The Science of Construction!

Construction is filled with science.?

Physics is the main science involved in construction, but there are many other sciences that are highly relevant to this industry. The idea that a building even stands is directly connected to physics. Understanding force and how much a material can hold up is central to construction. Other examples of physics in a building is the way insulation works to keep air from passing from the outside to the inside of a building and vice versa. There are hundreds of more examples in construction. Overall, science is incorporated into all areas of the construction process; from planning to putting the last touches on a building.

While physics is the most central to construction, chemistry and biology do come into play. Health hazards and safety is a perfect example of this connection. Just like everything in the world, buildings are made of molecules and molecules can react. There can be serious consequences to certain reactions and that is why it is imperative to ensure that the material used for building will not lead to any reaction that can be dangerous to one’s health. Understanding biology and chemistry helps to protect both those who are working on a building and those who will be in a built building.?

Outside of the three most well known branches of science, other sciences also play a role in construction. One such example is topography. Topography, a field of geoscience and planetary science, plays an important role in construction. Topography is used to understand the land around a project. What is required for a construction job and how to best do it safely is dependent on the land in which the construction will take place. A mountainous region requires some different structural elements as compared to flat land. When a client first requests a new project, probably to their Architect, one of the first things the architect will study is the topography of the site. This involves looking at topographic maps to gauge what the slope of the site is, and how best to build on this location. Each location will have its own building that is most suitable for the zone.?

While some construction jobs only require a basic understanding of science, other jobs may require science degrees. The biggest example of a construction job requiring a degree in the sciences is engineering. Engineers are a fundamental part of construction. A construction engineer, such as a civil engineer, often has a bachelor in science and sometimes even a graduate degree such as a masters or a PhD. Civil engineers help to design major construction projects, as well as structures like bridges and even skyscrapers. Massive structures like these require research and a deep understanding of load distribution as well as structural integrity. Engineers are responsible for ensuring that the architect’s beautiful, and aesthetically pleasing superstructure is sturdy and efficient in supporting the desired outcome. People throughout the construction chain are highly reliant on engineers to help plan and build both functional and safe structures.

No matter your role within a construction company, science will come up at some point (if it does not already come up). Often people may not realize that the facts they are relying on are science-based and think of them as general construction knowledge. Science serves as a backbone for the construction industry.