2. INTRODUCTION
Aluminium occurs in abundance on the surface of the earth. It is
available in various forms such as oxides, sulphates, silicates, phosphates,
etc. But is commercially produced mainly from Bauxite.
Aluminium is the third most abundant element (after oxygen and silicon),
and the most abundant metal, in the Earth's crust. It makes up about 8%
by weight of the Earth's solid surface
Aluminium is remarkable for the metal's low density and for its ability to
resist corrosion due to the phenomenon of passivation. Structural
components made from aluminium and its alloys are vital to
the aerospace industry and are important in other areas
of transportation and structural materials. The most useful compounds of
aluminium, at least on a weight basis, are the oxides and sulfates.
3. Properties of Aluminium
1. It is a very good conductor of heat and electricity.
2. It is a silvery white metal with a bluish tinge and it exhibits bright lusture
on a freshly broken surface.
3. It is a non-magnetic substance.
4. It is highly resistant to corrosion.
5. It is light in weight, malleable, and ductile.
6. It is very soft.
7. It possesses great toughness and tensile strength.
4. Application of Aluminium in building construction
Air tightness
A well designed aluminium door, window, etc is perfectly airtight and
sealed for dust and rain water, when closed. This is a very high functional
advantage in a modern fully air-conditioned building.
5. Appearance
The finished aluminium is generally smooth, having a bright finish which is
highly amenable to further finishing as demanded by the application.
Depending on the type of building and decorative style or scheme, the
shades of various colors can be selected.
Ease in fabrication and assembly
Since it is soft and ductile, fabrication of Al into doors and windows can be
easily carried out. The aluminium sheets do not crack or break during or
after erection. An aluminium structure can easily be dismantled,
transported and re-erected in different locations.
Handling and transport cost
Easy and cheap. Components can also be transported to remote hilly
areas and difficult terrains.
6. High corrosion resistance
Due to its excellent corrosion resistant property, the aluminium corrugated
sheets are ideal for use in power plants, steel plants, chemical plants, paper
mills, saw mills, fertilizer plants, petroleum refineries, etc.
High reflectivity
It does not absorb radiant heat and low absorption heat helps in
maintaining the surrounding area cool during summer and warm in winter.
High resale value
Maintenance cost
Noise control
7. High corrosion resistance
Due to its excellent corrosion resistant property, the aluminium corrugated
sheets are ideal for use in power plants, steel plants, chemical plants, paper
mills, saw mills, fertilizer plants, petroleum refineries, etc.
High reflectivity
It does not absorb radiant heat and low absorption heat helps in
maintaining the surrounding area cool during summer and warm in winter.
High resale value
Maintenance cost
Noise control
8. Forms of aluminium
Casting based
1. Baluster-head
2. Hardware and fittings
3. Decorative grills
Extrusion based
1. Door and window
2. Panels and curtain walls
3. Green houses
4. Partitions
Foil and Powder based
1. Decorative laminate
2. Insulative foils
3. Paints
4. Water proofing sheet
Sheet based
1. Cable tray
2. Flat false ceilings
3. Rain water articles
4. Roofing and siding
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11. Sun shading Systems
For the solar protection of the buildings, aluminium solar shading systems,
with fixed or adjustable blinds into various sizes and dimensions.
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14. Curtain wall
A curtain wall is an outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non-
structural, but merely keep out the weather. As the curtain wall is non-structural it can
be made of a lightweight material reducing construction costs. When glass is used as
the curtain wall, a great advantage is that natural light can penetrate deeper within
the building. The curtain wall façade does not carry any dead load weight from the
building other than its own dead load weight. The wall transfers horizontal wind loads
that are incident upon it to the main building structure through connections at floors
or columns of the building. A curtain wall is designed to resist air and water infiltration,
sway induced by wind and seismic forces acting on the building, and its own dead
load weight forces.
Curtain walls are typically designed with extruded aluminum members, although the
first curtain walls were made of steel. The aluminium frame is typically infilled with
glass, which provides an architecturally pleasing building, as well as benefits such
as daylighting. However, parameters related to solar gain control such as thermal
comfort and visual comfort are more difficult to control when using highly-glazed
curtain walls. Other common infills include: stone veneer, metal panels, louvers, and
operable windows or vents.
Curtain walls differ from store-front systems in that they are designed to span multiple
floors, and take into consideration design requirements such as: thermal expansion
and contraction; building sway and movement; water diversion; and thermal
efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and lighting in the building.
