Concrete is a fundamental material in the evolution of civil engineering and construction, with a centuries-long history. Here are the milestones in the history of its development:
Antiquity: the first concrete compounds
The first indications of the use of concrete-like materials date back to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where mixtures of gypsum, lime and clays were used. However, it was the Roman Empire that perfected an advanced formula. This formula produced a mixture of pozzolana (volcanic ash), lime and aggregates. The resulting cement enabled them to build extremely durable structures, such as the Pantheon and aqueducts. The water resistance of these mixtures was key in the construction of harbours and other public works.
Concrete was also used in the underground vaults and arches of the Roman Colosseum, as well as in the internal walls, where strength and durability were required. In addition, the Colosseum combined concrete with stone and marble, demonstrating the versatility of the material.
Middle Ages: loss of concrete know-how
After the fall of Rome, the concrete formula was lost in Europe. From then on, construction once again relied on rudimentary methods. This historical period therefore represented a setback in the use of advanced techniques and efficient materials in construction.
Renaissance: rediscovery of hydraulic concrete
During the 18th century, John Smeaton rediscovered the hydraulic properties of certain cements. He used lime and clays for the reconstruction of the Eddystone lighthouse (1756). This breakthrough paved the way for the development of Portland cement.
19th century: the Portland cement and reinforced concrete revolution
The big breakthrough came in 1824, when Joseph Aspdin patented Portland cement, produced by calcining limestone and clay. This cement, with superior strength and versatility, became the basis of modern concrete. Later, the addition of steel bars to the mix led to reinforced concrete. This method significantly increased the tensile strength of structures, and allowed for the construction of more complex buildings.
20th and 21st century: innovation and optimisation
During the 20th century, technologies such as prestressed and post-tensioned concrete emerged, allowing the internal stresses of the material to be controlled to improve its structural performance. Techniques such as shotcrete and new high-performance concrete formulations with increased strength and durability were also developed.
Today, the focus is on the sustainability of concrete production. This interest has led to the development of environmentally friendly concretes whose production is responsible for a lower carbon footprint. Self-repairing materials have also been developed that extend the service life of structures.
However, concrete, which has come a long way since its origins, remains the most widely used material in construction. The innovations it has undergone aim to improve its efficiency, durability and sustainability.
By Eduardo Hernández García, Senior Structural Modeller at Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.
Cover image: Diliff – CC BY-SA 2.5
