Building and construction methods have come a very long way over history. In old times, structures were made from simple materials like stone, wood and natural cement. But as science and technology advanced, engineers developed much stronger and more advanced building materials. Today, scientific breakthroughs are enabling buildings to be smarter, safer, and more efficient than ever through the use of sensors, renewable energy, and high-tech materials.
Construction Materials Get Stronger
One major way that science has changed the building industry is by creating incredibly strong and durable construction materials. Civil engineers now have access to advanced metal alloys, polymers, aerospace composites, and synthetic concretes that are revolutionizing what can be built.
Buildings now routinely use high strength treated steels in their frameworks. These alloyed steels can resist corrosion, extreme temperatures, and impacts much better than ordinary iron. Complex infrastructure, like stadiums and skyscrapers, rely on durable steels to remain intact under huge stresses. Scientists also developed unique chemical admixtures that concrete suppliers add to mixes. Special concrete formulas now exist for underwater use or extreme hot/cold weather that stay strong for over a century.
Polymers derived from oil/gas innovations have also become essential building materials. Rigid polycarbonate sheets provide windows and skylights that are shatterproof and withstand hail storms. Flexible PVC pipes endure decades buried underground. Foam insulation panels envelop homes and offices in an energy-saving barrier. All these polymers emerge from scientific advancements.
Efficiency Improvements Through Technology
Aside from creating better structural materials, science also enables buildings to operate more efficiently. For example, sensors coupled with smart control systems reduce energy demands in homes and offices by automatically adjusting appliance usage and temperature. New renewable energy options like solar panels and geothermal loops also reduce or even eliminate external power needs.
Nanotechnology applied on window glass makes it resist dirt/grime and reduce heating/cooling loads. The glass is so smooth at the molecular level that it stays cleaner far longer than regular glass. This maximizes natural light while blocking heat transfer through windows. Small tweaks like this cut wasted energy.
Scientific testing and modeling tools permit designers to analyze how buildings perform and pinpoint inefficiencies. Accurate simulations of airflow, lighting, acoustics and heat transfer enable refined designs long before construction starts. This prevents costly reworking and ensures buildings operate sustainably for decades.
Another way science enables efficiency is by reducing waste during construction. Precision digital modeling and advanced prefabrication let builders optimize design down to fractions of an inch. This prevents over-ordering and ensures building components fit together perfectly onsite. Scientific scheduling algorithms even guide the ideal shipment and sequencing of factory-built modules as they’re trucked to the venue for rapid installation. What used to be slow, labor-intensive construction on ladders and scaffolding is now faster, safer and more precise thanks to computational and manufacturing innovations.Â
Advanced Materials Expand Possibilities
Some scientists work closely with architects and engineers, turning far-fetched concepts into reality by creating materials that make innovative building forms possible.
One case is aerospace composites, ultra-light and rigid polymers reinforced by carbon fiber and glass strands. According to the experts at Axiom Materials, aerospace composites support daringly thin yet strong shapes for walls, ceilings and facades. These materials lend well to the sweeping curves and sharp angles prevalent in modern architecture. Their organic styling perfectly complements designs inspired by nature.
Conclusion
Science continues to transform construction at all scales from backyard sheds to soaring skyscrapers. Through material, chemical and nano-science research, the buildings of tomorrow will be remarkably strong, efficient, smart and beautiful. Buildings that once seemed fanciful or extravagant may soon be commonplace thanks to ongoing scientific breakthroughs.
