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Older than the wheel and predating writing, concrete has been around for millennia. Standing strong as ever to construct society, it is almost impossible to imagine the modern world without this ancient substance. From buildings and roads to bridges and other infrastructure, concrete is an often overlooked yet versatile component that plays a pivotal role in our daily lives.
Rock Solid
The earliest concrete was primitive to be sure, and many ancient peoples experimented with “artificial rock” made by cooking lime and/or gypsum. One theory suggests concrete was discovered after making fires atop natural limestone outcroppings and later finding some of the fire pit dust had hardened after a rain. The Chinese are said to have added sticky rice to their concrete when building the Great Wall, and early Meso-Americans colored their concrete with iron oxide, lending it a reddish tint.
Though concrete and cement are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. It is the glue, generally processed lime and clay, that, when mixed with water, sand, and other adjuncts, makes everything “grow together” into concrete. To borrow a bit from baking: Cement is the flour, and concrete is the dough that becomes bread.
An English bricklayer from Leeds named Joseph Aspdin is considered the father of modern concrete after patenting Portland Cement in 1824. He kilned a mixture of lime, clay, and water and named it after a durable limestone from the Isle of Portland off the Dorset coast.
Since then, concrete has continued to develop. Metal reinforcing arrived in 1886 as the next big jump. In 1903, it allowed Cincinnati’s 16-floor Ingalls Building to become the first reinforced concrete skyscraper. Some of the cutting-edge concrete rolling out today includes one that can heal itself. This “bio-concrete” incorporates bacteria that come alive when cracks allow water in and they set about secreting chemical sealants to affect a repair. Electrically conductive concrete is also being tested as a potential solution for melting ice on runways and highways.
However, plain old concrete remains more popular than ever. Learn more in this Boss Magazine article.
Famous Structures Made of Concrete
As one of the most resourceful construction materials, concrete has been used to create some of the world’s most iconic structures.
Hoover Dam
View of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from a helicopter; Photo courtesy iStock, Alphotographic
Built in 1931-1936, Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River in Nevada and Arizona as a method of storing water, generating hydroelectric power, and supporting flood control. Made of 4 million cubic yards of concrete, the massive structure is a pioneering feat of engineering. In 1932, Howard W. Goodall, the founder of Dixon, visited Hoover Dam to inspect couplings.
Pentagon
U.S. Pentagon building; Photo courtesy iStock, Douglas Rissing
Located in Washington, D.C., the Pentagon serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense. Construction on the building took place from 1941-1943 and used more than 400,000 cubic yards of concrete. Although the exterior is limestone, the core of the building relies on reinforced concrete to support the five-sided structure.
Sydney Opera House
Iconic Sydney Opera House in Sydney, New South Wales; Photo courtesy iStock, simonbradfield
A performing arts center for symphony concerts, choir performances, and popular music shows, the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, took 14 years to be built (1959-1973). The structure required more than 8,000 cubic yards of concrete which helped create the iconic pre-cast concrete “sails” or shells.
Pantheon
Dome of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy; Photo courtesy iStock, mot1963
As the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, the Pantheon is a historical icon in Rome which was completed in 126 AD, before steel bars were used for reinforcement. The building, made from 2,725 cubic yards of concrete, is still used for Catholic church services.
Burj Khalifa
Dubai city skyline with Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world; Photo courtesy iStock, dblight
A multipurpose building in Dubai with offices, apartments, restaurants, and more, Burj Khalifa holds the title of tallest building in the world. The structure, which is 2,722 feet from the ground to its tallest point, was built from 2004-2010 and is made of more than 430,000 cubic yards of concrete.
Dixon Products for Concrete Industry
Dixon offers a variety of products for the construction market, including concrete applications.
Details
- Blowout-proof stems
- Full and standard port valves are repairable
- Pressure rating: 600 PSI CWP; 150 PSI saturated steam
Materials
- Bronze valve bodies, balls, and stems
- Glass-filled reinforced PTFE seats and stuffing box ring; stem seals and washers
- Plated steel handles and nuts with vinyl sleeves
Details
- Blow-out proof stems
- Maximum temperature: 366°F (186°C)
- Pressure rating: 600 PSI WOG; 150 PSI working steam pressure
Materials
- PTFE seat, seal, and thrust washer
- Chrome-plated brass ball and plated steel handle
Check out this blog post for more information on Dixon’s industrial valves.
Details
- Four-piece construction
- Maximum recommended torque 50 in. lbs.
- All clamps sold 10 per box
Materials
- Band and housing: SAE 300-series stainless
- Screw: SAE 1018 case-hardened, hex-free chrome zinc-plated steel
Center Punch Band Clamp Pre-Formed F-Series
Details
- Install with center punch tools F1, F38, F40, and F100
- Sold in package quantities only
Materials
- Stainless steel and galvanized steel
- On stainless clamps, bands are 300-series stainless steel, buckles are 302-series stainless steel
Double Bolt Clamp with Saddles
Details
- Inner surface has dual gripping ridges
- Bolt lugs are reinforced to prevent bending out of alignment
- Torque values for clamps are based on dry bolts
Material
- Plated iron
Dixon offers a variety of additional clamps to ensure you have The Right Connection® for your application. Read Hose Clamps 101 to learn more.
Dixon Cam & Groove
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type DC, Type DP
Details
- Precision machined to rigid tolerances
- Durable stainless steel cam arm pins will not rust or bind, providing greater strength and safety
- Recess holds gasket firmly in place - ensures proper placement
- King Crimp shank design as well as traditional shank design for banding is available
Materials
- Aluminum, aluminum hard coat, brass, unplated malleable iron, plated malleable iron, and 316 stainless steel
Not sure what cam & groove style you need? View our Cam & Groove Comparison.
King Combination Nipples
Beveled End, Grooved End, BSPT End
Details
- Recommended for low-pressure discharge and suction service for compatible liquids
- Crimp sleeves are available and recommended for reliable assemblies
Materials:
- Unplated steel and 316 stainless steel
- Brass and aluminum are available in select sizes. Consult Dixon for prices and availability
Details
- Essential in applications requiring maximum flow including concrete pump hose, plaster and grout hose, oil suction and discharge hose, multi-purpose heavy duty air hose, jetting hose, barge loading hose, and bottom loading hose
- Sizes: 1” to 6”
- Ends: NPT (IXM), California (IXH), and Grooved (IXV)
Material
- Carbon steel
Details
- Straight stream, capable of greater than 100° spray angle
- Twist shut-off and flow-type change
- Maximum working pressure: 100 PSI; maximum rated pressure: 175 PSI
Details
- Sizes: 3/4” to 2-1/2”
- Maximum operating pressure: 100 PSI (water only) at 70°F (21°C)
Details
- Clip locks any spray pattern
- GHT thread on head
Materials
- Chrome plated all zinc body
- Industrial strength nylon handle
- Rubber handle guard
- Heavy duty brass valve and adjusting nut
Summary
As mankind’s second-most-used substance after water, concrete is essential and its versatility is a strength. Amassed in great bulk, concrete has created engineering marvels and artistic displays of graceful beauty around the world.
Dixon provides a wide variety of products to support concrete businesses in diverse applications. For more information, visit dixonvalve.com or call 877.963.4966.