MARKET FORMS OF ALUMINIUMBUILDING MATERIALS - IVAssignment - 1Aluminium as a building material - Market FormsThe aluminium used in the building industry usually takes one of the following forms :1. Casting based2. Extrusion based3. Foil and powder based4. Sheet based

1. Casting based : The known applications of Casting based form are as follows : i. Baluster-head : The cast aluminium baluster heads add elegance to the interior of buildings and complicated figures can be developed.

ii. Hardware and Fittings : The unconventional designs of hardware and fittings can be produced in casting process.

iii. Security and Decorative Grills : This application has tremendous potential in our country.

2. Extrusion based : The known applications of Extrusion based form are as follows :i. Door and Window Frames : This is the major application of aluminium in buildings. It is possible to make several types of windows to suit the functional requirements like side hung and fixed, side hung openable, sliding, top hung, etc ..,

ii. Fascia Panels and Curtain Walls : A curtain wall is an external non-load bearing wall mainly designed to carry its own weight and at the same time, it is sufficiently strong to resist wind loads in accordance with the normal building regulation. The larger aluminium Fascia panels and Curtain walls can be produced by using interlocking aluminium extrusion

iii. Geodesic Domes and Space Grids : A geodesic dome is a vaulted structure of light weight straight elements that form interlocking polygons. With aluminium as a structural material, such architectural marvels have been built.

Epcot'sSpaceship Earthis an example of the use of ACP in architecture. It is a geodesic sphere composed of 11,324 ACP tiles iv. Green Houses and rooftop gardens : Fir cold climates the aluminium extrusions are used to provide greenhouses and rooftop gardens.

v. Hardware and Fittings : The aluminium is extruded in the form of hardware items like handles, tower bolts, aldrops, curtain rails, etc..,

vi. North light glazing frames : For industrual sheds, the aluminium frames for the north light glazing provides an easy and quick way to erection and a maintenance-free installation.

vii. Partitions and Space Dividers : The aluminium structural framework is ideally suitable for office interiors where high finishing quality is essential.

3. Foil and Powder-based : The known application of foil and powder based form are as follows : i. Decorative Laminates : The printed decorative laminates are extensively used as wallpapers, partition panels, etc..,

ii. Insulative Foils : These can be conveniently used for insulating air conditioning ducts iin large central air conditioned systems.

iii. Paints : The aluminium powder-based paints are useful to grant protection to the building against corrosive environment.

iv. Waterproofing Sheet : The foil based laminates provide a maintainenvce free barrier for protection of roof against water leakage.

4. Sheet based : The known applications of sheet based form are as follows : i. Cable Tray : The aluminium is fast replacing the galvanized iron trays for carrying insulated electric cables in industrial complexes particularly in chemical industries.

ii. Planar or Flat type false ceilings : The use of such type of false ceilings exhibit supreme aesthetic appearance.

iii. Prefabricated houses : The use of prefabricated houses can be made for colder and tropical climates it can be sandwiched with polyurethane to form a better material for this type of application. It can also prove to be an effective paneling material for mobile houses and caravans.

iv. Rainwater articles : The no corrosive aluminium is a natural choice for the gutter, spouts, etc.., for the disposal of rainwater.

v. Ridging and angles of roof : The aluminium can be used for all building requirements of corner flashings, ridging, monitor roofs and gable end flashings.

vi. Roofing and siding : The aluminium is an ideal material for roofing and siding of industrial buildings, workshop[s and sheds