Common metals in the construction industry

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The construction industry is one of the most dynamic and profitable industries in the world. Construction companies and architects rely on several building materials because of their quality and durability. Specifically, metals are one of the most commonly used building materials, due to their good formability, adaptability and mechanical properties.

Metals occur in natural form, bound in ores that are extracted by mining and open-pit mining. There are two methods to extract the metal from the ores: electrolysis or smelting.

Electrolysis separates the valuable metal from the rest of the ore by using electricity and acid.

Aluminium, a metal that burns at an extremely high temperature, is extracted from bauxite by electrolysis. This is done by placing the bauxite in a pool of acid and then running an electrical current through the pool. Simply put, the electrons in the current get attached to the other elements of the bauxite: hydrogen, and oxygen, and with that leave the aluminium.

Smelting uses heat in order to separate the valuable metal from the ore. It usually needs a reduction agent, or another chemical in order to separate the valuable metal from the rest of the ore. In the beginning, the reduction agent used was carbon or charcoal. That, burned with hematite ore, smelts iron.

Some of the most common metals that are used in the construction industry are:

Steel

Steel is an alloy made up of iron usually with a few tenths of a per cent of the carbon that improves its fracture resistance and strength. It is also light, which makes it easier to work with and cheaper to transport, than other materials.

It does not easily deform, and even when it is bent, it retains its structural properties, but a tremendous amount of weight is needed in order to do so. It might be easier to deform it, for thinner surfaces but with a good metal adhesive you can fix anything.

With the discovery of steel, the construction of skyscrapers exploded worldwide. Its main quality is the high strength-to-weight ratio. However, if not appropriately installed, it is inclined to corrosion.

In construction, it is mostly used for structural sections as reinforcing bars, for internal fixtures such as stairs and rails, and for utilities: water, power, and gas lines. Some of the most popular steel structures in the world are: Empire State Building, Willis Tower, the National Stadium in Beijing, and the Gateway Arch.

Copper

Copper is a ductile, malleable metal that is resistant to corrosion from water and soil. It also has a very high thermal and electrical conductivity.

It is one of the favourite materials for architects due to its recyclable nature – it can be made with recyclable wires and cords. Another reason why it is popular in construction and design is because of its aesthetic properties.

Over time, the surface of the copper changes and goes through several phases, until finally, it achieves its recognised patina colour.

It gives off a more modern look, especially combined with wood or concrete. The Museum of Medical History and Innovation in Boston is covered in copper, and combined with glass, it helps the structure stand out amongst neighbouring buildings.

Aluminium

Aluminium has a density lower than those of other metals, roughly one-third of that of steel. It is often used in the industry due to its corrosion resistance, and because it is highly ductile and conductive.

The metal is used in doors and windows, roof covers, HVAC systems, street lights, durable bridges, and outdoor signage because it is resistant to harsh weather.

In World War I and II, aluminium was a crucial strategic resource for aviation. Then, in the 21 century, it was used in packaging, engineering, transportation, and construction throughout the United States, Japan, and Western Europe.