Modern architecture constantly draws on available innovations and produces structures that challenge the limits of construction and engineering. Let’s look at some of these innovations and weigh up their advantages and disadvantages.
–Cross Laminated Timber (CLT): is a high-strength, sustainable and fast-building material. It is also an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator. However, it is vulnerable to moisture and fire, although treatments are available to mitigate these risks. In regions where the raw material is scarce, it can be more expensive than other materials. CLT is widely used in countries such as Austria and Canada.
–Bamboo: Bamboo is noted for its high tensile strength, low cost in some regions, versatility, and its renewable and sustainable nature. However, it is exposed to moisture and insects, which requires special treatments for its use. It also has a lower compressive strength compared to other materials, and limited availability depending on the region. It is common in structures in Asian countries, such as Vietnam and China.
–Steel: Steel is known for its high strength, ductility, ability to cover large spans and long service life. However, its production has a significant environmental impact, and its cost is high. It is also susceptible to corrosion, which requires additional protection. New technologies, such as hybrid steel beams, seek to minimise these impacts. It is a material used in the construction of high-rise buildings and suspension bridges.
–Self-compacting concrete: Self-compacting concrete offers versatility, reduced vibration during casting, improved surface quality and reduced water consumption. However, its cost is higher than that of traditional concrete and requires strict control of the mix to avoid segregation of its components. It is common in infrastructure projects and high-rise buildings.
–3D printing: 3D printing in construction allows for high precision, reduces waste, is suitable for complex shapes and is fast in the production of prototypes. However, this technology is still under development, has limitations in terms of materials, high cost and problematic scalability. It is mainly used in the construction of houses and architectural prototypes.
As you can see, each material and technique has its advantages and disadvantages, so it will be necessary to consider the specific needs of each architectural and construction project in order to make the most appropriate choice.
To find out more about the issues we have discussed, be sure to read what we wrote about them:
» Bamboo as a building material
» Hybrid steel beam construction
» Self compacting sand concrete, the material of the future
» 3D printing in architecture and construction
» The new materials that are revolutionising traditional architecture
By Raúl Soriano, Senior Modeller in the Architecture Department at Amusement Logic
