Concrete foundations are essential in today’s construction industry, providing strength and stability for all types of residential and commercial structures. What you may not know, however, is that people have been relying on concrete foundations for thousands of years, and the substance has a rich history behind it.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of concrete and why it’s still a preferred material for foundations to this day. Continue reading to learn more!
- The Invention of Concrete: While some say the invention of concrete can be attributed to the Romans, others say that concrete was used well before their time. In fact, traders in ancient Syria and Jordan used concrete for flooring, foundations, and more around 6500 BCE. Later, the Romans improved concrete by combining volcanic ash with lime and water, which made it extremely durable. In doing so, they were able to construct structures such as the Pantheon and aqueducts, many of which still exist today.
- Middle Ages to Industrial Revolution: The Middle Ages saw a decrease in the use of the concrete foundation in Europe as stone and lumber became more popular. However, when the industrial revolution started, Portland cement was developed, providing workers with a stronger and more adaptable material to use for foundations.
- 20th Century: The development of steel-reinforced concrete was a game-changer. Engineers began embedding steel rods in concrete, resulting in foundations capable of supporting skyscrapers and major infrastructure projects. Following World War II, the concrete foundation became the norm in residential and commercial buildings. In addition, advances in mixing procedures and materials resulted in increased durability and efficiency.
- Modern-day Innovations: In recent decades, there has been an increase in the use of environmentally friendly and high-performing concrete mixtures. Innovations such as self-healing concrete and green cement aim to reduce environmental effects while preserving strength.