Construction Materials and Techniques BY Dr. A. Leema Rose, Dr. Md Arman Ali,Mr. T. R. Banu Chander,Mr. Sattainathan Sharma A

The idea for Construction Materials and Techniques emerged from our collective experience as educators, researchers, and practitioners in the field of construction engineering and architecture. As a group of authors from diverse academic institutions and industry backgrounds, we recognized the growing need for a comprehensive yet accessible resource that bridges fundamental concepts with current industry practices.
The construction industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and evolving building codes. In this context, understanding traditional materials like concrete, steel, and timber—alongside emerging alternatives such as geopolymer concrete, engineered wood products, and smart materials—is more important than ever. Our goal with this book is to provide students, educators, and professionals with a solid foundation in construction materials, along with an in-depth understanding of the techniques used to shape, assemble, and integrate them into the built environment.
This book is organized to offer both breadth and depth. The initial chapters cover the fundamental properties and testing methods of materials, while later sections explore application techniques, quality control, durability, and innovations in sustainable construction. Case studies, site photographs, and comparative tables have been included to contextualize theory within real-world construction scenarios.
Each chapter has been written by subject-matter experts who brought their own insights and research to the material. The multi-author format allowed us to draw on a wide range of perspectives and expertise, and we believe this collaboration enriches the overall quality and utility of the book. While we strove for consistency in structure and tone, each author’s voice is evident, providing a richer, more nuanced exploration of each topic.
We would like to acknowledge our colleagues, students, and professional collaborators who contributed to this work through discussions, feedback, and technical reviews. Special thanks also go to the editorial team and publishers who supported this project from inception to completion.
We hope that Construction Materials and Techniques will serve not only as a textbook for university-level courses, but also as a practical guide for engineers, architects, and contractors committed to excellence in construction.