Masonry

It is mainly used for load bearing walls taking vertical and horizontal loads. It can be used for buildings up to 20 storeys. But unfortunately here the quality of masonry is not up to that standard. So 2 or 3 storeys can be done.

Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete

RCC if properly handled good for shear wall construction is very durable and fire resistant. RCC can be cast to any required shape. It is used for a variety of construction including tall buildings. Prestressed concrete is used for large span buildings ,bridges and towers.

Good quality control is not given to RCC structures so in India resulted in failures in earth quakes. But quality of prestressed concrete is come to the standard in india because major companies are using it.

Structural Steel 

Its main advantages are strength speed of erection and prefabrication. It is used in buildings bridges trusses and space frames. Steel requires fire and corrosion protection. In steel buildings foundation s are done by concrete walls and claddings with masonry or other materials. Steel structures are done in workshops and assembled at site is better in quality but requires good workmanship. Welding must be of good quality. Steel offers good compressive and tensile strength so lighter structure is the result. Main advantage is it can be recycled.

Wood

It is used for up to 3 floors. It gives warmth what steel  and concrete lacks. Wood has long been used in western countries and in Japan in historical structures. Wooden domes are done in USA and Japan which diameter is 160-180m. In India wood is used in windows and doors. Treated rubber is good for furnitures and for small building roofs.