BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION BY Dr. Muthu Selvakumar N Dr. K. Yogeswari Mr. Manivannan Arumugam Dr. M. Vishal

We are pleased to present this comprehensive volume, “Building Materials and Construction”, a collaborative effort that brings together the expertise, insights, and experiences of professionals, educators, and researchers from various domains of civil engineering and construction technology.
The construction industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by innovations in material science, environmental concerns, and advances in construction methodologies. In response to these dynamic changes, this book aims to serve as a foundational and up-to-date reference for students, practitioners, and academicians alike.
This book has been designed to provide a well-structured understanding of the various materials used in construction — both traditional and modern — and the methods employed in building construction. Each chapter delves into the physical and chemical properties, manufacturing processes, applications, advantages, and limitations of materials such as cement, concrete, bricks, stones, steel, timber, glass, polymers, and emerging green and sustainable materials. In addition, emphasis has been placed on quality control, standardization, and best practices in material selection and usage.
The construction techniques section addresses key aspects of site preparation, foundation work, masonry, roofing, flooring, and finishing works. Contemporary trends including prefabrication, modular construction, and smart building technologies are also discussed to align with current industry practices.
This book reflects the joint effort and shared vision of its contributing authors, each of whom brings specialized knowledge and real-world experience to the subject. By combining theoretical insights with practical applications, we hope to offer a resource that is not only academically robust but also highly relevant to field practice.
We have made every effort to present the content in a clear, concise, and accessible manner. Diagrams, photographs, and case studies have been included wherever possible to enhance understanding and engage learners.
We express our gratitude to our respective institutions, peers, and reviewers who provided invaluable feedback throughout the development of this work. We also acknowledge the students and professionals whose questions and curiosity continue to inspire our commitment to education and excellence in construction engineering.
We sincerely hope that this book will prove to be a useful companion in your journey through the fascinating world of building materials and construction.