Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Admin
The construction industry is critical to the infrastructure of the UK and so, it comes as no surprise that it’s expected to have a revenue of over £400 billion in 2024. With so much money floating around this sector, there is a constant evolution of working practices and materials for better results and safer working practices. The latter is particularly important with the UK’s construction industry being the one with the most workplace deaths.
One of the ways higher quality finishes and greater safety for employees are evolving is through the materials used in construction. Countless new types are emerging and each brings their own benefits for professionals in the sector.
Our guide below will take a closer look at some of the newer construction materials that you may see in the future. Read on to find out more.
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Self-healing concrete
Traditional concrete requires regular treatment during its lifespan, which means workers are constantly needed to maintain or repair it. This makes traditional concrete a costly material but fortunately, self-healing concrete is a new alternative.
Self-healing concrete is designed to imitate the automatic healing that the human body does, so any cracks or imperfections are resolved without the need for human intervention. This is done thanks to fibres and capsules in the concrete and it could help construction businesses save heaps of cash.
Modular construction and materials
Gone are the days when full buildings needed to be built for industries like education and healthcare. Now you can hire modular buildings that come fully equipped to be used as soon as they’re installed. Modular buildings are constructed off-site, so they’re ready to install when they’re ordered. Some of the main benefits of choosing modular construction buildings include:
- Cost-effective
- Energy efficient
- Meet safety standards and requirements
- Minimal disruption during construction
- Flexible contracts
High-performance insulation
Insulation is critical for the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings and new high-performance options take this to a new level. This is a more versatile option due to its low thermal conductivity, which makes it far more effective, ensuring heat is effectively kept in or out of the building.
Future Trends and Expectations
Some of the other trends in the construction industry that could come into play in the future include the following:
- Translucent Lumber – By removing the lignin in the wood, the spaces left behind are filled with transparent polymer to turn the lumber almost completely transparent.
- Synthetic Spider Silk – An even stronger form of steel cables made using bacteria
- Transparent Aluminium – This is aluminium that is resistant to oxidation, corrosion and radiation, making it more durable and longer-lasting
- Nanocrystalline Smart Windows – Change the opacity, thermal resistance and privacy levels of your windows.
Related Posts:
- The use of bacteria to create self-healing concrete
- Unveiling Modular Construction Costs: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Building Economics
- Powering Your Career Pathway: A Deep Dive Into The Promising World of Prefabricated and Modular Construction
- The Latest Trends in Construction in 2023 and beyond
- The Rise of Modular Construction: Benefits and Challenges
