A Quick Guide to the History of Concrete
Concrete has always been a durable and trustworthy building material, dating back to ancient times. This is why we see some ancient constructions, such as the Roman Pantheon and Colosseum, still standing today. However, concrete has gone through many different iterations and applications throughout the years. Here is a quick guide to the history of concrete to see how we arrive at its usage today.
Earliest Applications of Concrete
There is some debate in historical circles about the origins of concrete mixtures, but the Romans were some of the earliest people to use this material. This group used concrete in all forms of construction, from bathhouses to arenas and structures that still stand today. The Roman Pantheon remains the largest non-reinforced concrete dome in the world. Amazingly, Romans built this structure 19 centuries ago! This is the power of one of the earliest concrete mixtures.
Concrete Mixtures: Then Versus Now
You may be wondering how an archaic concrete mixture was strong enough to keep a building standing for hundreds of years. These early forms were different from how we form concrete today. The Romans formed this mixture by using volcanic ash, also known as pozzolana, and volcanic rock pieces. They used a hand-layering technique to form a concrete surface. This is far different from modern concrete, which uses cement, water, sand, and aggregate to create a viscous and fluid material before it hardens. Modern structures also use reinforcing measures such as steel bars.
How Concrete Became So Widespread
During the mid-19th century, French engineers reinforced concrete by pouring this mixture over iron bars to increase its strength. Reinforced buildings, bridges, and multi-story structures became increasingly popular. In 1906, Thomas Edison proposed using concrete homes and structures to resist detrimental conditions like fires, tremors, termites, and rot. Nowadays, concrete is the preferred material for constructing everything, including homes, office buildings, parking garages, and skyscrapers. While modern concrete mixtures don’t last as long as ancient materials, this substance remains one of the most durable building supplies on the market.
This has been a quick guide to the history of concrete and its uses. If you’re interested in learning more about modern concrete mixtures and techniques, feel free to reach out to our concrete specialists here at Green Coast Construction. We’re happy to provide concrete services for homes and businesses in and near Montgomery County, Texas.
