---
title: "Classification of civil engineering materials"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:classification-civil-materials"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/classification-civil-materials
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Classification of civil engineering materials

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 1: Introduction to Civil Engineering Material

- Asked in: 2074 Chaitra, 2 marks; 2068 Baisakh, 1 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Types of engineering materials, Classification of Engineering Materials, Types of materials, #Metals](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX1_NqNTIqw) — Mechanical Engineering Management
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/classification-civil-materials
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-1

## Question

How are civil engineering materials classified?

## Short answer

Civil engineering materials are classified by origin (natural like stone, manufactured like cement), composition (metallic, non-metallic), use (structural, finishing, protective), structure (crystalline, amorphous), or behaviour (ductile, brittle, etc.).

## Answer

Civil engineering materials can be classified in several ways.

#### 1. On the basis of origin
- **Natural materials:** stone, timber, sand, clay, bamboo, bitumen (natural asphalt).
- **Manufactured (artificial) materials:** brick, tile, cement, lime, glass, steel, paint, plastics.

#### 2. On the basis of composition
- **Metallic:** steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, brass (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- **Non-metallic:** stone, brick, cement, timber, glass, bitumen, plastics.

#### 3. On the basis of use
- **Structural:** concrete, steel, brick, stone, timber.
- **Finishing:** paint, varnish, tiles, plaster.
- **Protective and insulating:** bitumen, damp-proofing and thermal insulation materials.

#### 4. On the basis of structure
- **Crystalline:** metals and many rocks.
- **Amorphous:** glass, bitumen, plastics.

#### 5. On the basis of behaviour
- **Ductile / brittle**, **elastic / plastic**, **organic / inorganic** materials.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a manufactured (artificial) material?
   A. Timber
   B. Cement
   C. Sand
   D. Clay
   Answer: B. Brick, tile, cement, lime, glass, steel are manufactured. (Key point: By origin)

2. Which is a non-metallic material?
   A. Cast iron
   B. Brass
   C. Bitumen
   D. Aluminium
   Answer: C. Metallic: steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, brass. (Key point: By composition)

3. Which materials are amorphous?
   A. Metals and many rocks
   B. Steel and copper
   C. Granite and quartz crystals
   D. Glass, bitumen and plastics
   Answer: D. Metals and many rocks are crystalline. (Key point: By structure)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

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