Did you know concrete is the second-most used material in the world?
Fun fact: Concrete is second only to water for worldwide usage!
It’s also utilized twice as much in construction as all the other building materials out there combined. It’s no wonder concrete is legendary and has a long history of being used in famous structures. Check out more examples of where it is used and why it’s so popular below.
Where in the world can you find cool concrete projects?
The Pantheon and Colosseum, Rome, Italy. The Romans were the first to use concrete as we know it today to construct the Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome. The Colosseum was an amphitheater built in 80 AD, and the Pantheon was originally a temple converted to a Catholic Church around 126 AD. Both used a durable version of concrete made with volcanic ash for their construction which has lasted for centuries.
The Hoover Dam, Nevada and Arizona border, USA. The Hoover Dam was considered one of the largest concrete projects constructed during its time when it was finished in 1935. It used 4,360,000 cubic yards of concrete and is 726.4 feet high and 1,244 feet long.
Image of the Hoover Dam.
The Pentagon, Arlington County, VA, USA. The Pentagon is a striking example of concrete construction. Finished in 1943, this government headquarters for the Department of Defense features a pentagon-shaped design. Measuring 6.5 million square feet, it boasts the world’s largest office space within the building at 3.7 million feet.
Concrete Bridge, Shanghai, China. Shanghai is home to one of the world’s longest concrete 3D-printed bridges, approximately 86 feet long. Based on ancient Chinese architecture and the structure of brain coral, this single-arch bridge comprised of 176 concrete units was printed in 450 hours and opened to pedestrians in 2019.
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai holds the title of the tallest man-made tower in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records. At a whopping 163 stories high, this building took over 430,000 cubic yards of concrete to construct.
Concrete can be a sustainable superstar
Many of these famous concrete structures have stood the test of time for not only decades but also centuries. Because concrete is long-lasting, it’s better for the environment compared to materials that degrade quickly and must be replaced. With this in mind, now more and more people are recognizing the sustainability aspect of this amazing material.
Made of recycled materials, and easy to recycle
Concrete is sustainable as it can be made from recycled materials, like recycled waste glass. This lessens its reliance on natural resources and precious materials like wood. It creates minimal waste and can be produced in the exact quantities needed for each project. Finally, once the concrete item has reached the end of its lifespan, it can be crushed and recycled into aggregate as used in new concrete. It’s no wonder concrete is prized as the second-most used material worldwide!
Are you interested in working with concrete for your next project? Give us a call! Mathews Readymix is the premier ready-mix concrete supplier for Butte, Yuba, and Sutter counties. We’ve been their source for concrete and local suppliers for over 70 years, and have built a reputation of trust and reliability.