Mechanical Properties

of Materials

Describes the behavior of materials

under application of force.
Mechanical test all the variables
affecting
a
given
property
is
controlled.

Mechanical Property
Strength of Materials

The greatest stress that a substance can bear

under external forces without destruction.

F=

Mechanical Property

Stress internally distributed forces which

tend to resist deformation.
Strain deformation caused by the application
of an external force.

Mechanical Property

Strength Grade
According to the ultimate strength
Brittle materials such as ordinary clay brick, stone,
cement and concrete: grades are based on their
compressive strength
Plastic materials and ductile materials such as steel:
depend on their tensile strength

Specific Strength
Material strength divided by its apparent density
Reduce structural weight and lower project costs

Mechanical Property
Elasticity

Regaining original shape upon the removal of

the external load
Materials

E (lb / in)

Aluminum (rolled)

to

Copper
Copper (rolled)
(rolled)
Brass (70% Cu, 30% Zn)
Brass (70% Cu, 30% Zn)
Steel (all kinds)
Steel (all kinds)
Concrete in compression
Concrete in compression
Wood
Wood
Glass
Glass
Phenol formaldehyde
Phenol
(plastic)formaldehyde

to
to

Approx.

Mechanical Property

Plasticity
Describes the deformation of a material
undergoing non-reversible changes of shape in
response to external forces.
There are no pure plastic materials among
building materials.

Mechanical Property

Under external forces, some materials will

have elastic deformation and plastic
deformation at the same time, but elastic
deformation will disappear and plastic
deformation still maintains when the stress Is
removed, such as concrete.

Mechanical Property

Proportional Limit & Elastic Limit

Maximum stress to which a material can be
subjected without any deviation from the
proportionality of stress and strain (Hookes
Law) is called proportional limit.
Maximum stress to which a material can be
subjected without the occurrence of any
permanent strain remaining upon complete
release of the stress is called elastic limit.

Mechanical Property

Stress Strain Relations in Tension

Mechanical Property
Resilience

Capacity of a material to absorb energy within the

elastic range

Yield point
A stress is reached at which the material continues
to elongate for a time without an increase of load.
Yield strength - stress at which the material exhibits
a specified limiting permanent set.

Mechanical Property

Malleability
Can be severely deformed plastically in
compression without fracture

Ductility
Quality of a material by virtue of which it may
be plastically elongated.

Mechanical Property

Brittleness
Property of a material that fractures when subjected to
stress but has a little tendency to deform before rupture.
Characteristics: little deformation, poor capacity to resist
impact and vibration of load, high compressive strength,
and low tensile strength.

Toughness
Also called impact toughness. Impacted or vibrated by
stress, a material is able to absorb much energy and
deform greatly without rupture.

Mechanical Property

Hardness
Resists pressing-in or scratch of a sharp object.
Mineral hardness is divided into 10 grades: talc,
gypsum, calcite, fluorite, apatite, orthoclase,
quartz, topaz, corundum and diamond.

Abrasive Resistance
Capacity of a material to resist abrasion.

Decorativeness of
Materials

They play decorative, protective,

and other specific roles (such as
insulation,
moisture-resistance,
fireproofing, sound-absorption, and
sound-insulation).

Decorativeness of Materials

Color
White or light-colored elevation hue = clean
and fresh feeling;
Dark-colored = dignified and stable
Red, orange, yellow and other warm colors
indoors = feels enthusiastic, excited and warm.
Green, blue, violet = peaceful, elegant, cool.
Different living conditions, climates, traditions,
and customs

Decorativeness of Materials

Texture
Comprehensive impression given by the
appearance of a material: roughness,
unevenness, grain, patterns, and color
differences.

Linetype
Decorative effect of the dividing joints and the
convex lines ornamented on elevation.

Durability of Materials

- Materials are able to resist erosion

from various media around and
maintain their original properties.