In a few years, aluminum went from being one of the most expensive metals on the planet to the cheapest and is responsible for the changing landscape of modern cities and towns. What is so special about this metal? Where is the ‘wonder’?
Imagine a metal that is
- perfect for construction purposes because of its desirable strength to weight ratio.
- immune to corrosion.
- non-toxic as well as durable.
- perfectly balanced in providing adequate strength with enough malleability.
- profitably recyclable.
- the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust.
- Aluminum is Eco-friendly.
- Aluminum does not burn and is therefore classified as a non-combustible material for construction.
- Even at high temperatures of 600 degrees and above, it doesn’t emit fumes or toxic gases.
- Even stronger at low temperatures.
Aluminum can be given virtually any shape and in the hands of an architect who knows what he is doing, it’s the tool for unlimited creativity. It can be combined with a number of other elements to produce alloys that are ductile, malleable, yet much stronger than steel. Modern civilization and its many defining features and marvels have been possible because of Aluminium. For instance:
- Aluminum alloys have found uses in a corrosive or humid environment like pools, river bridges, and hydraulic structures due to their durability, resistance to water, corrosion, and protection against harmful UV rays.
- Since the 1920s, it has become extremely popular for finishing roofs and domes and for use in drains and wall panels, as well as for decorative purposes.
- High reaching skyscrapers with their floor-to-floor glass walls and semi-transparent panes have been made possible by the use of Aluminium.
- It is extremely lightweight and has made it the perfect choice for the construction of aircraft.
- The low maintenance costs of Aluminium (raw as well as lacquered) have made it popular.
- Its reflective properties find uses in light management, where it may be used to help reduce energy consumption for lighting as well as heating.
- Structures for which maintenance operations are especially difficult and have to be limited, as in the case of lighting towers, antennas towers and sign motorway portals make use of aluminum.
It isn’t just skyscrapers and aircraft that make use of it, many residential as well as non-residential buildings also make use of the several advantages it has to offer. Aluminum composite panels, for instance, are known for their durability, are economical as well as fireproof to be used for exterior cladding, partitioning, and roofing elements. Aluminum also finds use in false ceilings that enhance the beauty appeal of interior designs. If you’re considering ACPs, we suggest you visit Aluminium Composite Panel in Brisbane, and see for yourself.
