The History of Cement and Concrete Part 5

Introduction 

Cement and concrete have a long and illustrious history. From the Ancient Egyptians to modern buildings, both have served as materials for the most astonishing of construction projects. This five-part series tracks how the materials have developed over time.

The versatility of both cement and concrete means that they are still widely used in construction today. Cement can be used in mortar for plastering therefore making joints for drains and pipes, in the preparation of foundations and in the construction of bridges, dams, tunnels, wells and roads. It is also a major element in concrete. Concrete can be used for residential driveways, house foundations, walls, and paving.

In fact, cement and concrete are some of the most versatile and widely-used building materials in the world today. The ingredients are easily available in most places and can be cast on site which makes the process economical. CementS and concrete are durable, non-combustible and resistant to wind and water. They can also be cast to any shape. As an inert construction material they do not emit any volatile compounds. This provides excellent air quality. And their use helps governments and developers meet sustainability goals. Most of all, they are long-lasting with very slow deterioration.

Will we continue to use concrete and cementS into the future? Nothing yet suggests that we will ever have to look for other building materials.