Concrete is often an essential building material for all kinds of construction. Dating back thousands of years, concrete structures have stood the test of time and inspire new creations to this day. We have compiled a list of the top 10 famous concrete monuments that pay homage to the versatile, but sturdy material. When it comes to construction, BS Power has your back. Whether you’re looking for cement mixers, concrete cutters or anything in between, BS Power is ready to assist you.
Top 10 Famous Concrete Monuments:
Concrete is known for its practical attributes. This common construction material has yielded a diverse array of architectural wonders. From Historical Brutalist structures to modern masterpieces, concrete has contributed to dozens of creative constructions. Thanks to helpful tools like cement mixers, large concrete creations are possible. Whether you’re a builder yourself, or just an avid fan of artful architecture, anyone can appreciate the aesthetics of well-designed concrete monuments. Here we have listed 10 extraordinary monuments made of concrete.
1)Burj Khalifa:
The Burj Khalifa is one of the tallest buildings in the world. Located in Dubai, this towering skyscraper draws in tourists by the thousands. Trusted cement mixers facilitated in churning out over 45.000 meters of concrete for the foundation alone. Visitors are able to catch an elevator up the structure to stand on the famous sky decks, and look over all of Dubai from a luxurious seat in the sky.
With a breathtaking view of the city from above, it’s no surprise that this structure is popular with tourists. Alongside its mass appeal, the world-famous skyscraper is a symbol of impeccable design and engineering. The Burj Khalifa is a world-famous monument made of concrete and steel and truly a marvel to behold.
2)The Roman Pantheon:
The iconic and enigmatic pantheon of Rome is a mixture of both ancient Roman architecture and greek architecture. What sets this magnificent monument apart from other concrete structures, is the unique way in which the cement itself was made.
Unlike modern cement mixtures, the pantheon’s cement was made from volcanic ash. This ash, known as Pozzolana was then mingled with lime and fresh water in an ancient version of today’s cement mixers. This cement was laid out in thin layers to create the towering structure that still stands to this day.
Nobody is entirely sure what the pantheons’ original purpose was, and some have even declared that it was built by the Greek gods themselves. One can concur, that if cement was good enough for the gods, it’s good enough for the modern man too. The Roman pantheon is a fascinating monument of human ingenuity and one of the most iconic cement structures to this day.
3)Hoover Dam:
This arch-gravity dam is located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Construction of this colossus creation required thousands of workers, cement mixers, and strict dedication. While building this ambitious project had its issues, the completed dam was a revolutionary move for modernizing the Southwest cities of America.
The building of the Hoover Dam fueled the development of the Southwest by providing water and hydroelectric power. While it still serves this function, these days the Hoover Dam stands as a large concrete monument of impressive stature, and a beloved tourist attraction in America.
4)Willis Tower:
The Willis Tower, formally known as the Sears Tower, is a large skyscraper in the heart of Chicago. This cement structure is one of the tallest towers in the world with an observation deck that draws in tourists by the thousands. The bulky, black design of the structure makes it easy to spot and the cityscape view from the building itself is breathtaking.
The construction of this large monument consisted of cement churned out by cement mixers, and a large steel frame. During construction, the builders faced complaints from investors that scaling the skyscraper higher than 67 floors would disrupt television reception. Despite these hesitations, there were no reports of any interrupted television time after construction and the building now stands 108 stories high.
5)National Museum Of Brazil:
The National Museum of Brazil is the oldest scientific institution in the country. Residents and tourists alike were drawn to this large cement monument thanks to its impressive collection and rich cultural significance. The museum was officially established by King João VI of Portugal in 1769.
After a few name changes and various owners over the years, this historical monument became the museum of natural history. Due to a recent fire, the museum lost a significant piece of its vast collection. Thanks to the support of natural history enthusiasts, however, the building is slowly being rebuilt to its former glory.
6)Paul Rudolph Hall:
The Paul Rudolph Hall is a well-renowned example of Brutalist architecture. Formerly known as the Arts and Architecture Building, the cement structure is home to the Yale University School of Architecture. The early Brutalist design made use of cast-in-place concrete to achieve the sleek and sturdy appearance of the building.
With the help of cement mixers and a score of dedicated architects, Paul Rudolph’s original design has been restored and renovated throughout the years. This grand hall is one of the many world-famous cement monuments and the crown jewel of the Yale School of Architecture.
7)Shanghai Long Museum:
This private art museum is a cement structure of both impressive size and collection strength. Housing world-famous names in the art world, this classy establishment is revered by those with a taste for the arts. But what puts Shanghai Long Museum on the list of famous concrete monuments is the umbrella vaulted structure of the building. These large curving arches are made of smooth concrete. The rest of the walls are covered in various textures, thanks to the malleable nature of concrete. The blend of harsh and smooth textured walls, make this concrete monument a fascinating sight to behold.
8)The Pierre:
This innovative house is named after the French word for ‘stone’. The Pierre is a single-story residence made of raw concrete and cement. To build the Pierre, the workers of Olson Kundig Architects had to use an explosive combination of dynamite, saws, and chippers to bore into the massive boulders on a North American island. The concrete house was then built between two large chunks of rock and blended seamlessly into the natural environment.
The smooth concrete surface contrasts starkly with the rough texture of the rocks, while grassy plates sweep over the roof to tie it all together. Though small in size, the Pierre stands as a tasteful homage to one of the simplest of building materials.
9)Chandigarh:
While not a single monument, the cast-in-concrete city of Chandigarh was a significant urban planning experiment in post-independent India and stands as a prime example of the versatility of concrete architecture. Chandigarh’s capital complex has been dubbed a world heritage site, and the city as a whole is well-known for its simple and functional design ingenuity.
High-rise structures were ruled out during the planning phase and instead architects opted to keep the concrete structures low. These buildings stretch across the city according to grids, with each sector being able to function as its own smaller city.
10)Stone H Apartment Building:
The Stone H apartment building is revered for its sleek concrete architecture and spacious living conditions. Located in the city of Zurich, this concrete complex was built with future residents in mind. The architects focused on maximizing the optimal light exposure within each suite, and the simple design incorporated large windows for this very purpose.
This concrete creation is a monument of architectural genius. The Stone H Apartment Building is revered for being both cost-effective during the building phase and affordable to live in. Alongside the accommodating nature of the building, the design itself is both pleasing to the eye and effortlessly tasteful in its simplicity. Built for the locals with a few cement mixers and a foolproof plan, this concrete block has made a name for itself in the world of modern architecture.
The Key Differences Between Cement And Concrete:
While the terms ‘cement’ and ‘concrete’ are generally used interchangeably, there are a few key differences between cement and concrete. Take a look at what distinguishes the two in this quick breakdown.
Cement:
When we define cement as it is commonly known today, we are in fact speaking specifically of Portland cement. Portland cement is the most widespread form of cement in use around the world today. It generally comes ‘out-the-box’ in a powdery form, and only once introduced to water or other aggregates does it begin to harden, becoming what we generally think of as cement.
Portland cement is made by heating limestone along with other materials to temperatures above one thousand degrees. Once heated it hardens into a solid substance known simply as ‘clinker’. From here, the ‘clinker’ is crushed and ground in cement mixers to a powdered form, ready for distribution.
Concrete
While concrete and cement are often used interchangeably, concrete generally requires cement to exist. Concrete simply denotes cement mixed with fine and coarse aggregates. These aggregates can be a mixture of sand, gravel, crushed stone, or other ‘gritty’ materials.
Once the cement is added to the aggregate inside cement mixers, it is malleable enough to form varying shapes and forms, until over time it hardens. The fluidity of this mixture at first, along with the aggregates that constitute concrete, are what allow for the manipulation of concrete into complex yet strong and durable structures.
Get A Reliable Cement Mixer From BS Power:
If these marvelous concrete monuments have got you inspired, why not try your hand at your own creative construction project? Whether you’re a developer or an aspiring architect with a dream to design, you might want to consider investing in the right equipment to complete the perfect construction project. BS Power supplies a variety of cement mixers at affordable prices.
Backed by reliable suppliers, you can’t go wrong with BS Power’s hi-tech equipment. We also offer a helpful and informative concrete mixer guide to help you effortlessly manage your chosen contraption.
About B&S Commercial Power:
BS Power is a reliable expert in the construction industry. Importing and manufacturing an impressive array of high-performance equipment, BS Power boasts over 100 years of combined experience. Reach out to our fully trained sales and technical assistants for all your specific requirements. Aside from cement mixers, BS Power offers a wide array of hi-tech tools and equipment.
Here to cater to your construction, agricultural, and forestry needs, BS Power vow to deliver the best total solutions to prospecting clients. Whether you’re in need of a cement mixer, generator, brush cutter, or possibly even a lawn trimmer, BS Power has you covered. So don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us help you craft the concrete construction of your dreams.