Construction materials, equipment and building techniques have become more energy efficient, need-based, economical, environment-friendly, user-friendly and aesthetically better looking.

The material and equipment we choose to construct our buildings should enhance safety, minimize pollution, be friendly to the natural environment and in general create a healthy atmosphere. Buildings should have a good waste management system, water conservation and use less artificial energy.

Innovation in Construction Materials

Building Material constitutes about 40% of the total project cost in construction projects. Therefore, it becomes necessary that the materials are used more efficiently. Even the selection of proper material is as important as the efficient use of the same.

Examples of Innovations in Building Materials:

1. Development of super plasticizers has resulted in the production of pumpable, high early strength concretes requiring minimum compaction.
2. Replacement of sand and cement with pond ash and fly ash in concrete production is one way to turn a waste product into a very useful material. It helps reduce costs and solve the problem of disposal ash coming out of the power plants to a great extent.
3. Use of super ductile rebars is another example of the need-based development of materials. These rebars have been developed to absorb the excessive stress generated during the earthquakes. The rebars have superior mechanical properties, better bond strength and improved ductility. The use of these rebars in high-rise buildings makes them safer, by preventing the collapse of buildings and preventing loss of life.

Acceptance of Building Materials

Materials used in any construction should be accepted by both the construction industry and the end user.

Sustainability of Building Materials

One of the major requirements of innovative building materials should be its sustainability. One of the factors affecting this criterion is the non-availability of materials for long periods of time.

Using Local Resources

It is always advisable to develop new materials which are locally available. The advantage will be saving on the transport cost and ease of availability.

Future Modification Potential

Any innovative material should have the potential for further modification.

Utilization of waste and by-Products

Efforts should be made to develop and use materials which have been formed with waste products or by-products. The use of by-products will result in saving cost and space for their disposal.

Environment-Friendly

Any new material should not have an adverse effect on the environment. Excessive use of plastics or polymers may have an adverse effect on human health as well.

Innovations Tips for Construction Equipments and Machinery

Some equipment is capable of producing outputs at an accelerated speed and enables performance of tasks in a shorter time. The tasks which are not possible to be done with manpower can be done with the help of suitable equipment. The right equipment and tools can improve productivity, quality and safety.

Any equipment used for innovation should have some or ALL of the following qualities:

1. Easy to use
2. Easy to maintain
3. Economical
4. Sustainable
5. Future modification potential
6. Multifunctional
7. Flexible
8. Safe
9. Energy saving
10. Least polluting