NUHU BAMALLI POLYTECHNIC ZARIA

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF

ARCHITECTURE
APPLICATION OF BUILDING MATERIALS

Assignment 10
Presents

BY
USMAN BALARABE MUSA
H = ARC = 2204870

AZARA
The Azara beams are also used to make frames constructions, beams, brackets, and
corbels as elements for carrying flat and domed roofs.

Azara beams and their potential use in building construction! If they're used for
framing, beams, brackets, and corbels, it sounds like Azara is a strong and durable
material that can support the weight of flat or domed roofs. I'm curious to know
more about the properties of Azara, such as its moisture resistance, strength-to-
weight ratio, and durability against pests. Can you tell me more about the
characteristics of Azara that make it suitable for these types of applications in
building construction?

Application of Azara Considering

Physical Property
Based on your description, Azara seems to have several physical properties that
make it suitable for various applications in building construction, including:

Strength: Azara beams must be strong enough to support flat and domed roofs,
suggesting that Azara is a strong and durable material that can resist bending and
breaking under load.

Flexibility: The use of Azara in brackets and corbels suggests that the material
may have some flexibility or malleability, which would allow it to be shaped and
formed into different shapes and sizes.

Application of Azara considering thermal property

Insulation: Like other wood materials, Azara may have some natural insulating
properties, which could help to keep a building warm in the winter and cool in the
summer.

Conductivity: The thermal conductivity of Azara could vary depending on its

density and moisture content. Drier, denser wood tends to have better thermal
insulation properties than moist or porous wood.

Application Of Azara
Considering Acoustic
Noise Reduction: Like other wood materials, Azara may have some noise
reduction properties, which could make it useful in spaces where acoustic
insulation is needed, such as music halls or recording studios.

Reverberation: The acoustic properties of Azara could depend on its density,

grain structure, and surface texture. Smoother surfaces and denser grains tend to
reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility.

Advantage And Disadvantage

Of Azara
Based on my understanding of Azara, here are some potential advantages and
disadvantages of using Azara in building construction
Strength: Azara is likely a strong and durable material that can resist bending and
breaking under load.

Sustainability: If Azara is a renewable resource, it could be a sustainable choice

for building construction.

Versatility: Azara may have some flexibility or malleability that allows it to be

shaped and formed into different shapes and sizes.

Disadvantages:

Durability: If Azara is not properly protected, it may be susceptible to damage

from moisture, pests, or other environmental factors.

Availability: Azara may not be widely available in all regions, which could limit
its use in some areas.

Cost: Azara may be more expensive than other building materials, which could
limit its use in some applications.

Precaution For The Application

Of Azara

Treatment: Azara should be treated to protect it from moisture, pests, or other

environmental factors that could damage the material.
Maintenance: Regular inspections and repairs may be necessary to ensure that
Azara remains in good condition over time.

Installation: Azara should be installed by experienced professionals who

understand the properties and requirements of the material.

Before using Azara in building construction, here are a few treatments that may be
necessary:

Drying: Azara should be dried to remove moisture and improve its strength and
durability. This can be done by air drying or kiln drying.

Sealing: Azara may need to be sealed with a protective coating to prevent moisture
damage or pest infestation. This could involve using a natural or synthetic sealant,
depending on the specific application.

Staining or Painting: Azara could be stained or painted to enhance its appearance

and protect it from the elements.

Treatment Before Application

Of Azara
In addition to drying, sealing, and staining or painting, there may be other
treatments that are necessary before using Azara in building construction. These
treatments could include:
Preservatives: Azara could be treated with preservatives to prevent insect damage
and decay. This could involve using chemicals or natural preservatives such as
borate or cedar oil.

Finishing: Azara may require a finishing treatment to smooth out the surface and
improve its appearance. This could involve sanding, polishing, or other techniques
to create a desired finish.

Technical Applications For

Azara
Based on its physical and mechanical properties, Azara could be used in a variety
of technical applications in building construction, including:

Framing: Azara could be used to make structural elements such as beams, joists,
and rafters that support the weight of the building.

Brackets and Corbels: Azara could be used to make brackets and corbels that
support other building elements, such as balconies or roof overhangs.

Thatch
Thatch is a traditional roofing material made from straw, reeds, or other plant
materials that are woven together into a thick, protective layer. Thatch roofs have
been used for centuries in many cultures around the world, including parts of
Africa and Europe.

 Longevity: Thatch roofs can against rain, and can be a sustainable and
environmentally-friendly choice in the right climate. Have you last for
decades if they are properly maintained. In some cases, thatched roofs can
last for over 100 years if they are regularly repaired and re-thatched.

 Variety: Thatch roofs come in a variety of styles and materials, depending

on the region and climate. For example, in the UK, thatch roofs are typically
made from wheat or rye straw, while in Africa, they may be made from
reeds or palm fronds.

 Maintenance: Thatch roofs require regular maintenance to ensure that they

remain in good condition. This can include annual inspections to check for
damage or wear, as well as re-thatched every 10-20 years depending on the
climate and materials used.

 Weight: Thatch roofs can be quite heavy, which means that the structure of
the building needs to be designed to support the weight. This can be a
consideration when converting a traditional roof to thatch or when building a
new structure with a thatched roof.

Advantages:
Insulation: Thatch provides excellent insulation against heat and cold, which can
help to reduce energy costs for heating and cooling.

Aesthetics: Thatch roofs are known for their natural, organic appearance, which
can add character and charm to a building.

Sustainable: Thatch is a renewable and natural building material that can be locally
sourced and sustainably managed.

Disadvantages:
Fire Risk: Thatch roofs are more susceptible to fire than other types of roofs.
While thatch is difficult to ignite, once it catches fire, it can burn rapidly and be
difficult to extinguish.

Weight: As mentioned earlier, thatch roofs can be quite heavy, which can add
stress to the structure of the building and make it more difficult to install or
maintain.

When installing or maintaining a thatch roof, here are a few precautions to keep in
mind:

Fire Protection: To reduce the risk of fire, consider installing a fire retardant
treatment on the thatch or using a fireproof membrane underneath the thatch.

Maintenance: Regular inspections and repairs are important to ensure that the
thatch roof remains in good condition.

Installation: Thatch roofs should be installed by experienced professionals who

understand the unique characteristics of the material and the local climate.
 Treatment before Application
Of Thatch
Before installing a thatch roof, there are several treatments that should be
considered:

Conditioning: Thatch should be allowed to dry thoroughly before installation to

prevent mold or mildew growth. This may involve stacking the thatch in the sun or
drying it in a barn or other sheltered area.

Coating: A coating of sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) can be

applied to the thatch to neutralize any harmful acids and preserve the straw.

Technical Applications
for Thatch
Thatch can be used in a variety of technical applications in building construction,
including:

Roofing: Of course, thatch is traditionally used as a roofing material, providing

insulation, protection from the elements, and aesthetic appeal.
Decorative Elements: Thatch can be used as a decorative element in building
construction, such as in fences, gazebos, and other outdoor structures.

Sound Insulation: Thatch can be used as an acoustic insulator to reduce noise

transmission between rooms or floors.

Bamboo
Bamboo is another natural building material that has been used for centuries in
many parts of the world. Bamboo is known for its strength, flexibility, and
durability, making it a versatile material for a wide range of applications in
construction. Here are a few ways that bamboo can be used in building
construction:

Structural Elements: Bamboo can be used as a structural material in walls, floors,

roofs, and other building elements.

Finishes: Bamboo can be used for decorative elements such as flooring, siding,
and cabinetry.

Furnishing
 Applications of Bamboo in Building
Construction
Bamboo Plywood: Bamboo plywood is a laminated material made from layers of
bamboo strips. It's strong, durable, and can be used for flooring, cabinets, and
furniture.

Bamboo Fiber Composite: Bamboo fiber can be mixed with resin or cement to
create a strong, lightweight composite material that can be used for walls, ceilings,
and other structural elements.

Advantages:
Renewable Resource: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be
harvested sustainably without harming the environment.

Strength and Durability: Bamboo is a strong and durable material that can
withstand heavy loads and resist decay.

Disadvantages
Limited Availability: Bamboo is not widely available in all regions, which can
limit its use in some areas.

Insect Damage: Bamboo can be susceptible to insect damage, particularly if it is

not treated properly.
Moisture Damage: Bamboo can be damaged by moisture if it is not properly
protected or maintained, which can lead to rotting or mildew growth.

Application Of Bamboo Considering

Physical Property
When using bamboo in building construction, it's important to consider the
physical properties of the material and the specific application:

Strength: Bamboo is a strong material that can be used for structural elements such
as beams, columns, and floor joists. However, it's important to select the right type
of bamboo and the right grade of material for the specific application.

Flexibility: Bamboo is also flexible, which makes it suitable for applications where
flexibility is required, such as bridge decking or curved structures.

Application Of Bamboo Considering

Thermal Property
Bamboo has several thermal properties that can be useful in building construction:

Insulation: Bamboo has good insulating properties, particularly when it's used in
wall or ceiling panels. Bamboo panels can help to keep a building cool in the
summer and warm in the winter, reducing energy consumption and improving
indoor comfort.
Thermal Mass: Bamboo has a high thermal mass, which means it can absorb and
store heat during the day and release it at night. This can help to regulate indoor
temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning or heating.

Application Of Bamboo Considering

Acoustic Property
Bamboo can be useful in improving the acoustic properties of a building in several
ways:

Noise Reduction: Bamboo panels can help to absorb and dampen noise, improving
sound insulation and reducing noise transmission between rooms or floors.

Reverberation Control: Bamboo can be used to reduce reverberation in spaces such

as music halls, theaters, or conference rooms, which can improve speech
intelligibility and sound quality.

Acoustic Panels: Bamboo acoustic panels can be used to control sound reflections
and improve the overall acoustics of a space.

Advantage and disadvantage of bamboo

Advantages:
Renewable resource

Strength and durability

Insulation
Thermal mass

Acoustic properties

Disadvantages:
Limited availability

Insect damage

Moisture damage

Overall, bamboo is a versatile and sustainable material that can be used in a variety
of applications in building construction, but it's important to consider its specific
properties and potential drawbacks before incorporating it into a project.

Precaution For The Application

Of Bamboo
Pest Control: Bamboo should be treated to prevent insect infestation, which can
damage the material over time.

Moisture Management: Bamboo should be protected from moisture damage by

using proper waterproofing techniques and avoiding direct contact with water.

Strength Considerations: Bamboo should be selected and installed with care to

ensure that it meets the required strength and durability requirements for the
specific application.
Treatment Before Application
Of Bamboo
Before applying bamboo in building construction, it's important to consider the
following treatments:

Curing: Bamboo should be cured to remove moisture and improve its strength and
durability. This can be done by drying the bamboo in the sun or using a kiln.

Pressure Treatment: Bamboo can be pressure-treated to prevent insect damage

and extend its lifespan.

Coating: Bamboo can be coated with a preservative or sealant to improve its

resistance to moisture damage and weathering.

Technical Applications For

Bamboo
Bamboo can be used in a variety of technical applications in building construction,
including:

Structural Elements: Bamboo can be used as a structural material for walls, floors,
roofs, and foundations.
Non-Structural Elements: Bamboo can be used for decorative elements such as
trim, moldings, and paneling.

Furniture: Bamboo can be used to make furniture such as tables, chairs, and
cabinets.

Application Of Thatch Considering

Physical Property
Strength: Thatch is relatively lightweight but can be strengthened by weaving the
straw or reeds together in a certain way.

Flexibility: Thatch is flexible, which makes it a good material for curved roofs or
other structures that require a curved surface.

Thermal Conductivity: Thatch is an effective insulator, which can help to reduce

heat transfer and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Application Of Thatch Considering

Thermal Property
The thermal properties of thatch make it an effective material for regulating indoor
temperatures in the following ways:

Insulation: Thatch has good insulating properties, which means it can help to keep
a building cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Thermal Mass: Thatch has a high thermal mass, which means it can absorb and
store heat during the day and release it at night, helping to regulate indoor
temperatures.

Ventilation: Thatch is a porous material that can allow air to circulate, which can
further improve indoor air quality and temperature regulation.

Application Of Thatch Considering

Acoustic Property
The acoustic properties of thatch can be beneficial in the following ways:

Noise Reduction: Thatch can absorb sound and reduce noise transmission between
rooms or floors, making it a good material for acoustic insulation.

Reverberation Control: Thatch can also help to control reverberation in spaces

such as music halls or theaters, which can improve speech intelligibility and sound
quality.

Natural Aesthetic: Thatch has a natural, rustic aesthetic that can create a pleasant
acoustic environment in spaces such as restaurants or cafes.