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Concrete Overview

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Introduction

Concrete is one of the most versatile materials available to architects. It can be modeled, shaped, and precast, in addition to being used for structural and non-structural applications.

History

  • Joseph Aspdin developed Portland Cement in 1824. For the better part of 50 years it was used mostly for industrial buildings.

  • Francois Coignet added steel rods and helped Portland Cement reach more widespread use in home construction between 1850 and 1880.

  • Robert Maillart is a swiss engineer who did Cement Hall, 1939 in Zurich. He is credited with helping expose the versatility in the material.

Basic Materials & Terms

Concrete: Concrete is a combination of:

  1. Cement (Binding Agent) (Portland Cement)

    1. Lime
    2. Silica
    3. Iron Oxide
    4. Alumina (Aluminum Oxide)

  2. Fine and coarse aggregates

  3. Water

These 3 components are mixed together in proportions designed to reach certain strengths and malleability. Raising or lowering ratios of one or the other has various effects on the characteristics of the concrete.

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