The versatility of cement mixers and concrete has enabled builders and architects to create truly incredible structures, all across the globe. Some were completed thousands of years ago and others have only been recently finished – this speaks to the longevity and importance of concrete as a building material. Let’s look at some of the most remarkable of these structures and buildings, still standing today, and provide some information about each of them. We will also have a look at some tips and tricks around the use of cement mixers.
10 Incredible Concrete Structures Still Standing Today
Concrete and cement mixers have facilitated the creation of some of the most recognisable buildings and structures ever made. Let’s get into it:
The Great Wall Of China: Certainly one of the most well-known structures on Earth and an amazing feat of human ingenuity. The Great Wall of China is a long series of walls, fortifications, and towers that was created across several centuries in an attempt to protect China from invasion. It spans over 20 000 kilometres and is made using tamped earth or mortar, bricks, and other materials. Certain parts of the wall began creation as early as the 7th century BC, while some others were only completed as recently as the 16th century, by the Ming Dynasty.
The Hoover Dam: Possibly the most famous dam in the world – The Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam placed on the Colorado River that leads into Lake Mead. Building began during the Great Depression as the government’s attempt at stimulating the economy. It took five years to be fully completed and it stands at more than 220 metres tall and 380 metres long. It is said that over 5,000,000 barrels of cement were turned in mixing plants and cement mixers to be able to complete this impressive structure.
The Burj Khalifa: Currently the tallest building in the world, standing at a mind-boggling 828 metres tall. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and it reached completion in 2010. The building has over 160 floors and has been created mostly using reinforced concrete. The concrete mixture included cement, water, sand, and crushed stone and was mixed using huge cement mixers. It is said that the average amount of time it takes to get to the top is an hour and a half! It is a mixed-use building that includes residential apartments, offices, and a hotel.
The Panama Canal: This canal is a massive man-made waterway that connects the Pacific Oceans to the Atlantic. Created in the early 20th century, it was intended to facilitate trade and transportation between the two oceans. In its entirety, it is more than 80 kilometres long and has many locks that lower and raise ships to different water levels in the canal. It was built using a combination of concrete and reinforced steel and was churned in large cement mixers, placed all along the canal. This structure has greatly influenced global trade and is an incredible feat of engineering.
The Petronas Towers: These twin skyscrapers are located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At one point they were the tallest buildings in the world, but they remain the tallest twin towers in the world today. Standing at 452 metres tall and built using 50000 cubic metres worth of concrete, they are one of the largest concrete structures ever created. Featuring a retail space, offices, and even a concert hall for large events.
The Collosseum: This list would not be complete without one of the most famous structures ever created – the Collosseum is an ancient amphitheatre in Rome, Italy. Erected in the year 80 AD and used for animal hunts, gladiator fights, and other spectacles. Held together using the famous Roman cement mix of lime, sand, and volcanic ash. It was capable of holding up to 80 000 spectators, which is massive even for today’s standards. It is a remarkable example of Roman engineering prowess and architecture.
The CN Tower: A telecommunications tower in Toronto, Canada and it was the tallest freestanding structure in the world at the time of its completion in 1976. Using huge cement mixers they churned over 40 000 cubic metres of concrete to create this impressive building. It may be one of the lesser-known structures on this list but it does feature a restaurant, observation docks, and many attractions and stands above all the other buildings in Toronto’s skyline.
The Golden Gate Bridge: Perhaps the most famous suspension bridge in the world – the Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait in San Francisco, California. The bridge is 2.7 kilometres and has become the iconic trademark of the city. During its creation, concrete from the cement mixers was used to form the massive anchorages that hold the suspension cables in place and allow the bridge to hold its form. It is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
The Sydney Opera House: This extremely well-known building is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, Australia. Similar to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sydney Opera House is ubiquitous with the city itself. Designed by the famous Danish architect Jorn Utzon and completed in 1973 it includes several performance venues, restaurants, and other facilities. Built using cement mixers that poured directly into ingenious precast concrete panels and held firm by reinforced steel. The precast panels were created off-site and transported to the construction site for assembly. It is certainly one of the most impressive modern buildings in the world.
The Roman Aqueducts: The Romans truly did lay the foundations for feats of engineering and architecture for millennia to come. The aqueducts were built using the same highly effective mix that facilitated the construction of the Collosseum – this incredible mortar or cement mix is most likely the reason many Roman structures are still standing thousands of years later. The mixture was packed into wooden frames and allowed to dry naturally. Of course, cement mixers would not be invented for thousands of years to come at this point – this did not seem to hold the Romans back too much with regards to their engineering capabilities.
So as you can see, there really is no limit to the astonishing versatility of concrete and cement mixers. Used as a building medium for thousands of years and perhaps, thousands of years to come.
Tips And Tricks For Making Sure Your Cement Mix Is Consistent And Pours Easily
When you are using your cement mixer to create concrete, it is crucial to try and make sure the mixture is consistent and easy to pour. The first hurdle in achieving this is to manage the correct ratio of key ingredients. The cement mix should include the correct amount of water, cement, sand, and other aggregates, in the right proportions. Using excessive amounts of anything or too little of any of these ingredients can result in an inconsistent mix that is tough to pour and more than likely will not set properly. Of course, this can easily be avoided – follow the ratios closely and it should not be too much of a problem.
Another very useful tip for creating consistent concrete using cement mixers is to make sure you are using a good quality mixer. A cement mixer with a large drum and a powerful motor can thoroughly mix the ingredients and ensure a consistent mixture. Also try to mix the ingredients for the designated amount of time, as this will allow them to blend together properly. As is the case with most construction, good equipment can make a large difference to the results you will ultimately receive. Have a look at our website for excellent cement mixers and other great products!
Lastly, it is vital that you pour the concrete mixture evenly and quickly once it has been mixed. This should guarantee that the cement sets evenly and that there are no weak spots or inconsistencies in the structure. If you leave the mixture in the drum for too long, parts of it will begin to harden and it will make the job significantly more difficult. Using a concrete pump will also help to achieve an even and smooth pour, as it allows for the concrete to be pumped directly into the desired spot. Proper curing is also integral to ensuring that the mixture sets properly and has the desired durability and strength.
Why It Is Important To Ensure That You Are Using High-Quality Equipment
Using good quality cement mixers and other construction gear and equipment is absolutely essential. Let’s get into a few reasons why this is the case:
Ensures Better Safety: High-quality construction equipment is normally designed and created to meet stringent safety standards. When you are working with heavy duty machinery, it is crucial to prioritise safety in order to prevent accidents and injuries. High-quality equipment can help in this endeavour, as the risk of equipment failure is significantly lower and therefore, a lot safer.
Increased Efficiency: There are few things more frustrating than trying to use equipment that hardly works. High-quality construction equipment is designed to be far more productive and efficient. This should mean that you are able to get the job done faster and more effectively, which can save money and time. Additionally, using well-maintained equipment that operates efficiently can help to reduce downtime and increase general productivity.
Improves The Quality Of Work: Utilising high-quality construction equipment can assist in bettering the overall quality of work. This is because the equipment will perform more accurately and consistently than equipment of a lower-quality. When everything is functioning the way that it should, it can ensure that the job is completed to a high standard.
Reduces Costs: While it’s true that high-quality equipment is more expensive to initially purchase, it can actually help to reduce costs in the long run. The reason for this is that good quality equipment is designed to be more durable and reliable, which means there will be less need for excessive maintenance and repairs – which can become expensive over time.
Increased Versatility: High-quality construction equipment has been created to be more adaptable and versatile. Essentially, this means that it can be used for a large variety of different applications and tasks. This should help to increase the overall versatility and usability of the equipment itself and make it a more valuable asset on the job site.
We, BS Power, have only the highest-quality equipment available on the market. Some of our excellent products include cement mixers, chainsaws, lawn mowers, brushcutters and many others! If you are in the market for landscaping and construction gear and equipment, there is no need to look further than BS Power.