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200 BC – Engineers of the Roman Empire learned
that mixing concrete with volcanic ash made it possi-
ble to create pillars of concrete underwater, allowing
for expansive harbors to be built on the coasts of
Italy.
DARK AGES – Concrete building knowledge and
skill sets virtually disappeared during the Dark Ages.
In 1414 an ancient manuscript with descripons of
concrete ingredients was found; however, it wasn’t
unl the late 18th Century that concrete returned as
a viable building substance.
1824 AD – The most radical development in con-
crete occurred in 1824, when Brish cizen Joseph
Aspdin invented “Portland” cement, named aer
stone quarries near Portland, England. The cement
is sourced from limestone and other ingredients that
help it to maintain its strength. Portland cement
today is one of the most common building materials
in the world, and is set to only increase in its use.
1891 AD - The rst concrete roadway was paved in
Ohio, and is sll in use by motorists to this day.
TODAY – Modern concrete is used in more than con-
strucon as done by Aspdin in the 1800s. Oen
seen in building foundaons, pillars and walls,
it also has a place in interior design, such as the
current trend of concrete countertops. Con-
crete staining, where dye or paint is stained into
concrete oors and tabletops, is also a popular
modicaon to concrete.
According to the The Portland Cement Asso-
ciaon’s website, concrete roadways have an
extensive lifespan. It’s esmated that most
concrete roads last between 30 to 50 years
without needing to be replaced. This is due in
part to nearly no need for resurfacing or patch-
ing. When repairs are needed, road closure mes
are minimal since concrete is easier to pull up
and replace, whereas asphalt can take weeks. In
addion, concrete is much safer to drive on than
asphalt. The Portland Cement Associaon says
that concrete roadways are “less suscepble to
the formaon of heavy-vehicle wheel ruts; easier
to see at night; ensures shorter vehicle stopping
distances in wet weather; (and) due to longevity,
there are fewer work zones over the
life of the pavement.”
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