The density of construction materials is the ratio of mass per unit volume. It shows the compactness of the construction material.
Its unit is kg/m³ or lb/ft³.
It is represented by row (p).
Lower dense materials occupy more volume as compared to high dense materials.
Mathematically;
p = m/v
{ Note:
1 kg/m3 = 0.624 lb/ft3 }
The density of construction material determines the sinking property of material which plays a vital role in the design and construction of dams, foundations, etc.
The value of density is found for materials, not quantities. So different materials have their density.
The density of construction materials used in the construction are :
The density of Construction Materials
S.No. | Construction Materials | Density (Kg/m3) | Density (lb/ft3) |
| 1 | WATER | 1000 | 62.43 |
| Wood (various types) | |||
| 2 | Balsa | 170 | 10.6 |
| 3 | Bamboo | 300 – 400 | 18.7 – 25 |
| 4 | Pine | 370 – 530 | 23 – 33 |
| 5 | Cedar | 380 | 23.7 |
| 6 | Aspen | 420 | 26.2 |
| 7 | Willow wood | 420 | 26.2 |
| 8 | African mahogany | 495 – 850 | 31 – 53 |
| 9 | Honduras mahogany | 545 | 34 |
| 10 | American redwood | 450 | 28 |
| 11 | European redwood | 510 | 31.8 |
| 12 | Spruce (Canadian) | 450 | 28 |
| 13 | Spruce (Sitka) | 450 | 28 |
| 14 | Afromosia | 705 | 44 |
| 15 | apple | 660 – 830 | 41.2 – 51.8 |
| 16 | Ash (black) | 540 | 33.7 |
| 17 | Ash (white) | 670 | 41.8 |
| 18 | Birch | 670 | 41.8 |
| 19 | Ebony | 960 – 1120 | 59.9 – 69.9 |
| 20 | Elm | 600 – 815 | 37.4 – 50.8 |
| 21 | Iroko | 655 | 40.9 |
| 22 | Larch | 590 | 36.8 |
| 23 | Maple | 755 | 47.1 |
| 24 | Oak | 590 – 930 | 36.8 – 58 |
| 25 | Teak | 630 – 720 | 39.3 – 44.9 |
| 26 | Sycamore | 590 | 36.8 |
| 27 | Lignum vitae | 1280 – 1370 | 79.9 -85.5 |
| 28 | Sandy soil | 1800 | 112.3 |
| 29 | Clay soil | 1900 | 118.6 |
| 30 | Gravel soil | 2000 | 124.8 |
| 31 | Sandstone | 2000 | 124.8 |
| 32 | Silt | 2100 | 131 |
| 33 | Chalk | 2100 | 131 |
| 34 | Shale | 2500 | 156 |
| 35 | Sedimentary rocks | 2600 | 162.3 |
| 36 | Metamorphic rocks | 2700 | 168.5 |
| 37 | Igneous rocks (felsic) | 2700 | 168.5 |
| 38 | Igneous rocks (mafic) | 3000 | 187.2 |
| 39 | Bricks | 1500-1800 | 93.64 -112.3 |
| 40 | Asphalt | 721 | 45 |
| 41 | Cement | 1440 | 89.8 |
| 42 | Cement mortar | 2080 | 129.8 |
| 43 | Lime | 640 | 39.9 |
| 44 | Lime mortar | 1760 | 109.8 |
| 45 | Concrete (P.C.C) | 2400 | 149.8 |
| 46 | Concrete (R.C.C) | 2500 | 156 |
| 47 | Steel | 7850 | 490 |
| 48 | Stainless steel | 7480 – 8000 | 466.9 – 499.4 |
| 49 | Aluminium | 2739 | 170.9 |
| 50 | Magnesium | 1738 | 108.4 |
| 51 | Cobalt | 8746 | 545.9 |
| 52 | Nickel | 8908 | 556.1 |
| 53 | Tin | 7280 | 454.4 |
| 54 | Lead | 11340 | 707.9 |
| 55 | Zinc | 7135 | 445.4 |
| 56 | Cast iron | 7208 | 449.9 |
| 57 | Copper | 8940 | 558.1 |
| 58 | Iron | 7850 | 490 |
| 59 | Glass | 2580 | 161 |
| Read Also: 5R Principle of Solid Waste Management |
| Read Also: What is a Floating Building? |
