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01 TYPES OF METALS

ALUMINUM

A soft, lightweight, with high conductivity and corrosion resistance due to an oxide layer. Susceptible to
certain acids and galvanic corrosion but adaptable to insulation. Highly workable for fabrication methods
like rolling, extruding, forging, and welding.

Aluminum's lightweight is key in aerospace and automotive industries, with high conductivity for
electrical transmission and heat exchange. Its self-healing aluminum oxide layer boosts corrosion
resistance, while versatility extends to architecture. Alloys like 6061-T6, 5052-H32, and 1100-H14 serve
diverse construction needs.

In architectural work practically all fabricated forms of aluminum are used:

1. Rod: Solid cylindrical form, often used for structural support or reinforcement.
2. Bar: Rectangular or square solid form, utilized for structural framing or support.
3. Extrusion: Aluminum forced through a shaped opening, producing complex cross-sectional shapes like
beams or channels.
4. Casting: Molten aluminum poured into a mold, yielding intricate shapes such as decorative elements
or intricate components.
5. Sheet: Thin, flat piece of aluminum, commonly used for cladding, roofing, or paneling.
6. Strip: Narrow, elongated piece of aluminum, often employed for sealing, edging, or decorative
purposes.

Extrusion

Extrusion is a manufacturing method where material is shaped by passing through a die, forming an
elongated piece with the die's profile. Aluminum extrusion commonly involves an alloy of aluminum with
small amounts of metals like iron, silicon, copper, and others to boost strength and desired properties,
potentially impacting corrosion resistance.

Aluminum extrusion, widely used across industries for its versatility and cost-effectiveness, benefits from
alloying elements like magnesium and silicon to optimize the manufacturing process. Resulting products
include window frames, heat sinks, and structural components, with alloy composition tailored to
specific needs. Surface treatments like anodizing and powder coating can further enhance corrosion
resistance and aesthetics.

Alclad

a protective coating applied to specific aluminum products to enhance corrosion resistance. It entails
adding a thin cladding layer to sheets of alloy, typically pure aluminum, magnesium silicide, or zinc
alloys, enhancing both corrosion resistance and appearance.
Alclad aluminum is essential in aerospace and marine industries, safeguarding against corrosion for
aircraft skins and boat hulls. Through techniques like roll or diffusion bonding, it adds a protective layer
without compromising strength. Alloys like 2024-T3 provide superior strength and corrosion resistance
for aerospace use. Material selection considers factors like application needs, corrosion resistance,
strength, and cost. Additional processing options enable tailored design and performance, ensuring
adaptability in challenging environments.

a. Types of aluminum

1. Aluminum Sheet and Strip: Used for various applications including roofing, flashing, and gutters due to
its versatility and corrosion resistance.
2. Aluminum Foil: Rolled to thin thickness for thermal insulation, vapor barriers, and surface finishes,
providing additional insulation value when laminated to other materials.
3. Corrugated Aluminum: Rigidized sheet fabricated from special aluminum alloys, often clad for
enhanced corrosion resistance, commonly used in roofing and siding applications.
4. Structural Aluminum: Utilized for structural purposes due to its extrudability and lightweight
properties, with considerations for corrosion resistance and potential for buckling.
5. Aluminum Doors and Windows: Fabricated from extrusions and rolled shapes, offering lightweight,
durable, and corrosion-resistant solutions for architectural openings.
6. Aluminum Panels and Sandwich Panels: Prefabricated units used for building exteriors and interiors,
providing structural strength and insulation. Sandwich panels consist of a cellular core with aluminum
skins bonded to both sides.
7. Ornamental Aluminum: Various stock items such as rods, bars, and railings used for ornamental design
in architectural elements like railings, grilles, and screens.
8. Aluminum Mesh and Wire Cloth: Used for fencing, particularly chain link fencing and insect screening,
offering durability and corrosion resistance.

Aluminum's versatility in construction, transportation, and manufacturing stems from its corrosion
resistance, lightweight, and easy fabrication. Advances in alloys and manufacturing techniques drive
innovation in sustainable building designs. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it indispensable in
structural elements, aerospace, and automotive components. Recyclability enhances its appeal for
environmentally conscious construction, aligning with sustainable practices.

b. TYPES OF ALUMINIM FINISHES

1. Mechanical Finishes: Achieved through methods like grinding, polishing, scratching, or sandblasting to
create desired surface effects or provide a base for other finishes.
2. Chemical Finishes: Involve chemical reactions with the aluminum surface, including etching, cleaning,
or oxidizing to remove oxide films, irregularities, or create specific textures. Limited color options
compared to anodized finishes.
3. Electrolytic (Anodized) Finishes: Aluminum develops a protective oxide coating through electrolytic
processes, available in transparent or opaque forms. Can absorb dyes for colored finishes, with
architectural gold being a stable option.
4. Electroplating: Application of protective or decorative films or other metals through electrodeposition.
Complete and unbroken coatings are crucial to prevent galvanic corrosion.
5. Porcelain or Vitreous Enamel: Forms a hard, resistant surface available in a range of colors, offering a
glassy appearance distinct from metallic anodic colors.
6. Paint Finishes: Application of paint, lacquer, or enamel on chemically treated aluminum surfaces.
Lead-based paints must be avoided.

Aluminum finishes offer a wide range of aesthetic and protective options for various applications. For
instance, anodized finishes, achieved through electrolytic processes, are popular in architecture for their
durability and color versatility, seen in modern building facades. Electroplating is commonly used in
decorative items like jewelry and electronics to enhance appearance and resist corrosion. Porcelain
enamel coatings provide durable, colorful surfaces suitable for kitchenware and architectural panels.
Each finish serves a specific purpose, with proper surface preparation being crucial for ensuring adhesion
and longevity. Whether it's the hard, resistant surface of vitreous enamel or the vibrant colors of paint
finishes, aluminum's versatility shines through in its array of available finishes.

1.02 IRON

Pure iron, a tough, malleable metal with magnetic properties, is prone to rapid oxidation and corrosion
by acids. Its hardening through rapid cooling and softening through slow cooling, along with its behavior
at extreme temperatures, are essential in steel production. Crude or pig iron, containing impurities like
carbon, phosphorus, and silicon, plays a vital role in shaping the properties of iron and steel alloys
through the carbon-iron relationship.

Pure iron finds application in construction reinforcement bars, machinery components, and electrical
appliances. Pig iron is the initial material for steelmaking, with impurities removed to produce various
steel grades. Carbon content significantly impacts steel properties, with low-carbon steel being malleable
and ductile, while high-carbon steel is stronger and harder but less ductile. Alloying elements such as
chromium, nickel, and molybdenum are added to create stainless steel, prized for its superior corrosion
resistance and mechanical properties, suitable for kitchenware, automotive parts, and medical devices.

a. Cast Iron

Cast iron, with over 1.7% carbon content, is common in architectural uses like piping, fittings, and
ornamental ironwork. Molten cast iron is molded for various shapes, yet its hardness and brittleness
limit conventional shaping methods. It forms the basis for porcelain-enameled plumbing fixtures and is
found in various castings like railings, manhole covers, and gratings.

Two primary types of cast iron, gray cast iron, and malleable cast iron, are widely utilized in heavy
machinery and industrial sectors for their notable compressive strength and vibration-dampening
properties. Gray cast iron is commonly used in engine blocks, while malleable cast iron is preferred for
flexible components. Advancements in metallurgy have led to specialized variants like ductile iron and
compacted graphite iron, providing enhanced mechanical properties and broadening applications in
industries like automotive and aerospace engineering.

b. Wrought Iron
Wrought iron, nearly pure with minimal carbon (less than 0.1%), usually contains around 2.5% slag.
Renowned for its softness, malleability, toughness, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance, wrought
iron is highly machinable. It can be forged, bent, rolled, drawn, and welded using standard techniques,
coming in various forms like pipes, plates, sheets, special shapes, and bars.

In architectural applications, genuine wrought iron is mainly used for plumbing, heating, and air
conditioning systems, focusing on corrosion resistance and durability. However, due to its association
with classical architecture and skilled craftsmanship requirement, wrought ironwork is now mainly seen
in furniture, railings, fences, grilles, and decorative objects, such as those around historic properties or in
intricate furniture designs. Despite its historical significance, genuine wrought iron production has
become limited, with modern alternatives like mild steel often taking its place in contemporary
construction projects.

3.03 EXPANDED MESH

Expanded mesh is created from solid steel sheets, cut or pierced into staggered slots or patterns, then
stretched under pressure to achieve desired shapes like diamond, crimp, herringbone, or Z-rib. This
process yields a joint-free mesh structure, boosting durability and structural integrity. Additionally,
expanded mesh can be stamped, perforated, or deformed into an open mesh configuration, providing
design flexibility. One notable application is Steelcrete, where it finds use in construction and
architectural projects.

Expanded mesh finds extensive use in construction, architecture, industrial, and automotive sectors. In
construction, it's valued for facades, partitions, ceilings, and fences for its strength, ventilation, and
aesthetics. In architecture, it functions as sunscreens, privacy screens, and decorative elements.
Industrial applications include machinery guards, safety barriers, and filtration systems, while in
automotive, it's used in radiator grilles, engine covers, and air intake screens. Offering benefits like
lightweight construction, easy installation, and corrosion resistance, expanded mesh is favored across
various industries and applications.

LATHS

Laths, including permanent centering or self-centering types, are widely used in construction and
industry. They come in various forms, like flat or segmental sheets with solid ribs, between which the
metal is stamped, perforated, or deformed into an open mesh structure. These laths are often painted or
galvanized and can be made from mild steel or special alloy steels. Notable examples include "RIBPLEX"
and "HYRIB."

Laths are essential in construction, providing structural support and reinforcement in plastering, stucco,
and concrete applications. They are versatile, made from materials such as steel, copper alloys,
fiberglass, or composites, offering strength and durability. Engineers and architects utilize laths to
enhance building structures, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Examples include their
use in historical restoration projects, support for exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS), and
reinforcement for decorative concrete applications like stamped surfaces.

4. STORAGE & CARE FOR METAL REINFORCEMENT

Proper storage and care of metal reinforcement are crucial for concrete structure integrity. This
involves using elevated racks and sheds to avoid ground contact and moisture exposure. Regular
rust inspection is vital to prevent corrosion, which can weaken the reinforcement. Corrosion may
necessitate replacement or repair for safety. Preventing oil contamination during handling
maintains concrete-steel bond for optimal performance. Adhering to storage best practices and
regular maintenance ensures concrete structures' longevity and reliability.

References:

(Types of Aluminum: Types, Uses, Features and Benefits, n.d.)

Team, G. (2023, August 3). 9 Types of Aluminum Finishes That Enhance Your Product. Gabrian.

Collins, M. (n.d.). Handling and storage of reinforcement.

Expanded metals. (n.d.).

Done, B. (2023, January 9). Cast Iron and Wrought Iron: What’s the Difference? Machine
Design.