Copper in construction
|
|
Copper is a soft, malleable, ductile metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity and good resistance to corrosion due to the protective patina that forms on its surfaces. It has low thermal expansion, making it stable and resistant to deterioration from movement. It is relatively light compared to lead, and requires little maintenance. It is non-magnetic and has good biofouling resistance
Copper has the chemical symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It has been used as far back as 8,000 BC because it is a native metal, occurring naturally in a useable form. It is also found in the minerals cuprite, malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite and bornite, and is a by-product of silver production.
It is commonly used in the construction industry to form pipes and tubing for potable water distribution and heating and cooling systems, as it is malleable and joints can be easily formed by soldering. The ease with which it can be made to form complex shapes means it is also used as a cladding and flashing material, for gutters, downpipes and coping. Electrical and communications cables are often formed with copper wire.
It can be hot and cold worked, and joints can be formed by soldering or welding, using mechanical fasteners, by brazing, or with adhesives. It can specified according to the temper levels; soft, half-hard, hard, spring and extra-spring.
Copper is a pinkish-orange colour when first exposed, but can oxidise to a blue green colour. This oxidisation is sometimes allowed intentionally to create a characteristic green cladding. It can also be given a range of brown colours.
It is generally recyclable, and this combined with its long life means it has relatively low life cycle impacts.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.