In History
Although concrete was invented as early as 6,500 BCE, concrete bricks are a more recent construction material. The Romans were using concrete blocks in their construction by 200BCE. Roman concrete was a mixture of volcanic ash, lime, and seawater. The mixture was packed into wooden moulds, and allowed to harden. It was then stacked, in the same way as bricks.
Concrete masonry has been a popular building material since the 19th century. A material equally loathed and loved, it remains the most commonly used man-made construction material.
Architectural concrete is dynamic and versatile, allowing greater freedom in design. Steel reinforcement in concrete masonry provides increased load resistance, and shrinkage cracking. Concrete is strong, durable, and economic. It is also noise, fire, and insect resistant. Clay bricks normally have a higher insulation value than concrete bricks. Insulated concrete, or air entrained concrete bricks and blocks can be used to improve energy efficiency.
Concrete does not always age well: pigments leach from the bricks, and reinforcement can cause staining.
In the period after World War II, cities across the UK began rebuilding – with concrete. Coventry was the original 20th century “concrete city”. Like Birmingham, Hull, and Portsmouth, it became known for its dull grey concrete constructions. The concrete cities of the UK are investing multimillions of pounds in major makeovers.
