Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Mangala Mahanthan J
II Semester, BEM, SPA
Aluminium (Al) is the most abundant
metal on this planet which is silvery-
whitish in appearance. There are several
aluminium properties that makes
aluminium, one of the most heavily used
element. Physically, chemically and
mechanically aluminium is a metal like
steel, brass, copper, zinc, lead or
titanium. It can be melted, cast, formed
and machined much like these metals
and it conducts electric current. In fact
often the same equipment and
fabrication methods are used as for steel.
Aluminium is a product with unique
properties, making it a natural partner
for the building industry. Its strength,
durability, corrosion resistance and
recyclability, ihas become an essential
product for the building industry and
over the past 50 years its use in
building applications has shown
continuous and consistent growth.
The building and construction
industry is today faced with many
environmental challenges - from its
impact on climate change to its choice
of materials and methods of waste
disposal. The growing understanding
that the entire life cycle of a building
and its fittings must be considered
and balanced against the realities of
design, function and economy has
seen aluminium fast become the
material of choice
Physical Aluminium Properties:-
Strength-to-Weight Ratio:
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium naturally generates a protective oxide coating and is highly corrosion
resistant. Different types of surface treatment such as anodising, painting or
lacquering can further improve this property. It is particularly useful for
applications where protection and conservation are required.
Reflectivity
Aluminium is a good reflector of visible light as well as heat, and that together
with its low weight, makes it an ideal material for reflectors in, for example, light
fittings or rescue blankets.
Ductility
Aluminium is ductile and has a low melting point and density. In a molten
condition it can be processed in a number of ways. Its ductility allows products
of aluminium to be basically formed close to the end of the product’s design.
Recyclability
Aluminium is 100 percent recyclable with no downgrading of its qualities. The re-
melting of aluminium requires little energy: only about 5 percent of the energy
required to produce the primary metal initially is needed in the recycling process.
Rigidity and Stability in Aluminium Frames
Aluminium components also offer comparably high strength
and rigidity, making them particularly suitable for applications
such as sash and frames of windows and patio doors. The
material’s rigidity ensures that, while slim, aluminium frames
remain stable under normal loads. This is particularly valued
in high-rise buildings, where stability is an essential property
of applications such as facades, cladding and windows.
Facades, cladding/siding,
weatherproofing
Aluminium siding is available with
insulation and reflective foil
backing, so walls can be made
weatherproof and energy-efficient.