10 Things About Concrete You Probably Didn't Know
Used in structures, roads, foundations and bridges and more, here are 10 things about concrete you probably did not know.
15/02/2020
We must have all heard about the composite material that is made up of rock, sand, gravel, cement and water. Well, you may not have known that per say, though you surely know that concrete has long been used as a building material. From your average, few stories high building of skyscrapers, this durable stone-like material goes as far back as to the ancient times. However, if you thought that this versatile material, which can virtually take any shape it is designed to take, is banal, perhaps even boring and ordinary, then you are mistaken for thinking so.
Used in pavements, pipes, structures, roads, foundations and bridges, as well as many other things, here are 10 things about concrete you probably did not know.
10 Fascinating Facts
A long time ago, in a land far, far away thrived the great civilization of Rome. With their many innovations and their shining creations came one that would forever change the course of architectural history. Yes, that is right, Romans developed the wonderfully renowned and remarkably durable material that is known as concrete. However, the concrete the Romans used back in the day is different to the one we use today. Still, it remains to be every builder’s go-to building material. Even though concrete is all around us, which makes it difficult to find someone that is not familiar with the building material, still, there are a number of things which you may not have known about this beautiful gift from heaven.
1. Reinforced Concrete Is Highly Resistant
Although, we are all mostly aware of the fact that concrete is highly resistant, it is known that reinforced concrete is the solitary building material that is exceptionally resistant to both fire and water? You may be surprised to learn that the composite material is virtually fireproof. This means concrete does not burn. Apart from that, this building material does not release any toxic fumes when it comes into contact with a flame. This makes concrete a remarkable fire shield that is safe from the hazards of a fire.
Concrete is also water resistant, holding a record IP of infinity, making it virtually waterproof. This makes the material ideal for use in underground structures, such as basements and parking structures, and anything else that can come into contact with water. In fact, it is the only building material that is used for underwater structures.
2. The First Ever Concrete Highway Was Built In 1909
It should come as no surprise to learn that this highly resistant and extraordinarily durable building material is regarded as the best material for road construction. It is so good that approximately 30 percent of interstate highways in the U.S are built using concrete. They are capable of lasting for longer and do not need as much maintenance as asphalt. Though, you may be surprised to learn that the first ever highway was built in 1909 on Woodward Avenue. The mile-long road cost the developers $13,492.83. Before the roads were bumpy and not as sophisticated as this highway was.
These days, more and more paving companies are turning to concrete due to its durability, which is said to last up to 20 years. Though, this is on the condition that the paving job is of high-quality. The concrete advisors over at LimitlessPavingAndConcrete.com urge caution against poor workmanship as it can lead to extremely costly repairs in only a year or two. However, if the conditions are ideal, the paving should be long-lasting and affordable.
3. British Army Would Use Concrete to Detect Enemy Aircraft
Before radars were developed, the British Army developed something that was known as the “listening ear”. They were enormous concrete structures that acted as sound reflectors, which would help the British Army detect any incoming aircrafts. They can still be seen today along England’s coast.
4. It Is The Most Used Man-Made Material On The Planet
That is right, we live in a concrete jungle. Anytime you look around you will find at least one thing that is made from concrete. So much that it has become a rarity to find something else.
One monumental global landmark which has contributed greatly to this facts fruition is the one-time tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building. It used a staggering 62,000 cubic yards of concrete, which translates to too much.
5. There Is More To Concrete Than Meets The Eye
We were often taught that concrete mixture is made up out of 2 main components, them being water and aggregate (gravel, sand and rock). However, there is more to concrete than meets the eye. Concrete is actually made up of 60%-75% aggregate, 15% water and 5%-8% air.
6. Portland Cement
Portland cement is the most common ingredient that is found in concrete. This is because the modern day cement was invented by an Englishman called Joseph Aspdin in 1824, and he named his invention Portland.
7. China’s Cement-Mania
As stated by the renowned news outlet, the Washington Post, China has reportedly used up more cement between the years 2011-2013 than the U.S concrete use in the entirety of the 20th century, which is mind-boggling to say the least.
It should come as no surprise, seeing as how China is home to the world’s largest concrete structure. The Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River measures a staggering 185 meters in height and a length of 2,309 meters.
8. Christ the Redeemer
A symbol of Christianity and a Brazilian cultural icon, also listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the statue of Christ the Redeemer was constructed using only concrete and soapstone. The project itself took roughly 9 years and 635 tons of concrete to complete.
9. The Pantheon In Rome
Built in 113-125 AD, the Pantheon in Rome was built using only concrete. Today, the Pantheon still holds the title of “World’s Largest Unreinforced Concrete Dome”. This is testament to the strength and durability of this building material.
10. Thomas Edison
The great inventor Thomas Edison has a reported sum of 49 patents, all of which use concrete. Some of these ideas even dabbled on concrete houses, and some concrete furniture to go with.
As you could tell by now, concrete is all but banal and boring. You must have also learned of its building importance, seeing as how it is the only building material that is used in underwater structures, as well as its marvelous feature of withstanding extreme levels of heat and fire. It is safe and durable, so much that even paving companies could not resist using concrete in roads, and even Thomas Edison dabbled on a few ideas relating to concrete houses and furniture. Concrete is all around us, and it is not going anywhere.