Top innovative aluminium applications in the building and construction sector in 2022

Aluminium has become a metal of choice in the building and construction sector for its intrinsic properties like lightweight and corrosion resistance. The metal is commonly used for wall panels and roofing solutions like finished roofs and domed structures, drains, fenestration casings and decorative purposes. Since aluminium can be extruded, rolled or cast to form commonly used products in the construction industry, its applications are exponentially growing each year.

Furthermore, the metal can be customised based on design needs through die-casting processes or machine treated on existing profiles.

In 2022, the building and construction sector accounted for 57 per cent of the aluminium extrusion usage worldwide, as per the data published in our Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2023. Let us explore a few top innovative applications of the metal in buildings and constructions in the recent past. 

Aluminium alloy carport solution:

Since the innovation knows no bounds when it comes to the usage of aluminium in buildings and construction, we have found a solar carport solution made of aluminium. In July 2022, Enerack, a Chinese PV mounting system developer, unveiled a solar carport solution made of aluminium alloy of the type AL6005-T5, specially designed for shopping centres, gas solutions, public parking lots and private homes, targeting the European market.

This carport can host all types and sizes of solar panels with dimensions of up to 2,280 mm x 1,133 mm x 35mm. It has a longitudinal sink rail that can catch water from the horizontal gap between the solar modules.

World's first aluminium Flexbeam underdeck:

Bilfinger UK, a leading engineer and maintenance provider, in partnership with Layher UK, is giving shape to the world's first underdeck scaffolding system with aluminium Flexbeam to permit safe travel across the underside of an oil rig. Scotland's Layher has a well-equipped technical team to create the blueprint for the scaffold using its state-of-the-art aluminium scaffolding Flexbeam. This is a crucial reason why Bilfinger has partnered with Layher, decreasing construction time by 40 per cent if compared with contemporary tube and fitting scaffolding.

Aluminium formwork: a game-changing technology:

Aluminium formwork system made possible a 12-storey residential tower with 96 apartments in just 96 days in Mumbai, India, built by Larsen & Toubro. India's premier infrastructure developer L&T said, "L&T's 'Mission 96' project was achieved using precast technology that is touted as the future of construction of residential towers for rapid mechanised construction with superior quality based on controlled manufacturing in a factory environment."

Aluminium formwork is a construction technique for forming the cast-in-place concrete structure of the building. The benefits of Aluminium Formwork are that it is quick to set up, precise, and sturdy. The average cost of aluminium formwork is low since it can be reused repeatedly. As a result of the integral extrusion forming process, this formwork system is highly economical.

Aluminium canopy walkway:

One of Ghana's most visited natural attractions is the Kakum National Park, wherein the most famous activity is canopy walkway. There are seven treetops connected by a 350-metre-long wire rope bridge made of aluminium ladders, wooden planks, and safety nets. In order to protect the trees, no nails or bolts pierce the bark.

Modular, reusable aluminium construction project:

The Best Building™ (TBB) solution, a startup that provides solutions for civil construction using modular metal beams, slabs, and walls made of aluminium for quick, secure, and high-quality work, started creating a modular, reusable aluminium construction project that could be put together and taken apart several times. Plaster or spackling paste can then be applied (to improve the quality) using either conventional paint or an industrial aluminium paint base. The aluminium wall can be built ten times faster than drywall and three hundred times faster than bricks, concrete blocks or ceramic tiles.

Museum resembling yin-yang symbol with aluminium façade:

Muda Architects, a design studio from China, has unveiled a museum layout resembled with the shape of yin-yang symbol. The museum, to be known as the Tianfu Museum, will be built in Chengdu showcasing the Chinese medical history. The museum's main entrance will welcome its guests from the west direction, where perforated aluminium panels will adorn the upper ceiling to protect the onlookers from heat and keep the ventilation of the building in perfect condition. Muda Architects has intentionally selected a spherical land structure with water on one side so that half the construction has an umbrella-type cladding from the perforated aluminium panels. In contrast, the other half remains uncovered, reflecting the sky beautifully.

Eel-shaped aluminium bridge:

Sam Crawford's aluminium-clad Bara Bridge in Sydney for Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust resembles the shape of the migratory eels found in the region. The bridge has been aligned with anodised aluminium balusters that shine when sunlight falls on it and the water beneath, creating a spectacular sight to behold.

The founder and director of Sam Crawford Architects (SCA), Sam Crawford, elucidated: "The shape, movement and colour of the long-finned eels are reflected in the form and materiality of the bridge design."

Aluminium truss for use in events or concerts:

India's leading aluminium truss manufacturer, Rohtak-based Company Devil Truss, has introduced the country's strongest and biggest aluminium truss, namely, Giant Truss. Devil Truss aluminium profiles are immensely desired in the Indian wedding scene, where extravagance is a must. These trusses are used during sports or corporate events and also essential public gatherings that require semi-permanent augmented platforms.

The launch of the new Giant Truss model will assure the wedding planners and event managers in India of a big fat occasion since they will no longer have to worry about the length and breadth of the layouts.