Concrete Planet: The Strange and Fascinating Story of the World's Most Common Man-Made Material

Concrete is a ubiquitous substance that has been used for centuries to build structures. This book delves into the history of concrete, including its creation by the Romans, its rediscovery in the late eighteenth century, and its defects and shortcomings. It also highlights the contribution of concrete to global warming and the manufacture of concrete cement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2022
Publisher: Prometheus Books

Concrete, a ubiquitous substance that forms the foundation of our modern civilization, is often taken for granted. However, its history is filled with fascinating characters and remarkable events. In this book, author Robert Corland delves into the origins and development of concrete, exploring how it came to be used for buildings, bridges, dams, and roads.

The story begins with the ancient Egyptians, who used concrete for their pyramids and temples. However, the true breakthrough came with the Roman Empire, which achieved extraordinary standards in concrete production. Iconic structures such as the Coliseum and the Pantheon showcase the Romans' mastery of this material.

However, with the fall of the Roman Empire, the secrets of concrete manufacturing were lost for over a millennium. It was not until the late eighteenth century that concrete was rediscovered, and it was initially viewed as a novelty or a specialized building material. It was only towards the end of the nineteenth century that the use of concrete exploded, driven by the needs of the industrial revolution.

During this rapid expansion, industry lobbyists tried to disguise the fact that modern concrete had certain defects and limitations. They promoted it as a superior building material, claiming that it was stronger, more durable, and more affordable than traditional materials such as stone and brick. However, as the use of concrete grew, these claims were increasingly challenged by engineers and architects who recognized its limitations in terms of design and construction.

Despite these challenges, concrete continued to be used extensively in the construction of buildings, bridges, and dams. It played a crucial role in the development of urban infrastructure and the growth of cities around the world. In the mid-twentieth century, concrete became a symbol of modernism and technological progress, with architects such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe using it to create iconic buildings that defined the architectural landscape of the time.

Today, concrete is still the most widely used building material in the world. It is a versatile and durable material that can be used for a wide range of applications, from residential buildings to commercial structures to infrastructure projects. However, its environmental impact is a growing concern, with concerns about carbon emissions and the depletion of natural resources.

In conclusion, the history of concrete is a fascinating tale of innovation, engineering, and human ingenuity. From its ancient origins to its modern applications, concrete has played a crucial role in shaping our world. While it is a material that we take for granted, its creation and development feature a cast of fascinating characters and remarkable historical episodes. This book delves into this history, opening readers' eyes at every turn.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781633888166