Buildings

If the spatial and constructive section of a building or structure is located mostly above the earth’s surface, this is referred to as building construction. Building construction is generally concerned with the design and construction of buildings, houses and other structures. In addition to apartment blocks and commercial and industrial buildings, building construction also includes public facilities, shopping centres and sports facilities.

In building construction, modern geosynthetics have a wide range of applications in patios, green roofs, outdoor facilities and underground car parks. As in civil engineering, geosynthetics seal, drain, filter, protect, reinforce and separate soil layers, building components and waterproofing systems.

Composite geotextiles, such as drainage grids or drainage mats, prevent water from pressing against building components. The non-woven geotextiles also prevent fine soil particles from being washed out. Such drainage grids and drainage mats serve to protect the foundation walls. They are also used in roof greening systems, however, as well as in sealing systems for underground car parks.

When it comes to protecting the waterproofing on roofs or underground car parks from mechanical damage, structural protection mats made of polyurethane-bonded rubber granulate are also used. They are an economical and effective alternative to the conventional protective screed or protective concrete layers.

In building construction, not only functional but also creative factors must be taken into account. This applies particularly to the design of public areas and outdoor facilities in an urban built environment. Architects set high standards with regard to the design, maintenance and safety of green spaces, courtyards and functional areas. Attractive play and recreation areas are an important component. Here, fall protection surfaces and fall protection edgings made of rubber granulate minimise the risk of injury. These are available in various colours as tiles and in the form of interlocking pavers or as individually designed moulded components. Alternatively, jointless safety surfaces can be laid in-situ. Jointless surfaces can be used to create hills, hollows, waves and channels without any edges or steps. Another option is fall protection surfaces made of synthetic turf, which combine elastic layers with near-natural synthetic turf.

Jointless natural stone surfacing materials, which are installed in-situ and made of stone granulate and binding agents, are also used. Different colours and variations are available to suit individual requirements, for private gardens, leisure facilities or in the catering trade.