Ancient Material
Concrete has been used for centuries. To find when it first emerged as a popular construction material, one would have to look as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome – roughly 800 BC!
Although it was produced differently, its earliest uses were not unlike how we use it today. It played a vital role in the construction of some of the most iconic and historic structures of the Roman Empire, including every arch and dome you’ve seen in a textbook.
One ingredient of ancient concrete that you won’t see in any of today’s offerings is a material called pozzolana. This ancient ingredient is nothing more than a type of volcanic ash that reacts with water to form an incredibly strong binding agent that is perfect for concrete.
Mysterious Ways
There are points in the process of concrete production that still have materials scientists perplexed. Reactions between cement powder and water remain a mystery to experts: the specifics behind the reactions are totally unknown!
There are plenty of theories circulating regarding the production of concrete and this enigmatic reaction, but there is no firm evidence confirming any of them. The debate will likely rage on as to how the reactions result in the material we’ve all grown to recognize while the true answer will hang just out of reach of some of the brightest minds on the planet.
Familiar Face
The entire world uses concrete. It is strong and affordable, leading to its use in countless projects in all corners of the earth each year. It actually crushes some of the other familiar names in the world of construction materials.
Wood, steel, aluminum, and plastics all pale in comparison to the amount of concrete used across the globe. In fact, it is used twice as much as those other building materials combined! All in all, the concrete industry (just in the United States) is about a $30 billion industry – not bad for “boring” old sidewalks and driveways!
Concrete Contractor Murfreesboro
Creative Concrete Solutions in Murfreesboro is Middle Tennessee’s leading concrete contractor. Now that you’ve learned what makes our favorite construction material interesting, you might be interested in learning how a beautiful new patio or driveway could be a part of your home!
Give us a call today – we’ll be happy to get started.
615-289-8823
