Concrete remains one of the widely used building materials throughout the history of mankind.
So the improvement of concrete has been changing from ancient civilization to modern construction in Las Vegas-USA.
In this part, we will consider the historical background of its development and the impact on the contemporary world.
The early civilization and use of concrete
The first types of concrete were found in such ancient civilizations as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley.
Lime and gypsum are used from ancient times as initial forms of concrete, while the latter is utilised in construction activities mainly focused on drainage purposes and fundamental structures.
Egypt:
Applied some kind of precursor to concrete in the construction of the pyramids.
Mesopotamia:
Invented crude types of cement for use in laying materials such as bricks.
Indus Valley Civilization:
In civil engineering it applied for drainage and paved driveway in urban design and layout.
Roman Contribution to Concrete: Advancements in The Material
The Romans had a big part in perfecting the concrete to the next level. They introduced material, volcanic ash referred to as pozzolana which when blended with lime and water yielded a strong material that would withstand the ravages of time.
I work with the idea that important architecture like the Pantheon in Rome speaks volumes about Roman concrete.
A Medievalist Account of the Adaptation and the Subsequent Reclaimed of Concrete
Concrete construction knowledge was disbursed for many centuries after the ruin of the Roman Empire. Though, in the Middle Ages completely different techniques appeared due to the need for constructing sturdier fortresses and general construction work.
Concrete Reborn – The Industrial Revolution
The extraordinary use of concrete in the 19th century was associated with the Industrial Revolution.
Technological advancements such as in the creation of Portland cement ensured that concrete happened to be used in other mega projects like bridges, roads and commercial buildings.
Portland Cement:
Created in 1824 by Joseph Aspdin this type of material was the base for concrete as it’s used today.
In the USA, extensive structures projects started using concrete for its advantage of durability and health.
Modern Use of Concrete in Architecture: Las Vegas
The great example of how modern buildings use concrete is Las Vegas, USA.
The city’s essence can be credited to many infrastructural developments that feature concrete, which has supported the city’s growth right from the high profile Las Vegas strip to residential and commercial buildings.
The capability of concrete is flexibility that can also be evidenced by the fact that it is used for drainage, drives, and commercial buildings in Las Vegas.
Difference between concrete and cement
There is a difference between concrete and cement although the two terms are frequently used synonymously.
Concrete is formed from cement and other aggregates. Cement works as a glue; that is, it binds the aggregates (including sand and gravel) in the construction process.
Concrete is the last component that people use in the construction process while mixing cement with water and aggregates.
Technological Advancements of Concrete – Sustainability and Environmentalism
Present development of concrete is in the direction of sustainability. Green concrete and permeable concrete are two types of concrete that have been initiated to minimise the green impacts by recycling concrete waste and minimising CO2 emissions.
The Use of Concrete in Construction of Business and Home Structures
In the construction of commercial and residential buildings, concrete is very important. In Las Vegas, even some of the largest commercial buildings will use concrete as their supporting slab and most of the home owners will use concrete for driveways, pathways, and drainage systems.
The material is flexible because it can be used when there are other requirements and when the environments are difficult.
Historically, Concrete Through the Ages
It has evolved a lot since its humble beginnings in earlier civilizations such as the Romans.
Recent technologies have enhanced it by increasing some of its capacities including the strength, durability and sustainability of the material in construction.
Concrete and Its Use in Drainage systems
Concrete is therefore instrumental in the development of an effective drainage system in modern cities such as in Las Vegas. Because of its tensile strength and resistance to water pressure, it is applied in construction of storm water and sewerage systems.
The ability of concrete to work in extreme climate conditions
It is even hot in Las Vegas now during the summer time, that is why concrete is used which does not deform when exposed to high temperatures.
Concrete as a Commercial Element in Las Vegas
Concrete is usually used in commercial buildings all over Las Vegas. For constructing hotels and casinos on the Strip to prepare the foundations for shopping centres and office blocks, concrete remains one of the main go-to materials.
Concrete driveways: The standard feature in Las Vegas homes
Some of the most popular building structures as regards the type of driveway construction are the concrete driveway which is popular in most of the residential areas of Las Vegas.
Concrete is used for construction of driveways and pathways because it is relatively hard wearing and low maintenance.
H2: Future of concrete
The emergence of new technology also gives concrete a future. From self-repairing concrete, to carbon-negative concrete, or 3D printing with concrete are all examples of reinvention in the construction industry.
Some of the Few Concrete Uses in Urban Development in the Modern World
Concrete is recommended as an essential part of modern civilization by constructing features like buildings, paths, and passes stations in this next era for urban development in features like high rising buildings and bridges.
Innovations Related to the Development of Concrete
Many geniuses through the years have influenced the development of concrete for instance the use of steel reinforcement making it stronger and versatile to resolve structural challenges.
The building of the Romans aqueducts
Excellent examples of concrete construction in the early Roman aqueducts remain a testimony of workmanship that even today cannot be rivalled, as the concrete structure endures over centuries.
The Role of Concrete in the Contemporary Commercial Architecture
Concrete is highly essential in undertaking various commercial activities like construction of offices, shopping centres, and hotels among others. They are best suited to such vast projects due to their rigidity and overall robustness.
Concrete in Driveways and Pathways: What They Love in Las Vegas
Concrete interior spaces such as driveways are commonly used in Las Vegas since they are well suited to the climate and economy.”
Chemical composition of concrete in commercial industry
Today’s concrete is a composite material made up of cement, water, aggregates and other chemical additives that work well in different conditions.
Origins of Concrete –Historic Concrete Structures for Architects and Engineers
Learning from the ancient concrete features like the Colosseum, the contemporary concrete engineers could learn the successful secrets that would help in making the present concrete more durable and sustainable today.
Concrete vs. Asphalt
Even though the roads are made through asphalt pavements, concrete pavement is more suitable for designing newly constructed residential places, driveways in Las Vegas because of its durability and low maintenance.
Concrete Reinforcement: The Position of Steel
Reinforced steel is widely used in contemporary concrete mixing, which greatly increases its tensile strength to the extent that it could be used to construct tall buildings and bridges.
The part of concrete in the Hoover dam
Hoover Dam near Las Vegas is another very famous structure made of concrete that shows its applicability in large works.