Lesson 1: Review of Construction Materials: Properties and Vulnerabilities
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to identify the primary materials used in load-bearing, insulating, and decorative construction (wood, metal, concrete, stone/masonry) and describe how their physical properties relate to common signs of deterioration.
What are the fundamental differences between structural, insulating, and decorative materials in a building?
Why is the "formulation" of a material (the recipe) just as important as the material itself?
How do environmental factors like moisture, UV light, and temperature fluctuations affect different building materials?
Lignin: The "glue" that holds wood fibers together, susceptible to UV breakdown.
Spalling: The flaking or pitting of a concrete surface.
Efflorescence: White salt deposits left on concrete or masonry by evaporating water.
Oxidation: The chemical reaction (rusting) that occurs when metal is exposed to oxygen and moisture.
Formulation: The specific mixture of ingredients in materials like cement or iron; incorrect formulation can lead to crumbling.
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