5 Innovative Materials That are Changing the Construction Industry
Blindbolt UK | 2nd September 2020
UK Construction Industry
In the world of construction, leading companies are always looking to find ways to get things done a lot more efficiently and with greater quality. The idea is to provide the best possible results in the best possible time. If you can satisfy the customer and get things done quicker, then you're more likely to hit success.
As time gets on, the construction industry is constantly looking at building materials that can be used, adapted, or evolved in order to provide a better end result. As a result, they've managed to increase the quality of the architecture and the overall projects hugely with some innovative and ground-breaking finds. Here are innovating and sustainable building materials that are changing the construction industry:
Mass Timber
Over time, timber slowly decreased in many construction projects. Concrete and steel replaced timber due to the strength and fire resistance, understandably. Timber is becoming more popular again, however, in the form of mass timber. This is basically solid wood that has been panelised and laminated in order to increase its strength and durability. With mass timber, construction companies can lower their carbon footprint while reducing the overall cost of building materials.
Programmable Cement
Cement mixed with water, sand, and stone forms concrete, of course. Concrete is porous, allowing water and chemicals through - this degrades the concrete and can lead to rust in the steel supports encased within. A discovery has been made, however, regarding a method for 'programming' the molecular structure inside the concrete as it sets. Builders could quite literally control the cement and make it form more tightly. This would mean the concrete would set harder and be less porous. A lot less would then be needed.
The Blind Bolt
The Blind Bolt has transcended the first generation of blind fixings, and fasteners have now become a product that is widely utilized throughout the construction industry. The idea of evolving in construction is to allow new ways of working to enter the minds of designers and architects, and the blind bolt certainly does that. This product means fixing into a girder cavity or box section is no longer an issue. It's a solid solution that reduces costs. It's innovating the construction industry while not even unlocking its full potential as of yet - there's still more to come from it.
Alusion Panels
The materials used for the likes of ceilings, floors, and cladding are often limited to brick, sheet metal, and concrete. Alusion is a product of Cymat Technologies in Canada, and it aims to provide architects and designers with a more versatile and suitable material that works well for floors, doors, and coverings. It's done by injecting air into molten aluminium, which forms bubbles due to the dispersion of ceramic particles in the mix.
Strand Rods
Earthquakes are a frequent part of life in Japan. Those at the Komatsu Seiten Fabric Laboratory have covered their head office in a thermoplastic carbon fibre composite named as the CABKOMA Strand Rod. It's now the world's lightest seismic reinforcement system. It's an attractive product and up to five times lighter than typical metal wires with the same strength.
Bolted Shut
The construction industry has seen a massive evolution in terms of new, innovative materials that are helping to change the way buildings are being constructed. Blind bolts are a huge part of the future; if you have any questions or just want to find out more about blind bolts, get in touch and speak to a member of our team on +61 3 9757 4989 or send us an email at enquiries@blindbolt.com.au. We looking forward to hearing from you.
The Blind Bolt