STRUCTURAL SYSTEM AND

DESIGN 6

NEW AGE
MATERIALS
CASE STUDY-REPORT
PREPARED BY
Saanvi Gupta
Raghav Sethi
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DESIGN 6

Introduction

The construction industry has

always evolved with materials at
its core. From stone and timber
in ancient times to reinforced
concrete and steel in the
industrial era, each phase of
material innovation has
reshaped the way we build.
Today, the demand for
sustainable, lightweight, durable,
and intelligent solutions has led
to the development of new-age
building materials.
These advanced materials are
characterized by their high Graphene is a new age material and is used in
outer facade
performance, energy efficiency,
reduced carbon footprint, and OBJECTIVES OF THIS REPORT:
adaptability to modern To study a range of new-age building

architectural demands. They materials.

address pressing challenges To classify them into categories based

such as climate change, rapid on function and innovation.

urbanization, modular To analyze their applications,

construction, and the need for advantages, and limitations.

resilient structures. To highlight real-world examples and

future potential.
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A. HIGH-TECH &
FUTURISTIC
MATERIALS

01 CARBON FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (CFRP)

CFRP is a composite made from carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix

(like epoxy or polyester resin), combining the fibers' strength with the matrix's
support and protection.
Exceptionally strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant.
Used in seismic retrofitting, high-rise reinforcement, and bridges.

ITS APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

Facade Panels & Structural Elements (top-left): Illustrates CFRP
being used for lightweight, durable cladding and structural forms.
Beam Retrofitting (top-right): Carbon fiber cloth wrapped around
a concrete beam, reinforcing it without adding bulk.
CFRP Strips and Bars (bottom-left): Shows CFRP strips and bars—
common in strengthening applications.
Wrapping Techniques Diagram (bottom-right): A schematic view
of different methods to apply CFRP wraps—side, U-wrap, and full-
wrap—on concrete elements.
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02 GRAPHENE
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional
hexagonal lattice—truly one of the thinnest but strongest materials known.
Despite being just one atom thick (~0.34 nm), it boasts tensile strength over
130 GPa and a stiffness (Young’s modulus) close to 1 TPa, making it
astronomically stronger and lighter than steel. Its density is just about 0.76
mg per square meter—remarkably lightweight.

Ultra-thin, stronger than steel, highly conductive.

Potential applications: ultra-strong concrete composites, coatings, and energy
systems.

ITS APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

Cement, Asphalt & Coatings

Smart Materials & Sensors

Graphene-Enhanced Concrete

Aerogels & Insulation

NATIONAL GRAPHENE INSTITUTE BY JESTICO + WHILES,

GRAPHENE IN PAINT
MANCHESTER UNITED KINGDOM.

In 2017, paint manufacturer Graphenstone

released a lime-based paint infused with
graphene. Limewash paint has been around for
centuries and has been revered for its breathable,
bacteria-resistant, odor-absorbing and
hypoallergenic properties. The company
incorporated graphene into its renowned lime-
based paint to create a thermal-regulating
product. To resist heat from radiating through
walls, the graphene present in the paint assists in
capturing heat and thus improves a room’s
insulation. Graphene’s thin makeup and durable
properties mean less paint is required to achieve
a corrosion-resistant and durable finish.
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03 TRANSPARENT ALUMINUM (ALON)

A ceramic-based material, harder than glass, resistant to impact and heat.
Applications: skylights, high-security glazing.

KEY PROPERTIES:

High strength: 4× stronger than glass, resists high impact.

Scratch resistance: Much harder than conventional glass (Mohs hardness
~8.3).
Optical clarity: Transparent in the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet
spectrum, making it versatile.
Thermal stability: Performs well under extreme temperatures.
Durability: Resistant to oxidation, erosion, and corrosion.

APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE:

Blast-resistant windows & facades → used in high-security buildings,

embassies, banks.
Transparent armor → protects against bullets/explosions in military
bunkers.
Aerospace & space applications → used in aircraft canopies, sensor
windows, and satellites.
Smart building facades → futuristic use for strong, lightweight, see-
through panels.

In the movie "Jurassic World," the spherical tour vehicles

are made from AlON.

WHY IT’S NOT WIDELY USED YET IN BUILDINGS:

Cost: Manufacturing AlON is expensive due to complex

processing.
Size limitations: Commercially available AlON windows
are relatively small
AION on building facade
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04 SELF-HEALING CONCRETE
Uses bacteria or polymer capsules to repair cracks automatically.
Extends life cycle of infrastructure and reduces maintenance costs.

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Bacteria-based healing
Special bacteria (Bacillus species) are mixed into the concrete.
When cracks form and water/oxygen enter, the bacteria activate and
produce limestone (calcium carbonate), sealing the cracks naturally.
2. Microcapsule or chemical healing
Tiny capsules filled with healing agents (like epoxy or sodium silicate)
are embedded in the concrete.
When cracks form, capsules break and release chemicals, sealing the
cracks.

BENEFITS:

Longevity → Extends building lifespan by decades.

Cost savings → Less repair and maintenance needed.
Waterproofing → Prevents water seepage and corrosion of steel
reinforcement.
Sustainability → Reduces need for reconstruction, lowering carbon
footprint.

APPLICATIONS:

Bridges & highways (reduces frequent crack repairs).

Tunnels & underground structures (prevents leakage).
Marine structures like dams, canals, ports.
High-rise buildings for long-term durability.
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B. SMART
COMPOSITES &
PERFORMANCE
MATERIALS

01 STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS (SIPS)

Prefabricated sandwich panels with insulation core.
Provide high thermal efficiency, speed of installation, and reduced waste.

FEATURES:
High Insulation → Superior thermal performance compared to
traditional construction.
Lightweight but Strong → Despite being lightweight, SIPs provide
excellent structural strength.
Prefabricated & Fast Installation → Panels are made in factories
and assembled quickly on-site.
Air-tight & Energy-efficient → Fewer thermal bridges and reduced
energy loss.
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02 TEXTILE REINFORCED CONCRETE (TRC)

Reinforcement with carbon/glass fiber textiles.
Lighter, crack-resistant, corrosion-free, and enables complex forms.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Thin Sections → TRC elements can be just 10–20 mm thick (vs. 80–100
mm in RCC).
Corrosion Resistance → Unlike steel, textiles do not rust, allowing slender
and durable designs.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio → Strong but lightweight components.
Flexibility in Design → Can be molded into complex shapes, curves, and
façade panels.
Durability → High resistance against cracking, chemical attack, and
weathering.

FIRE, ACOUSTIC & THERMAL BEHAVIOR:

Fire Resistance → Good, but depends on fiber type (carbon performs best,
glass weaker).
Acoustics → Can be designed with perforations for sound absorption.
Thermal → Slim elements conduct more heat than thick concrete, but can
be layered with insulation.

“Carbon Concrete” House ( Germany, TU Dresden) → Experimental house built almost entirely with
TRC (walls, floors, roofs).
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C. SUSTAINABLE &
BIO-BASED
MATERIALS

01 POLLUTION-ABSORBING BRICKS
Designed to filter urban air pollution passively.

FEATURES:

Air Filtration → Many designs incorporate a honeycomb-like inner

cavity that filters dust, smoke, and pollutants as air passes through.
Pollution Breakdown → Photocatalytic bricks use TiO₂, which reacts
with sunlight to break down harmful NOx and SOx gases into
harmless byproducts.
Dual Purpose → Structural integrity + environmental benefit.
Modular & Scalable → Can be integrated into regular walls, façades,
or even pavements.

APPLICATIONS:

Façade Systems for schools, hospitals, offices (to clean incoming

air).
Boundary Walls along roads to reduce vehicular emissions.
Urban Housing → improves air quality in dense neighborhoods.
Public Infrastructure → bus stands, metro stations, public plazas.
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02 RECYCLED PLASTIC PANELS

Made by compressing plastic waste into durable panels.
Lightweight, low-carbon, used in facades and flooring.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Lightweight yet strong → easy to transport and install.

Waterproof & Moisture-Resistant → unlike wood, they don’t swell or
warp.
Termite-Proof & Rot-Resistant → plastics naturally resist pests and
decay.
Fire-Retardant (with additives) → can be engineered for safety.
Customizable → can be molded into different textures, finishes, and
colors.
Thermal & Acoustic Insulation → multi-layered plastic panels provide
extra comfort.

APPLICATIONS:
Interior Walls & Partitions → offices, schools, temporary structures.
Furniture → tables, shelves, cabinets.
Flooring & Wall Cladding → especially in wet areas like bathrooms &
kitchens.
Outdoor Use → benches, pergolas, garden partitions (UV-resistant types).
Temporary or Modular Housing → disaster relief shelters, site offices.
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Real-World Applications

1.Mass Timber (CLT) – Anthony Timberlands Center,

University of Arkansas (USA)
A large-scale timber building showcasing the strength,
beauty, and sustainability of CLT.

2.Recycled Plastic Panels – Australia’s Sustainable

Infrastructure Systems
Pedestrian bridge constructed using recycled plastic
panels, demonstrating durability comparable to concrete.

3.Self-Healing Concrete – Netherlands

Roads and canal walls piloted with bacterial self-healing
concrete, reducing long-term maintenance.

4.Light-Generating Concrete – Mexico

Applied in sidewalks and bike paths, it absorbs sunlight
and emits glow at night without electricity.
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Conclusion
New-age building materials
represent a paradigm shift in
architecture and engineering.
From carbon fiber composites to
bio-based mycelium bricks, these
materials embody the future of
strength, sustainability, and
adaptability. While some remain
experimental, many are already
being implemented in real-world
projects. Their adoption promises
buildings that are not only
stronger and safer but also
smarter, greener, and more
resilient to the challenges of the
21st century.

Reference:
Autodesk – Innovative Construction Materials
AMS India – Advanced Construction Materials
Nanotech Magazine – Advanced Materials for
Smart and Sustainable Buildings
University of the Built Environment – Future
Building Materials