latest research and development in the field of material science and engineering, and look for opportunities to apply them to your design challenges and solutions. You should also be creative and flexible in adapting and combining different materials to suit your specific needs and preferences. For example, carbon fiber is a lightweight and high-strength material that can be used for reinforcement or structural elements, but it is also expensive and difficult to work with. Aerogel is a super-insulating and transparent material that can be used for thermal and acoustic insulation, but it is also fragile and sensitive to moisture.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?