ABSTRACT
The majority of construction materials are supplied to metric dimensions; however, a few materials still retain their imperial designations. The design detailing of weathering steel must ensure that rainwater run-off does not cause staining to adjacent materials, particularly concrete and glass, during the first few years of exposure to rain. The two alternative materials for tensile roof structures are Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated polyester fabric and PTFE-coated woven glass-fibre. Most granites are hard and dense and are therefore highly durable building materials, impermeable to water and resistant to impact damage. The plastics used in the construction industry are generally low-density non-load-bearing materials. Foamed plastics for thermal and acoustic insulation are formulated either as open or closed-cell materials, the latter being resistant to the passage of air and water. Whilst some materials such as rubber and cellulose derivatives are based on natural products, the majority of plastics are produced from petrochemical products.
