Concrete origins: How was concrete invented
Discover concrete’s fascinating past
Want to hear a story about concretus? It’s not a typo: “concretus” means “compact or condensed” in Latin and is the root of the word “concrete” we use now. But ye olde concrete wasn’t just called something different—it looked different than the version we know and love today.
Concrete origins
Concrete’s origins began across the globe and have since evolved to suit the needs of the modern world. Our tale begins back in the Middle East, in the desert. Ancient builders discovered a mixture of burned limestone layered on top of their clay fortresses made the buildings stronger. While it wasn’t exactly concrete, it led to the development of a more concrete-like product by the Nabatean Bedouins in Syria and Jordan around 6500 B.C.
Earliest forms of concrete
Fast forward to the Egyptians in 2500 B.C., who created a cement-style material made of lime concrete or burnt gypsum to construct one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. There’s even speculation these master builders used stone forms as molds to shape some of their statues. Incredibly, many of these statues are still standing thousands of years later!
A rocky start
One of the most analyzed forms of ancient concrete comes from the Romans, who also used a mixture unlike our modern version today. It was composed of hydrated lime, volcanic ash, and rocks. This first experimental mix produced a weak material. Fortunately, the Romans continued to refine their concrete process and used it to build some of the longest-lasting ancient structures still around today.
What was concrete used for?
Practice makes perfect, and the Romans eventually built a piece of architectural perfection in Rome called the Pantheon around 25-27 B.C. It’s been a temple to ancient gods, an inspiration for Renaissance artists, and a place of worship for Christians. In addition to temples and stadiums like The Colosseum, the Romans also used concrete to build marine structures and facilities like the Roman Baths.
The modern invention of concrete
Although many iterations and great minds paved the way, all the credit for inventing modern concrete goes to Joseph Aspdin. This British bricklayer experimented with a mixture of limestone and clay in his kitchen and created Portland Cement in 1824. Concrete use surged in the 1900s and continues to be a popular choice for construction today.
An enduring material
Concrete has endeared itself as a durable material over the centuries thanks to its reliability and strength. The industry is ever-changing, offering inventions like concrete admixtures, stabilizers, curing agents, and jointing solutions. Today, builders have a wealth of options to increase the performance and longevity of their concrete.
Invest in the best
When you choose concrete for your next construction project, you really are investing in the best possible material. Its durability, strength, and beauty make it a sound choice for those who want a long-lasting product. At Mathews Readymix, we’re here to help with all your concrete needs. Contact us today to find out more!