Steel and other metals

Used in large amounts in the construction of the frames of many structures, steel is another material that is being used more for its aesthetic qualities. As always, careful selection of materials is important as there are different types and grades of steel suitable for different purposes. Decoratively, stainless steel is most commonly used for kitchen appliances, but other steels can be used for other purposes. Steel is available as sheets, bars and tubes in various sizes. It can be formed into different shapes by metal fabricators.

Architectural metal mesh is a relatively new treatment that has great decorative potential in which steel cable and rods are woven into sheets. Depending upon the weave and the gauge (size) of material used, the mesh may be completely rigid, or it may flex parallel to the warp or weft, allowing it to be wrapped around other objects and surfaces.

Other metals used both in construction and for their decorative qualities include aluminum, zinc and copper. Designers and architects should carefully consider the effects of oxidation on the visual appearance of these materials, and protect against this as appropriate. Some metals are also relatively soft, and wear and tear needs consideration before specifying.

Exercise 37.Read the text again and decide if the statements are Trueor False.

1. Steel is being used for its aesthetic qualities.

2. Stainless steel is applicable everywhere.

3. Steel is available in one size.

4. It can take different shapes.

5. All metals are soft.

Exercise 38. Work in pairs. Choose 10 words from the text and make up sentences with them. Then read your answers to your groupmate. Your partner is to guess the words that were taken from the text.

Exercise 39.Work in small groups. Discuss the properties of metals and its application answering the following questions.

1. Why is steel used in construction?

2. What is steel suitable for?

3. What forms can steel be shaped into?

4. What is architectural metal mesh?

5. Other metals like aluminum, zinc and copper are used in construction and for decorative purposes, aren’t they?

Text g glass

Exercise 40.Read and translate the text, then complete the words in the box.

hinges shatters shelving transparent shards toughened interesting

Glass can be used as an ____________material in its own right, rather than simply being a practical choice of _________ material for windows. Glass has many uses such as for ________, work surfaces and splash-backs, doors, screens and wall panels. For any interior application, ________ or tempered glass should be specified. Such glass has been made safer by heat treating.

This makes it around five times stronger, but it also affects the properties of the glass. When it is broken it _________ in small square fragments, which are unlikely to injure in comparison with long _________. However, after heat treatment, the glass cannot be cut or worked, so any drilling or cutting required for _________ and handles must be done before that.

Exercise 41. Answer the questions.

1. Is glass used only as transparent material for windows?

2. Where can glass be applied?

3. Should glass be specified for interior application?

4. What makes glass safer?

5. Can glass be cut or worked after heat treatment?

Exercise 42.Match the beginning of the sentence to its ending.

Transparent material... Glass is used for... Tempered glass should be... Five times... Properties of the... The glass cannot be...

work surfaces and splash-backs. cut or worked. glass. for windows. specified. stronger.

Exercise 43.Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.

1. an / material / be / interesting / glass/ as / can / used

2. be / specified / glass/ should / tempered

3. affects / also / it / the / glass / the / properties / of

4. be / done / drilling / must / or / treatment / before / cutting / heat / the

Exercise 44. Use a dictionary to find all the definitions of the word “glass” and make up sentences to show all their meanings.

Exercise 45. Complete the crossword using the words from this Unit.

Across

1. A chemicalelementthat is a red-brownmetal.

3. Able to be used in many different ways.

7. A type of white or grey stone containing calcium, used for building and making cement.

9. A grey powder made from lime and clay that becomes hard when it is mixed with water and allowed to dry, and that is used in building.

10. A hard clear substance used for making objects such as windows or bottles.

11. To use something new or different instead of what is normally used.

Down

1. A type of heavy wet soil that becomes hard when it is baked in a kiln, used for making cups, plates and other objects.

2. Allowing liquid, air etc. to pass slowly through many very small holes.

4.Physical matters used to produce an object or product.

5. Stiff, hard and difficult to bend or move.

6. A strong metal made from a mixture of iron and carbon.

8. An artificial material used to make cloth.

11. Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry.

12.  An object or substance that is clear or thin enough for you to see things through.

13. The quality of being strong and not easy to break.

15. Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore existing for a long time.

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Exercise 46. Prepare a report on one of the building materials. Give a presentation including the following information. Be ready to answer any questions your groupmates have.

1. Definition.

2. Types, if there are any.

3. Advantages.

4. Disadvantages.

5. Application.

6. Your personal opinion.

Exercise 47. Work in small groups. Imagine you are building a house.