Materials

The strength of any structure stems from the materials used to construct it. This lesson introduces the basic structural properties of building materials and describes the common structural materials used in commercial buildings.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify the physical properties that lend a material its strength
• Describe the physical properties that are desirable for structural building materials
• Define elasticity, ductility, and stiffness
• Differentiate between stress and strain
• Describe how physical forces can deform a material
• Identify the strength characteristics of eight classes of building materials

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