Innovative construction materials of modern times

Posted by Meehaan Zaveri on March 26th, 2021

The construction and the civil engineering industry of India have come a long way. Today, almost every civil engineering company is investing a lot in the research and development of newer building materials and nobler building techniques. Innovation in the field of civil engineering is driven by the global mission of sustainable construction. 

Sustainable construction seeks to optimize the usage of natural resources while preserving the balance of our ecosystem. At a time when climate change is looming as an ongoing and upcoming disaster, sustainable construction would play an essential role in the sustenance of human civilization.

Anyway, the diligent focus on research and development in civil engineering has gifted us some of the most innovative construction materials. It is a good thing that Indian construction companies are not holding themselves back from experimenting with those materials and making the most out of them. The three most innovative construction materials which gained immense popularity in recent times are as follows:

1.Corrugated bamboo sheets

The practice of using bamboo to make roofs and walls is ancient. Even today, in remote rural pockets and forests, bamboo sheets are used as a building material. However, bamboo has a few shortcomings in the aspect of durability and the tendency to get damaged. It is the reason it wasn't included as a building material in urban construction. But, today, innovators have successfully developed durable bamboo sheets by processing them further and corrugating them. So, corrugated bamboo sheets fit the criteria of being durable and, at the same, bring in the bliss of nature. Bamboo can be sourced from the villages and forests of India. It can be used to revolutionize the way we look at corrugated sheets.

2.Plastic waste bricks

Plastic waste bricks refer to the building blocks made by tightening plastic waste. It is one of the best innovative materials for its dual advantage. First, building blocks made of plastic are strong and durable. Secondly, the manufacturing of plastic waste bricks helps in effective waste management. So, it can be considered a productive outcome of an urban plastic disposal mechanism. This innovation is so useful that even the government has taken cognizance of it.

3.Grain husk concrete

When the discussion is on innovative construction materials, how can one not mention grain husk concrete? This innovation seeks to replace the popular synthetic concrete with something with its origin in nature. Grain husks are uselessly disposed of by farmers. The innovators who discovered that these husks can be used to manufacture good quality concrete are worthy of praise.