Journal of Architectural Engineering Technology
Open Access

Concrete; Architecture; Construction

Introduction

The use of concrete can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and the Greeks. The Egyptians used a form of concrete made from mud mixed with straw and clay to build the pyramids, while the Greeks used a form of concrete made from lime and volcanic ash.

The evolution of concrete in Europe

However, it was the Romans who really perfected the use of concrete. They used a mix of lime, volcanic ash, and small stones to create a material that was strong, durable, and could be molded into a variety of shapes. The Romans used concrete to build some of their most iconic structures, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of concrete largely fell out of favor in Europe. It wasn't until the 18th century that concrete began to be used again in construction projects. In 1756, the British engineer John Smeaton used a type of hydraulic lime to build the Eddystone Lighthouse, which is still standing today [1, 2].

The 19th century saw the development of Portland cement, a type of cement made from limestone and clay. Portland cement was stronger than previous types of cement and could be produced on a larger scale. This led to the widespread use of concrete in construction projects across Europe and North America.One of the most famous examples of concrete construction in Europe is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The tower, which was completed in 1889, was made of wrought iron and featured a concrete foundation. The use of concrete allowed the foundation to be built quickly and efficiently, which was important given the tight deadline for the construction of the tower [3, 4].

Concrete in the United States

In the United States, the use of concrete became more widespread in the early 20th century. In 1903, the first reinforced concrete skyscraper was built in New York City. The Ingalls Building, which was 15 stories tall, used reinforced concrete columns and beams to support its weight.The development of reinforced concrete allowed for even taller buildings to be constructed. In 1931, the Empire State Building in New York City was completed. The building, which stands at over 1,400 feet tall, was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion. It used a steel frame with concrete floors to support its weight [5, 6].

Modern concrete innovations

In recent years, concrete has continued to evolve and improve. New types of concrete have been developed that are stronger, more durable, and more sustainable than previous types of concrete. One such innovation is self-healing concrete, which uses bacteria to fill in cracks and other defects in the concrete.Another innovation is ultra-highperformance concrete (UHPC), which is significantly stronger than traditional concrete. UHPC is made with a mix of cement, sand, and fibers and can be molded into a variety of shapes. It is commonly used in bridge construction, where its strength and durability are essential [7, 8].

Conclusion

Concrete is a material that has been used for thousands of years, and its evolution has been shaped by the needs of different civilizations and eras. From the ancient Romans to modern-day engineers and architects, people have continued to innovate and improve upon the use of concrete in construction projects. Today, concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials [9, 10].

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