Classification of Building Materials – #Building Materials

Classification of Building Materials 

1. Introduction

Building materials are the substances used in the construction of buildings and other structures.
They are selected based on strength, durability, cost, availability, and suitability for a specific purpose.

👉 Classification of building materials means grouping these materials into categories based on their nature, source, properties, and uses to make selection easier in construction work.

2. Core Concepts (Main Classifications)

Building materials can be classified in several ways. The most important exam-based classifications are given below:

1. Classification Based on Origin
2. Natural Materials

These are obtained directly from nature with little processing.

Material	Source	Use
Stone	Quarries	Foundations, walls
Timber	Trees	Doors, windows, roofs
Sand	Rivers, pits	Mortar, concrete
Clay	Earth	Bricks, tiles

Features:

• Environment-friendly
• Limited availability
• Less uniform quality

2. Artificial (Manufactured) Materials

These are produced by processing natural materials in factories.

Material	Made From	Use
Bricks	Clay	Walls
Cement	Limestone, clay	Concrete, mortar
Steel	Iron ore	Reinforcement
Glass	Sand	Windows

Features:

• Uniform quality
• Large-scale production
• Better strength and durability

1. Classification Based on Chemical Composition
2. Metallic Materials

Contain metals and alloys.

Examples:

• Steel
• Aluminium
• Copper

Properties:

• High strength
• Good conductivity
• Ductile and malleable

2. Non-Metallic Materials

Do not contain metals.

Examples:

• Bricks
• Cement
• Timber
• Glass

Properties:

• Less strength than metals
• Good insulation
• Resistant to corrosion

1. Classification Based on Function (Use in Construction)
2. Structural Materials

Used to carry loads.

Material	Function
Concrete	Beams, slabs
Steel	Reinforcement
Stone	Foundations

2. Finishing Materials

Used for appearance and protection.

Material	Use
Paint	Surface protection
Tiles	Flooring
Plaster	Wall finishing

1. Classification Based on Physical Properties
2. Heavy Materials

Have high density.

Examples: Stone, bricks, concrete
Used for: Load-bearing structures

2. Light Materials

Have low density.

Examples: Timber, aluminium, plastic
Used for: Partitions, roofs

1. Classification Based on Durability
2. Perishable Materials

Short life span.

Examples: Timber, bamboo

2. Non-Perishable Materials

Long life span.

Examples: Stone, bricks, steel

3. Step-by-Step Practical Examples

Example 1: Classifying Materials for a House

Question:
Classify the following materials: Stone, Cement, Timber, Steel.

Step 1: Identify origin

Material	Origin
Stone	Natural
Cement	Artificial
Timber	Natural
Steel	Artificial

Step 2: Identify type

Material	Type
Stone	Non-metallic
Cement	Non-metallic
Timber	Non-metallic
Steel	Metallic

Example 2: Selecting Materials for Different Purposes

Problem:
Which materials should be used for:

1. Load-bearing wall
2. Decorative flooring

Step 1: Identify function

• Load-bearing → Structural material
• Flooring → Finishing material

Step 2: Select suitable materials

Purpose	Material
Load-bearing wall	Brick, stone, concrete
Decorative flooring	Marble, tiles

4. Visual Aid Description (Diagram / Flowchart)

A useful flowchart would look like this:

Title: Classification of Building Materials

Start with a central box:

➡ Building Materials

Then divide into main branches:

1. Based on Origin
   • Natural
   • Artificial
2. Based on Composition
   • Metallic
   • Non-metallic
3. Based on Use
   • Structural
   • Finishing
4. Based on Weight
   • Heavy
   • Light

Each branch further splits into examples (e.g., Natural → Stone, Timber).

This tree-type diagram helps in quick revision before exams.

5. Exam Focus: Must-Know Points ⭐

• Building materials are classified to simplify selection for construction purposes.
• Natural materials come directly from nature, artificial materials are factory-made.
• Structural materials carry loads, finishing materials improve appearance.
• Metallic materials are strong and conductive; non-metallic materials resist corrosion.
• Stone, brick, steel, and concrete are non-perishable materials.