What property is crucial for materials used in construction?

Strength and durability are essential properties for materials used in construction because these characteristics directly impact the safety and longevity of structures. Strength refers to a material's ability to withstand loads or forces without breaking or deforming. Durability indicates how well a material can resist environmental factors such as weathering, corrosion, and wear over time. Together, these properties ensure that the materials used in buildings, bridges, and other constructions can support the intended loads and maintain their integrity over the lifespan of the structure.

While color, weight, and flexibility can influence certain design aspects and construction processes, they do not fundamentally determine the material's overall ability to perform its primary functions in construction. For example, color may be important for aesthetic reasons, weight can impact handling and transportation, and flexibility might be needed in certain applications, but none of these factors are as critical as strength and durability in ensuring the stability and safety of construction projects.