The construction industry is constantly evolving, and new materials are being developed all the time.
So what’s in store for 2024?
We’ve put together a list of some of the most exciting new materials that are set to transform the construction landscape. These new materials offer a variety of benefits, such as being more sustainable, stronger, lighter, or more affordable than traditional materials. Materials you need to know about as we head towards the end of the year.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 new construction materials to look out for in 2024:
#1. 3D-printed concrete
3D-printed concrete is a revolutionary new construction material that is made by using a 3D printer to layer concrete into a desired shape. This process allows for more complex and intricate designs than traditional concrete construction methods. 3D-printed concrete can also be used to create structures that are lighter and stronger than traditional concrete.
#2. Graphene
Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon that is incredibly strong and lightweight. It is also a very good conductor of heat and electricity. Graphene has the potential to be used in a variety of construction applications, such as making stronger and lighter concrete, creating more efficient solar panels, and developing new types of insulation.
#3. Self-healing concrete
Self-healing concrete is concrete that can repair itself over time. This is done by incorporating bacteria into the concrete. The bacteria produce a substance that fills in cracks and repairs damage to the concrete. Self-healing concrete could help to reduce the need for maintenance and repairs of concrete structures.
#4. Bioplastics
Bioplastics are plastics that are made from renewable materials, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. They are a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, which are made from petroleum. Bioplastics can be used to create a variety of construction materials, such as bricks, panels, and flooring.
5. Mycelium composites
Mycelium composites are made from mycelium, which is the thread-like material that makes up the body of mushrooms. Mycelium is a strong and lightweight material that can be used to create a variety of construction materials. Mycelium composites are also biodegradable and sustainable.
#6. Carbon fibre composites
Carbon fibre composites are made from carbon fibres that are embedded in a resin. They are incredibly strong and lightweight, making them ideal for use in construction. Carbon fibre composites are ideal for high-performance applications, such as bridges and skyscrapers.
#7. Aerogel
Aerogel is a solid material that is mostly made of air. It is the lightest solid material known to man. It’s a very good insulator, making it ideal for use in construction where it can be used to create lightweight and energy-efficient buildings.
#8. Hemp rebar
Hemp rebar is a new type of reinforcement material that is made from hemp fibers and a resin. It is stronger than traditional steel rebar and can be used to reinforce concrete, masonry, and other building materials. It’s still a relatively new material, but it has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry. It is a more sustainable, lightweight, and fire-resistant alternative to traditional steel rebar.
#9. Biochar cladding
Biochar cladding is a type of building material made from biochar, a charcoal-like material that is produced by heating biomass in an oxygen-free environment. Biochar is a sustainable material that can be made from a variety of biomass sources, such as wood, agricultural waste, and food scraps. It’s fire resistant, a great insulator and can control both moisture and sound.
#10. Thermobimetals
Put simply this is metal that breathes. The key characteristic of thermobimetal is its ability to bend or warp when exposed to changes in temperature. This effect is a result of the different expansion rates of the two metals when heated. As a cladding, this material is an energy efficient way to improve ventilation and shade.
As with all new innovations, it might take time for these new technologies to filter into the mainstream. But with ever-greater efforts being put into environmentally-friendly construction practices and materials, don’t be surprised if you start to see some of these alternative materials on a construction site near you in 2024.
If you’re interested in innovation in the construction space, you need to take a look at PlanRadar.
PlanRadar is a construction management platform that makes it simple to drastically improve your efficiency on- and and off-site. You can book a demo using the button below and find out what Planradar could do for you.
