GRAY STRUCTURE:
A grey structure is the basic framework of a building including the
essential construction elements without the finishing touches.
It's the foundational stage of a building and is up of the following components:
Foundation
Walls
Roof
Floors
Columns
Basic framework
Plastering
Spaces for water pipe and electrical wire
Openings or simple frames for windows and doors
Material that uses in heavy construction materials
1.Steel
Steel is used in gray structures for framing and reinforcing concrete. The type of steel used
depends on the project's requirements, such as the climate, budget, and building codes.
Types:
Reinforcing bars (rebar): Steel bars that add tensile strength to concrete
Galvanized steel: A type of steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion
Stainless steel: A type of steel that is resistant to corrosion and is often used for its
modern aesthetic
1. The most common grades of steel used in construction in Pakistan are :
GRADE 40
GRADE 60
. These grades are also known as deformed steel bars or saria.
Explanation
Steel is classified into grades based on its chemical composition, mechanical properties, and
manufacturing process. The yield strength of a steel grade is the minimum stress it can
withstand before permanently deforming.
Grade 40 :
Has a minimum yield strength of 40,000 psi
Has a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi
Is a strong and versatile building material
Is widely used in Pakistan for structural applications
Grade 60 :
Has a minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi
Has a minimum tensile strength of 90,000 psi
Is stronger and more durable than grade 40 steel
Can resist higher loads and pressures
2.Concrete
concrete is a solid, hard material used in construction. It's made by mixing cement,
water, and aggregates like sand and gravel
TYPES OF CONCRETE
Reinforced concrete:
Concrete that has been strengthened to withstand tensile loads
Lightweight concrete:
lighter version of standard concrete that's often used for precast
components like roof slabs and wall panels.
Precast concrete:
Concrete that’s manufactured in a controlled environment and is often
used for walls, concrete blocks, staircases, and poles
Common concrete mix ratios
1:1.5:3: A good balance of strength and workability for home building
applications like foundations and beams
1:2:4: A balanced combination of strength and workability for slabs and flooring
2.1;Cement:
A binding agent that holds the concrete together
There are many types of cement used in building construction, including:
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): A common cement with high compressive strength
and durability, used in buildings, bridges, and highways
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC): A corrosion-resistant cement made from
Palaeozoic material that gains strength over time
Rapid-hardening cement: A hydraulic cement that gains strength quickly
Quick-setting cement: A cement that sets into a stone-like mass in less than 30.
PROPERTIES
Setting time: The time it takes for cement to change from a liquid to a plastic state, and then
to a solid state.
Bulk density: The mass of cement per unit of volume.
Specific gravity: The ratio of the mass of cement to the mass of an equal volume of water.
Fineness
The fineness of cement is determined by how finely the clinker is ground during the
production process. This property is important for the hydration process, which is what
gives cement its strength.
Types of cement
Compressive strength test: Determines the general properties of concrete, such as its
strength
Setting time test: Determines how long it takes for cement to set
Soundness test: Determines how well cement resists weathering
Fineness test: Determines the fineness of the cement
2.2;Sand:
Sand is a collection of loose grains of minerals and rocks that are larger
than silt and clay but smaller than gravel. Sand is formed when rocks break down
over time due to the action of water, ice, or wind.
Types of sand for building construction:
River Sand
Properties: Fine, rounded, smooth texture, free from impurities.
Uses: Ideal for plastering, masonry work, and concrete production.
Advantages: Good workability, strong bonding, and better finish
M-Sand (Manufactured Sand)
Properties: Crushed stone particles that are angular and consistent in size.
Uses: Common in concrete and mortar mixes as a substitute for river sand.
Advantages: Cost-effective, eco-friendly, consistent quality, and free from organic impurities
Testing of sand:
Visual inspection
Check for impurities like organic matter, clay, debris, and other foreign substances
Sieve analysis
1. Determine the distribution of different particle sizes in the sand sample
2. Compare the values to the recommended values
3. Take action if the values don't fall within the desired range
Moisture content test
Determine how much moisture is in the sand sample
Use methods like oven-drying, calcium carbide, torsion balance, pycnometer, sand bath,
radiation, or alcohol
Other tests
Specific gravity test: Measure the ratio of the water's density to the density of the sand
Permeability test: Determine how well water can pass through the sand
Sand cone test: Dig a hole, fill it with sand, and calculate the density of the compacted
soil
Other tests for sand quality include: Compressive strength test, Bulk density test, Analyzing
organic content, Test for soundness, and Analysis of shape
Bricks.
A clay-based material that's strong, durable, and fire resistant
1. Plastics
A synthetic material that's versatile, durable, and
inexpensive. Plastics like PVC, polyethylene, and polycarbonate are
used in construction
2. Metals
Metals like aluminum, copper, and steel are used for their strength,
durability, and corrosion resistance
