Chapter 3, Problem 1RQ

What are the major material groups?

To determine

The major material groups.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The major material group include metals, non-metallic inorganic materials, polymers and organic materials.

Explanation of Solution

The construction materials are grouped into following categories,

A. Metals:

They are refined from ores which are extracted from the earth. They are strong, ductile and are useful when the structure is subjected to tensile forces.

B. Non-metallic inorganic materials:

They are also extracted from earth and are often referred as ceramics. Typical examples include, sand, glass, limestone, cement, mortar, gypsum and brick. Most of them are hard, brittle, rigid and heavy and are used when compressive forces act over a structure.

C. Polymers:

They consist of repeating structural units of large molecules which are connected by chemical bonds and are used in a variety of applications, which includes conduit and pipes, wire and cable, adhesives, insulation and roofing.

D. Organic material:

They include grasses, wood, bitumen and many synthetic materials containing carbon, like, paper products, asphalts and rubber.