What are Construction Surfaces? Your 2024 Guide

Updated by Nazanin Ghodsian, 09/16/2024

 

Any structure must have building materials, and the selection of these materials has an immediate effect on the project’s usefulness and endurance. A vast range of construction surfaces are utilized in modern construction; each is chosen for its structural qualities and performance. To ensure safety and compliance, local and national rules control the usage of building materials in various regions. Architects, however, frequently choose materials based on both price and visual appeal.

Selecting the appropriate construction surfaces can greatly extend a project’s life and robustness. Two essential properties, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, are critical in defining how surfaces interact with water. Buildings made of construction materials having these qualities can be stronger and require less upkeep. The building business is changing as a result of the usage of modern construction surfaces, such as materials that are lightweight and environmentally friendly.

Modern construction materials science has produced ground-breaking discoveries lately. With the availability of construction surfaces that are stronger, lighter, and more sustainable, eco-friendly building is becoming more and more distinct from conventional building techniques. Building methods that are more sustainable and efficient are becoming possible thanks to these developments.

 

The 5 Most Common Construction Surfaces

Here are the 5 most common construction surfaces:

 

1. Concrete

One of the most used construction surfaces is concrete. It is a composite material made of coarse and fine aggregate combined with water and cement as a binder. After that, the mixture is given time to set and cure. It takes seven days for concrete to cure and an average of 28 days for it to reach its peak strength. The most popular use of reinforced concrete is in buildings, where steel is incorporated into the concrete to boost its tensile strength.

Concrete is available in a variety of types; waterproof and lightweight concrete are two examples. The type of concrete used depends on the project. The fact that concrete can be poured into any shape and hardened into a substance that resembles stone is one of its greatest benefits. Because of its cost and versatility, concrete is one of the common construction surfaces. We use concrete for:

• Foundations
• Residential building construction
• Commercial building construction
• Bridge construction
• Culverts and sewers

 

2. Steel

When we discovered that steel could be used as a reinforcement material, the building of skyscrapers took off. Steel is an iron and carbon alloy composite material. Steel is one of the very practical and strong construction surfaces. In comparison to other construction surfaces, it is also less expensive to freight, lightweight, and easy to deal with. Steel does not easily deform unless a significant amount of weight is applied to it; even when bent, steel maintains its structural integrity. Steel is used to construct the structural frameworks of tall, contemporary buildings because of its structural stability.

One of steel’s unique characteristics is its high strength-to-weight ratio. Installing it takes less time than concrete, and it may be done in any kind of setting. Steel, however, is prone to rust if put incorrectly. Steel has several disadvantages when used as a building material, one of which is its propensity to degrade at high temperatures. The type of steel determines how resistant it is to fire. We commonly use steel in construction for the following purposes:

• For Structural Sections: We use steel as reinforcing bars to increase the tensile strength of structures.
• Roofing: We use steel to make roofing products such as purlins, internal walls, ceilings, and cladding.
• Internal Fixtures: We use them to make interior fittings such as rails and stairs.
• Utilities: We construct underground water, fuel, power, and gas lines using steel.

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3. Wood

Given how long it has been used, wood is possibly one of the oldest construction surfaces for structure. It is inexpensive and readily available, robust and long-lasting, and adaptable in every way. To take on desired shapes, it can be molded, cured, or bent. Wood is a sustainable material for the environment in addition to being strong. Wood may be used to construct both residential and commercial structures, and it blends well with other construction surfaces. It functions well with marble, aluminum, and steel. Wood is easier to standardize in size and comparatively light when compared to other building materials. It is an excellent insulator and soundproofed with a high tensile strength. We use wood in construction in the following areas:

• Construction of walls, floors, and ceilings
• Construction of interiors such as door and window frames
• Frames of structures in buildings and bridges
• Thermal insulation
• Acoustic insulation

 

4. Stone

One of the most durable construction surfaces is stone. Stone is used to construct the world’s oldest structures. Stone is frequently used for flooring and walls because of its adaptable texture. Stone is available in a wide range of hues and textures, from rough to smooth. Stones like sandstone, granite, and marble are examples of construction surfaces. Standard stone is less expensive, but special finishes cost more. Quality and color affect how long it takes to produce marble countertops and how much it costs.

Stone has some shortcomings. Because of its weight, its density impacts how workable it is, making it tough to move. Stone is useless as insulation in cold climates since it is a poor insulator as well. We use stone in construction in the following aspects:

• As rough aggregate in construction
• In masonry works for walls, dams, and bridge piers
• As ballast for railways
• For damp proofing of external walls
• Stones like marble are used for making excellent polish finishes.

 

5. Brick/Masonry

Bricks are rectangular blocks that are used in masonry and are joined together with mortar. Traditionally, dried and heated clay was used to make bricks. Although they can shatter easily, they have a strong resistance to compression. These days, steel-reinforced concrete blocks are the most important bricks available. Masonry is strong and resistant to fire. Because of its great compressive strength, load-bearing walls are built with it. When reinforced with concrete, masonry can support multi-story buildings, making it a cost-effective building option. Masonry is used in various construction components such as:

• Used for walls
• Used for masonry foundations
• Other types, such as veneer masonry, are used for decorating finishes.
• Masonry is also used for gabion construction in flood-prone areas.

 

Innovative Construction Surfaces: Solving Past Problems

Cement cracking is a far more significant issue than most people realize. Even though aesthetics are vital, it’s not just about that. No, there is a structural issue with this; water will seep into the fracture and start to compromise the strength of the concrete. The action of freezing and unfreezing exacerbates this issue in a setting with fluctuating temperatures.

During bitterly cold winters, the water in the crack swells, pushing the split’s edges slightly apart. Moreover, as the ice melts in the spring, water will seep farther into the cement, widening the fracture and jeopardizing the building’s structural stability. But what if concrete could mend itself? or metal, or perhaps asphalt? Not only may billions of pounds be saved on restoration and repair costs alone, but replacing defective construction surfaces would also result in less environmental impact.

Certain contemporary construction surfaces might find a niche market, but several cutting-edge materials have the potential to spread broadly. Traditional brick and concrete constructions will eventually be replaced by more sustainable buildings. Humanity needs energy-efficient, lightweight, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing buildings while also being extremely functional. Lighter equipment is easier to move and uses less fuel, which helps to reduce its environmental effect. This is because heavier construction surfaces will result in greater shipping expenses for construction equipment.

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The Most Innovative Construction Surfaces

Here are the most intriguing and cutting-edge construction surfaces currently in use and some intriguing concepts being evaluated in pilot projects. Certain building materials aren’t always brand-new; in other words, if a technology has been around for a while, it’s still being employed sparingly and with caution. Both decorative finishes and the main components of building constructions are made from new construction surfaces.

 

1. Transparent Wood

Transparent wood, the newest environmentally friendly material, was first introduced in 2016. But it wasn’t until 2020 that the researcher, working with a group from the University of Maryland in College Park, developed a technique to turn wood transparent, that they declared the tests were finished and they had reached a stable outcome. Transparent wood is more thermally efficient and at least five times lighter and stronger than glass. These qualities make it an intriguing alternative to windows made of plastic or glass. Additional benefits include the raw material’s eco-friendliness and renewability. A balsa tree can reach adulthood in just five years due to its rapid growth.

Additionally, production costs are far cheaper than in the glass industry, where the use of electricity and high temperatures results in a substantial carbon imprint. Because it includes natural cellulose, transparent wood is highly flexible. Balsa wood is soaked in a specific solution to achieve transparency, and epoxy resin is then applied to the structure. As an alternative to conventional glass units or other components, translucent wood or wooden glass can be utilized to create long-lasting, environmentally responsible, and energy-efficient buildings.

 

2. Flexicomb

The structure of Flexicomb is inspired by nature; as its name suggests, it is modeled after honeycombs. This seemingly straightforward concept has shown to be incredibly adaptable and useful. The concept originated at Yale University, where researchers examined the structure of honeycombs. Straws can be arranged into an array to easily form a structure that resembles a honeycomb. It also provides an opportunity to recycle or upcycle drinking straws, a typical plastic annoyance.

Thousands of tightly coiled polypropylene tubes form a flexible matrix that can be shaped into many shapes in Flexicomb. Because these structures are transparent, decorative lighting fixtures are frequently made from them.

 

3. Richlite

Richlite is a sturdy composite material made of paper. It is composed of scrap paper that has been compressed into smooth, rigid panels that are ready for processing. One of Richlite’s key benefits is that properly obtained paper is considerably more environmentally benign than many of the most popular construction surfaces. But because of technology, it can now be used as an incredible raw material that is essential for eco-construction. Richlite is easily machined, sanded, and connected, and it functions similarly to dense hardwood as opposed to stone or other hard surfaces.

Richlite has low moisture absorption, strong heat resistance, and fire resistance, making it a sanitary and water-resistant material. Its attractive appearance and natural finish don’t hurt either. It is therefore employed in a wide range of sectors, including furniture design and building. It even serves as a high-quality substitute for pricey ebony in musical instrument production. Richlite has become a well-known substance that many architects adore for finishing furniture, interior design pieces, and imaginative constructions.

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4. Laminated Wood

This is a creative substance that incorporates wood into every aspect. The wood is formed into a solid block that is far stronger than regular wood by pressing it into panels and laminating it. There are several sub-types of this category, including laminated and cross-laminated wood. Laminated wood is used to make sturdy beams by adhering multiple pieces of lumber together. Large panels that can support huge loads are created by laying wood pieces in alternating directions to form cross-laminated timber. Both kinds of wood have a high fire resistance.

When the outer layers burn, charring is created that aids in insulating the remaining wood. They proved to be able to keep their structural integrity through fire resistance testing. When solid wood is used in buildings and during the tree’s growth, carbon capture is facilitated. One study that was published in the Journal of Sustainable Forestry claims that using sustainable forestry can eliminate 14–31% of global emissions by using wood instead of other construction surfaces for structures like houses and bridges.

 

5. Bending, Flexible Concrete

It should come as no surprise that one of the most common goals of materials science research is to enhance the quality of concrete. Concrete is the foundation for practically all buildings these days. As we’ve already discussed, one issue with concrete is that it may chip and shatter easily. Furthermore, even though concrete is incredibly strong, the amount of weight it can support is restricted. By removing reinforcing from concrete structures back in 2014, Singaporeans were able to increase the strength and decrease the weight of the material while also adding flexibility—a quality that regular concrete does not have.

ConFlexPave, a revolutionary concrete, has up to three times the flexibility and strength of regular concrete because of a special ingredient. By incorporating the thinnest polymer microfibres into the mixture, loads are dispersed over the whole concrete slab. When it is bent, this helps it become twice as strong as ordinary concrete and as robust as metal. But perfection never ends, and scientists are still working to create flexible concrete. For instance, Swinburne University experts have produced concrete without the use of cement while maintaining its exceptional flexibility and load capacity.

Because it contains fly ash and geopolymer composites, two common waste outputs from coal-fired power plants, this new type of concrete is also environmentally friendly. Additionally, since it solidifies at ambient temperature, unreasonably large production expenses are not required. Most notable, though, is that the new concrete retains the same strength but is 400 times more flexible than conventional concrete.

In addition to increasing the flexural coefficient, geopolymers also strengthen the material’s resilience to potential microfractures. Because the new material reduces the likelihood of buildings constructed of such concrete collapsing, it can be employed in earthquake-prone areas. The polymer fibers in the concrete hold the structure together even when there are cracks.

This innovative substance is essentially a roll of concrete fabric. Its adaptability presents new building challenges as well as endless creative opportunities for architects. A variety of construction activities and more are accomplished with the proprietary Concrete Canvas® solution. It makes it possible to construct concrete structures with little installation and specialized knowledge.

Unfold a prepared roll and add water to complete the installation, which is typically 10 times faster. This auxiliary material strengthens reservoirs and pipes, repairs and preserves slopes and surfaces, and makes other pre-construction tasks easier. It is also used in the preparation of infrastructure facilities, such as canals.

 

6. Hydroceramics (Passive Cooling)

This composite facade material, which may chill a building’s interior by up to 6 °C, is composed of clay and hydrogel. Building systems that “become a living being as part of nature, not beyond it” are made possible by hydroceramics, which make use of the hydrogel’s capacity to absorb 500 times more water than its weight.

In 2014, Spanish students at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia created the technique. Since then, architects and the building industry have placed a high demand on this novel material that permits self-cooling systems. Given that it can reduce typical cooling device energy usage by up to 28%, it is particularly well-liked for use in eco-construction projects.

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7. Sensitiles — Decorative Acrylic Tile

Not all novel construction surfaces have novel physical characteristics, such as strength or safety. These materials may also include technology to produce breathtaking décor and the realization of the most audacious design concepts. A novel kind of finishing construction material is an acrylic fiber tile that is sensitive to light, touch, and movement. The tile can glitter, light up, absorb, and scatter nearby colors on its surface as a result of the optical fiber’s ability to transfer light and react. Using this material for decorating opens up new possibilities in interior and architectural design.

 

8. Liquid Granite

Artificial “Liquid” stone is sprayed onto surfaces such as concrete, brickwork, stone, and asphalt. It is a unique liquid construction combination composed of 70% marble chips and 30% special additives and decorative filler. The liquid’s composition causes it to congeal into a tight seal that gives the surface strength and a pleasing appearance. Because it contains mineral fillers, natural marble chips, and safe resins, liquid granite is an environmentally beneficial material. This composite material is frequently utilized in finishing operations, such as when manufacturing or painting specific interior components or structures.

 

9. Self-Healing Concrete

“Self-healing concrete” sounds a little bit out of this world. Using microorganisms, inventor Henk Jonkers of Delft University of Technology demonstrated a novel way to fix cracks in concrete back in 2015. The basic idea behind the method is this: when water came into contact with capsules that contained particular bacteria and nutrients for them, the bacteria were activated. Concrete that had cracked was repaired with moisture and filled with limestone that the bacteria had created.

A different approach developed by Korean researchers supplemented this biotechnology by adding capsules containing a specific polymer to concrete. It also starts to react when exposed to moisture and sunlight, expanding and filling the fissure. Conventional concrete is a tried-and-true building material but loses its qualities when it cracks. Globally, a large number of materials science experts are attempting to modernize the base material.

It has also been demonstrated recently that Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) scientists in the United States have created bio-concrete. Here, calcium carbonate crystals that release CO2 are treated with an enzyme; the resulting material has qualities akin to concrete. As a result, every fracture is sealed, and the concrete’s strength increases.

In a single day, this technique may repair a 1 mm crack. Researchers at the University of Colorado have also developed something based on bacterial photosynthesis. Sand, gelatin, and cyanobacteria—bacteria that perform photosynthesis—combine to form concrete. In response to water, they swell up to fill in any gaps.

 

10. Cabkoma — Hydrocarbon Threads, String Support

Earthquake-resistant materials are crucial for areas vulnerable to earthquakes, such as Japan. For this reason, the laboratory of Komatsu Seiten Fabric has created the CABKOMA Strand Rod, a thermoplastic carbon fiber composite.

The world’s lightest seismic reinforcing system is created when inorganic and synthetic fibers are placed onto the composite and finished with thermoplastic resin. The novel strands have a pattern that is rather attractive and is nearly five times lighter than metal wire with the same strength. They also work well, assisting buildings in meeting seismic reinforcing needs. Of course, the disadvantage of CABKOMA is its cost, just like that of any material based on carbon fiber.

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11. Bio-Coal Lining

Made of Air, a Berlin-based firm, has created a unique, non-toxic bioplastic using biochar derived from agricultural and forest waste. It is carbon-neutral and may be used for furniture, interior design, transportation, and urban infrastructure, among other things. The regenerated substance has 90% carbon, can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, and has no carbon of its own.

The carbon-rich, porous substance is particularly excellent in retaining carbon. Biochar doesn’t decompose quickly like biomass does, releasing its carbon back into the atmosphere over hundreds or thousands of years. Although Made of Air’s biochar plastic is less expensive than traditional bioplastics, it is still more costly than construction surfaces derived from petroleum.

The substance, known as HexChar, was utilized for the first time in a building when it was put in place as cladding material at an Audi store in Munich in 2021. The cladding of the dealership is expected to store 14 tons of carbon, according to a lifetime analysis.

 

12. Carbon Fiber

Although carbon fiber has been utilized for a long time in many sports, it is undoubtedly a material of the future! However, the building industry, which commonly needs a combination of strength and lightness, has been using this novel material more and more. Compared to aluminum, carbon fiber weighs 30% less and is 75% lighter than iron. It is used to reduce the thickness of panels and, thus, lessen their weight, as well as to strengthen conventional construction surfaces to increase their strength, such as bricks, reinforced concrete blocks, and wooden structures. Additionally, concrete reinforced with carbon fiber offers superior thermal insulation. The material’s exorbitant cost is the only drawback preventing its wider deployment.

 

13. Aerogel

99.8% of the world’s material is made of air, making it the toughest and lightest substance ever! This artificial porous lightweight material is made from a gel in which gas has been added in place of the liquid component. As a result, the body is incredibly solid and has very little density and heat conductivity. It feels like brittle polystyrene foam to the touch.

A wide range of chemical substances can be used to create aerogels. It was Samuel Stephens Kistler’s idea and was first produced in 1931. He contended that he could switch out the liquid for gas without making the building smaller. Silica gels were used to create the first aerogels. Later research by Kistler focused on aerogels made of tin dioxide, aluminum oxide, and chromium oxide. The late 1980s saw the initial development of carbon aerogels.

The ability of aerogels to transmit heat less than the gas they contain is one of their unique qualities. Due to its exceptional thermal insulation properties, this is one of the construction surfaces that finds extensive application in industrial thermal insulation that is both efficient and eco-friendly. Aerogels can be utilized as a collecting matrix for the smallest dust particles because of their high and tiny porosity.

 

14. Transparent Aluminum

This future stuff exists in the physical world. To put it simply, it is an aluminum oxynitride (AlON)-based transparent ceramic. This material’s resilience and resistance to scratches are its key characteristics. Transparent aluminum is 85% harder than sapphire and far more resilient than aluminosilicate glass, or quartz. It can also tolerate temperatures as high as 2,100°C. It is impervious to water, acids, radiation, and alkalis. Naturally, the military and optical sectors embraced the material right away. However, impact-resistant windows, domes, and other components that demand strength and transparency are constructed using it.

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15. Hemp Rebar

Scientists at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States have developed a hemp substitute for steel reinforcement that, according to them, eliminates the issue of corrosion and lowers carbon emissions during building. Because of its composition and longevity, hemp reinforcement can be used to support concrete structures in the same manner that steel and other reinforcements are used today, but with less of an impact on the environment.

At the moment, the primary cause of the early demolition of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other facilities is the rusting of steel reinforcing. The use of innovative hemp reinforcing will triple corrosion resistance and endurance. Furthermore, hemp reinforcement is a more environmentally friendly option than glass fiber reinforcement in constructions that are especially prone to corrosion because it requires less energy to develop and install.

The innovations that are now being used in the construction sector are far more numerous than those on this list. Every year, new construction surfaces are added to the existing ones, or an even better solution takes the place of an older one. In the construction industry, cutting-edge construction surfaces and creative digital solutions have the potential to completely transform project management and produce genuinely futuristic structures.

 

16. For Passive Cooling

White is known for its exceptional ability to reflect light. However, as it happens, it is feasible to produce the “Whitest paint in the world” that can cool rooms like an air conditioner. A white paint made by Purdue University researchers reflects 98.1% of the sun’s light. The chemistry of the paint, which includes barium sulfate, is its secret.

This produces a dazzlingly pure white that has a reflecting quality. The test findings show that applying the paint produces amazing outcomes: painting a 90 m2 roof can produce 10 kW of cooling power. This amount is more than what most residential air conditioners have to provide. In addition to being used for building cooling, the new paint can stop outside electrical equipment from overheating.

 

The Importance of Selecting the Correct Materials

The choice of construction surfaces is essential for any construction or remodeling job. Even if most contractors already know how much they want to pay, it is still advisable to take the construction surfaces’ suitability for the project into account, regardless of price. Some of the reasons why choosing the appropriate materials for a building project is crucial are listed below.

 

1. The Durability of the Construction Surfaces

The project’s warranty period and defects liability period are impacted by construction surfaces durability. To guarantee a structure’s stability, it is also necessary to make sure that the building components are long-lasting. One can distribute raw materials, environmental and energy consequences over time, and repair and replace durable construction components less frequently. Buildings can be altered for purposes unrelated to their structural integrity; durability planning establishes a fair goal for a building’s service life.

 

2. Cost of Construction Surfaces

One of the most important topics of conversation for engineers, clients, and architects is material pricing. But it’s not always a good idea to hunt for the cheapest goods without taking their usefulness and longevity into account. Using the right construction surfaces for your project will pay off in the long run and save costs.

 

3. Environmental Impact of Construction Surfaces

Cost, structural integrity, and thermal qualities are the main factors considered while selecting building materials. Building materials do, however, have an impact on the environment due to energy consumption and pollutants during the manufacturing process.

Throughout the construction process, waste problems are exacerbated by low-quality construction surfaces. Throughout the anticipated life of a project, construction surfaces have an impact on recycling alternatives and lifespan. It is recommended that you use an environmentally friendly material if you have the choice and it doesn’t compromise quality.

 

4. Better Adherence to Project Milestones

The order in which construction operations are completed might be impacted by improper material selection for your material management system. Using high-quality construction surfaces will reduce the need for repairs and enable project completion within the allotted time frames.

 

Construction

Any substance utilized in the construction of a structure is referred to as a building material. The construction business uses a wide variety of construction surfaces. Depending on each material’s structural capabilities, different one is employed. Local and national regulations control the construction surfaces used in construction in different areas. On the other hand, architects select construction surfaces according to cost and beauty. By selecting the right material, you may prolong and improve the life of your project.

Recent years have seen a significant breakthrough in modern materials research. There are revolutionary new building materials out there right now. Thanks to novel synthetic materials, construction surfaces that are lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly than conventional materials are being developed. These advancements promote the construction of completely new, environmentally friendly architecture that is very different from what we are used to.

Utilizing a variety of materials during building strengthens and improves the final product. Both the construction surfaces industry and the construction sector are expanding quickly. As a result, a variety of contemporary construction surfaces are used to ensure project success. To determine which material is most effective during the planning stage of a project, construction planners must examine the construction surfaces they have selected. The quality of supplies is also greatly influenced by suppliers, so you should pick a reliable source and collaborate with them to ensure that your materials are delivered on schedule.

 

How does Wood Compare to Other Construction Materials Like Concrete and Steel?

• Answer: Wood is a lightweight, environmentally friendly material with superior soundproofing and insulating qualities. It compliments other materials like metal and stone and is more versatile and easier to deal with than concrete or steel. But compared to steel or concrete, it is less resilient, and it might need to be treated to last longer.
  

What Innovative Construction Surfaces are Gaining Popularity Today?

• Answer: Because of their durability, strength, and favorable effects on the environment, cutting-edge materials like liquid granite, transparent wood, flexicomb, richlite, and self-healing concrete are becoming more and more popular. These materials have a minimal negative impact on the environment while providing fresh answers to construction problems.

 

Resources:

Proest | Planradar | Autodesk | GHBA | DesignBuilder | HudExchange | Dupont

For all the pictures: Freepik