Innovation in essentials of construction materials

Civil engineering is raving up fast with new innovations being made rapidly. From sealants to adhesives, from wall solutions to roofing, it is getting environmental or technological friendly with every invention, which is indeed need of the hour.
Innovations in construction material industry are imperative to better manage the construction process and boost efficiency as well as provide cost-effective solutions. It also minimizes construction time along with adding durability factor.
Presenting to you with such 5 mind-blowing innovations that have brought new face to buildings-

• Dryfix, a revolution in masonry-

Dryfix is a revolutionary bond (or glue) that is a complete wall building solution and is highly superior to the traditional mortar used by masons. Unlike mortar, which is messy to work with and takes days to settle and requires loads of water for curing, Dryfix is a strong adhesive bond that requires no curation and is ready to use. With this innovative product you can build walls almost 50 percent faster. It is easy to use and leaves no debris to be dumped. It is also seasonally independent and cost-effective. Porothermdryfix drastically reduces gaps and joints, hence leaving no thermal bridges.

Image Courtesy: Wienerberger

• Bamboo corrugated sheets, a boon for people residing in earthquake prone areas-

Bamboo is well known for its robust and versatile nature. Bamboo, one of the best substitutes for wood, which is on the verge of getting extinct, is being extensively used in constructions, especially the low-budget buildings.  Its versatility allows it to be made into different forms like mat board, mat veneer composite, etc. among which bamboo corrugated sheets for roofing has highest merits. These bamboo roof sheets are the perfect substitute for asbestos and galvanized steel sheets used for roofing, particularly in the earthquake prone areas. They are lightweight, natural, energy-efficient and cost-effective, which also falls under green construction materials.

ImageCourtesy: www.habitat.org

• ‘Green wood’, the story of rages to riches!

‘Green wood’, an innovation by par, a 16 years old Delhi based girl, has made these bricks out of unwanted rice husks and straw mixed with resin which are then pressed to form particleboard. They’re believed to be free from fungi and mould and can be used for construction purposes. Alternatively, it can also be used as substitute for wood for making low-cost furniture.

• Hollow bricks, a smart innovation for fast and easy construction

Hollow bricks, yet another innovation in essentials of construction materials has successfully raised the process as well as the buildings to a whole new level. With hollow bricks the construction is fast due to uniformity in the make and pattern of the bricks. They are bigger compared to traditional solid bricks and hence reduce the joints thereby consuming less masonry, which helps to cut costs. They’re light in weight, which makes handling easy and speed-up the process that further reduces the cost. Since they’re made of natural resources like clay it helps in reducing energy consumption by providing a means for thermal insulation.

Image Courtesy: Wienerberger

• Bricks born from ashes, all in one rural area

RHA (Rice Husk Ash) brick is the brainchild of a farmer who believes in natural farming based in Kanchipuram. In the urge to prevent farming land turning infertile due to dumping of rice husk, this genius who has won rural innovation award started making these bricks.  These bricks can be done easily by combining RHA with sand, quarry dust and some cement. They are low-cost bricks and helps conserve the environment.

• Bagasse Particle Board as innovative laminated flooring- 

Bagasse, the leftover pulp of sugarcane after the extraction of juice can be used as a substitute for wood in particleboard. Bagasse is generated in large scale especially in sugar mills which otherwise go waste. Though bagasse is the core material used for laminated floors, it doesn't provide enough strength on its own and has poor water resistance. However, when combined with resin, which acts as bonding agent along with wax that is used as dimensional stabilizer, these particleboard can be used for laminated flooring. Further, bagasse based partial boards can also be used to make furniture which are not only Eco-friendly but also cost-effective.

All these innovative building materials have brought a wave of change not only in terms of saving environment by reducing use of concrete, wood and other traditional resources, but have also provided architects room to think creatively to inculcate green concept in their designs.   

This is a Guest Post by Wienerberger, the world leaders in Building Material solutions, present across 30 countries and 215 manufacturing units across the globe, provides complete solutions to our clients by delivering smart building materials and smart solutions.