Exciting time for materials

By - , Build 149

Annemarie3
Annemarie3

TRADITIONAL BUILDING MATERIALS may dominate the New Zealand landscape, but they are certainly not alone. Newer materials and products are widespread, along with new twists on some old classics.

This Build, we look at some of the innovations opening up new design possibilities. Timber buildings can be built taller, with the development of engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber and cross-laminated timber. High-tech fabrication technology in steel manufacturing is increasing precision and productivity. Even concrete is being reinvented, with new properties such as self-healing, self-cleaning, bendable or translucent concrete (see pages 48–53).

One critical aspect for all building materials is durability. The New Zealand Building Code is unique in that it contains a durability clause requiring minimum durability for building materials and components. This can be a challenge in our environment where sunlight, UV, temperature and moisture may significantly affect the durability of materials.

Assessing material durability is central to much of the work at BRANZ. In the materials performance feature, we look at a BRANZ project developing a new technique that makes it easier to predict the durability of plastics (see pages 55–56). Another project is working in geothermal areas to develop environmental risk indicators, material specifications and schedules for maintenance (see pages 63–64).

And don’t forget our regular articles. The Right Stuff (pages 25–44) is packed with useful advice from bracing lines spacing to installing timber windows to universal design of indoor spaces. The idea for most of these come from queries to the BRANZ technical helpline, so they are answering your common questions.

Enjoy your latest Build. It’s the perfect reading material for these cold winter days.

 

Annemarie Crampton

Build Editor

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Articles are correct at the time of publication but may have since become outdated.

Annemarie3
Annemarie3

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