Over the centuries concrete has come a long way from its initial inception and as of today is the second most used substance in the world, with water taking the number one spot. It is clear that since the discovery of concrete, the world of building and development has never looked back, there is no better building material than concrete. Keep reading to learn more about how concrete has contributed to modern infrastructure as well as how BS Power can kit you out with all the construction elements you need.

 

The Origin Of Concrete

 

The use of concrete dates back to ancient times, with records of concrete-like substances being used by traders in Jordan and Syria in small-scale building operations. Similar processes were developed by the Romans who were able to integrate pillars and arches into their architecture thanks to the strength and durability of the cement. Along with Roman ruins such as the famous Colosseum and Pathenteon that stand at present, many tourists are drawn to Egypt to marvel at the pyramids built around 3,000 B.C, with the concrete-like materials used by the Egyptians allowing the structures to stand the test of time.

 

In any developed area, you will see concrete everywhere you look. Walls may be tiled or panelled or painted, but underneath there will always be concrete. Water fountains and ponds may be covered in green moss and lilypads, but they hold and withstand the water because they are made from concrete.

 

When going to stadiums or theatres or offices, you are surrounded by concrete, and you know you can be at ease and feel safe and secure no matter how tall or extravagant the structure may be because the concrete does not fail. Next time you are walking down the street, or driving places, we challenge you to look around you and see how many different uses concrete has in our everyday lives, you will probably lose count.

 

Many breakthroughs have been made in the world of construction since the early days, and one of the biggest improvements is the tools and equipment at hand nowadays. BS Power strives to provide not only the best equipment and machinery for building sites and projects of all kinds but offers expert advice on the most suitable and necessary tools depending on their client’s needs.

 

One of BS Power’s most popular offerings is our concrete mixers. We have a variety of concrete mixers of many kinds and sizes that have proved to be essential for any construction project involving concrete.

 

Concrete In Use Today

 

A major breakthrough in concrete and infrastructure was the Ingalls Building in the USA. Built in 1903, it is the first reinforced concrete high-rise building, standing at 16 stories; it is still considered an impressive feat of engineering. The USA is also home to the first concrete road, known as Court Street, which is still in service today after its construction in 1891.

 

These structures provide clear evidence that concrete is powerful and essential when it comes to building, although the substance has come a long way since its beginning. Although many historical concrete structures still stand today as a representation of their strength as well as great design and engineering, concrete has changed a lot since its inception to meet the needs of builders and architects today as well as comply with health and safety requirements.

 

 

How Has Concrete Evolved Over The Years?

 

Firstly, concrete went from including the use of natural materials that resembled cement to adapting natural substances and materials through the use of man-made processes to improve the cement created.

 

Later, the formula for Portland cement was developed to ensure a consistent ratio used when mixing cement anywhere in the world. The Portland ratio is still relied on today by builders as well as people completing projects in their own homes and mixed with the help of BS concrete mixers.

 

The next development was premixed concrete. This allowed concrete to be mixed by builders on site, and along with this was the introduction of early cement trucks to transport large amounts of pre-mixed concrete to construction sites.

 

Thin shell concrete was also developed as a lighter alternative to heavy-duty concrete to build roofs, domes, and arches that are strong enough to stand on their own without adding mass weight to the rest of the building which could cause collapse.

 

The induction of thin shell concrete led to the ability of architects to create impressive feats such as the Jubilee Church outside of Rome, The National Museum of Brazil as well as Yale University’s Paul Rudolph Hall, to name a few.

 

Appreciation must be given to some more architectural feats, including Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. This iconic tourist attraction is a huge religious symbol as well as an admired design feat. The construction of the status began early in 1922 and has stood the test of time. The structure gets hit by lightning approximately four to six times per year and has only been minorly damaged once.

 

Next is the Three Gorges Dam in China. This massive structure is a tribute to the pure strength of concrete. The dam stands 185m tall at its highest point and holds 39 trillion kilograms of water without crumbling under the force of the water against it or deteriorating due to the natural elements.

 

The Pentagon is a symbol of military power in the USA. It is recognized for its interesting shape, a five-sided shape. It used much less reinforced steel than usual, as it was in short supply during its building in the second world war.

 

The Burj Khalifa towers over Dubai is the tallest free-standing structure in the world. It stands over 600m tall and towers over everything around it.

 

Benefits Of Building With Concrete

 

There are many reasons as to why concrete has become such a prominent material in modern construction work. Here are just a few major benefits of concrete that have helped this material stand the test of time:

 

1. Concrete is durable

 

Not only does concrete get stronger over time, but it is also the most resistant to natural elements. Concrete remains unaffected by fires, rot, and rain and is in most cases resistant to natural disasters like earthquakes. Wood, for example, cannot survive any of the above elements, which is why homes and buildings are not made from wood but may include small elements for aesthetic and decoration.

 

Durability isn’t only essential for long-term upkeep and reducing costs, it also keeps people safe, which is one of the main concerns for any person entering a home or building. People don’t think twice when entering structures made of concrete because they know that it is completely safe and stable.

 

2. Concrete is sustainable

 

Concrete is an easy substance to produce, meaning manufacturing is not limited to certain parts of the world. Concrete is often manufactured close to building sites which reduces pollution and cuts out the cost of shipping which again benefits the environment and boosts local economies as it creates job opportunities near building sites which is just another bonus of concrete.

 

Many people may not be aware that concrete from demolished sites is often recycled and used again, as recycling cuts out the need for mass production and ensures less waste.

 

 

3. Concrete is free from flaws

 

As opposed to natural stones that come with defects and flaws and in all shapes and sizes, concrete is manufactured in a way that ensures no defects and the mix can be customised to the necessary desired strength.

 

4. Concrete is versatile

 

Concrete may be extremely tough when it has hardened, but in its wet, mixed form it is malleable and can be adapted to all different shapes, textures, and surfaces. Concrete can be applied by hand, pumped, sprayed, grouted, or poured depending on the size and requirements of the project. BS Power ensures that tools and machinery, specifically concrete mixers, are available for projects of all desired sizes to achieve the best outcome when working with concrete.

 

Not only does this versatility allow for individual creativity for those using concrete for smaller DIY or home projects, but architects also love the freedom concrete allows for their creativity, enabling them to push the limits of modern design and architecture.

 

One of the latest breakthroughs when it comes to concrete is self-healing concrete. Concrete-containing capsules have been developed by engineers giving them the ability to fix cracks, through a healing agent released by the capsules when encountering splits in the material. This would make concrete, even more, cost-effective, cutting down on the expense of maintenance and repairs to rods, buildings, and bridges.

 

The Future Of Concrete In Construction

 

There is still much room for improvement and room for concrete in the world of infrastructure. Many roads today are still made from tarmac or asphalt, which develop potholes more easily than concrete roads. Asphalt roads can last 7-14 years before deteriorating and needing to be resealed, whereas concrete roads can last a whopping 40 years before needing to be redone.

 

Concrete roads are also resistant to oil spills, where asphalt is dissolved by oil. Concrete roads that may be noisier to drive on are far more environmentally friendly, as mentioned before concrete is recyclable and made from more natural materials whereas asphalt is derived from crude oil.

 

Today, the use of concrete is made even easier with concrete mixers. Many people choose to go the DIY route when constructing projects in their homes, be it stone decor or furniture in their gardens or extensions and renovations to their homes to bring up the value and aesthetic appeal. Concrete has truly taken the world by storm, it is and will continue to be essential when it comes to any type of building. There is a good reason why homes are not made of wood, homes made of concrete are built to last!

 

The decision seems to be cast in stone, concrete is here to stay, for a long, long time. In this rapidly developing world concrete is an essential component in building infrastructure for a rapidly growing population. Buildings are going up continuously and getting taller and more modern. Bustling cities require bigger and longer roads, bridges, and pavements for people to commute to and from work. There will always be a need for concrete that keeps growing.

 

About BS Power

 

At BS Power we exist to provide everything that is needed to ensure that building sites can run effectively and without hassle, by providing a range of concrete mixers along with other essential components and machinery. Our variety of concrete mixers is suitable for a wide and versatile range of jobs big and small.

 

Even if your next big idea isn’t a building or parking complex, we have a team of friendly and professional staff that are happy to advise what concrete mixer is best for your next big idea.