aluMATTER | Aluminium | Construction | Construction

[DE] [EN] [FR] [NL]

Home | Site Contents | Search | aluSelect | Partners | About aluMATTER | Help CONSTRUCTION 1. Construction 2. Architectural Sheet You are here: aluMATTER > Applications > Construction

Page 1 / 2

Construction
Aluminium is used in building and architecture for various reasons: Its light weight allows for easier rectification of structures for example faade panels, roofing, doors and windows in architecture, and ladders and platforms as building tools. Its good inherent corrosion resistance and methods for protection such as anodising allow for durable outdoor exposure Its attractive metallic appearance and the methods for colouring is ideal for decorative design These properties in combination with the good strength-to-weight ratio that can be obtained, results in various day to day applications of aluminium, mainly of the 1xxx, 3xxx and 5xxx alloy series for sheet products and 6xxx series for extruded products, in our houses, offices, public buildings and their construction. Note also that metallic aluminium in "massive" form will not burn. Further, its relatively low melting point (660 C) means it will "vent" early during a severe fire, releasing heat and thereby saving lives and property. Construction and demolition waste products represent a growing challenge for modern industrial societies. The depositing or incineration of most types of materials can lead to air, water and soil pollution. This is not the case for aluminium, which even if inadvertently dispersed in the environment does not have harmful side-effects. Therefore, aluminium recycling not only has important economic implications but also contributes to environmental protection. A study has demonstrated that about 95% of aluminium building products are recycled at their end-of-life thanks to the high value of the aluminium scrap.

Did you know that many of our interactive animations are available to embed or download from the CORE-Materials repository of Open Educational Resources?

Wall support in pool Leonardo Da Vinci Helsinki Award 2006

Balcony

Glasshouse frame

Outdoor cooler

Horticultural building frame

Entrance to a building

Step ladders

Bronze medal for an outstanding project promoting and supporting the LifeLong Learning EU policy. Award Berlin 2007

Clear and pastel coloured electro-coloured aluminium faade panels

Car port

http://www.aluminium.matter.org.uk/content/html/eng/default.asp?catid=8&pageid=2144417077[9/28/2011 7:48:13 PM]

aluMATTER | Aluminium | Construction | Construction

Bronze electro-coloured aluminium sheet panels between the windows. Gracechurch Street Centre, London. Photograph courtesy of Alcan

Blue electro-coloured aluminium sheet panels between the windows. Commercial Union Head office. Photographs courtesy of Alcan

Aluminium centrum NL

External Links
Aluminium in Renovation European Award 2007 CORE-Materials: Aluminium + Construction EAA - Aluminium in Building EAA, MATTER and their partners are not responsible for the content of external sites. Site developed in partnership between the European Aluminium Association and MATTER 2001-2010 MATTER, The University of Liverpool. aluMATTER is part-funded by the Leonardo da Vinci programme of the EU.

Copyright Notice | Terms and Conditions | Members' Area | Send Feedback to EAA

http://www.aluminium.matter.org.uk/content/html/eng/default.asp?catid=8&pageid=2144417077[9/28/2011 7:48:13 PM]