Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. And the usage of concrete around the world is twice as much as the combined use of steel, wood, plastics, and aluminum. However, in the production process of cement, large volumes of greenhouse gas are released into the atmosphere. And as concrete is widely used everywhere, we should know some fun facts about it.
The use of concrete became rare after the Roman Empire collapsed, but in the mid-18th century, this technology was redeveloped. Now, concrete has already overtaken steel in tonnage of material used throughout the world. Here are 12 interesting facts about concrete that will amaze you.
1. Concrete Is The Second Most Consumed Material
After water, concrete is the most consumed material in the world in terms of volume, as three tonnes of concrete is used per year for every person in the world.
Read Also: 25 Fun Facts About Water
2. A Lot Of Concrete Is Used In Construction All Over The World
In construction, concrete is used almost twice as much throughout the world as all other building materials combined use such as reinforcement, and timber.
3. Dome On The Pantheon Is The Largest Unreinforced Concrete Dome
The Pantheon is one of the most recognizable Roman buildings and the Romans started the construction of the Pantheon in 27 BCE. Approximately two thousand years after it was built, the dome on the Pantheon is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
4. 25 Billion Tons Of Concrete Are Produced Every Year
According to some recent statistics, more than 25 billion tons of concrete are produced worldwide every year.
5. Thomas Edison Held 49 Patents Related To Concrete
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, held 49 patents related to concrete and also experimented with concrete houses & concrete furniture – it is surely one of the facts about concrete that you never knew.
6. First Concrete Highway Was Constructed In Detroit
The construction of the first concrete highway in the world was started on April 20, 1909, in Detroit.
Read Also: 14 Interesting Facts About April
7. Concrete Is The Most Used Material In Underwater Structures
Concrete is the most widely used material in underwater structures such as dams and submerged bridge piers.
8. Tallest Concrete Building In The US
The Trump International Hotel and Tower is the tallest concrete building in the United States. This 98-story structure is over 1,388 feet (423.2 meters) tall.
9. First Concrete Street In The US Was Built In 1891
George Bartholomew poured the first concrete street in the United States in 1891 in Bellefontaine, Ohio and it still exists today.
Read Also: 10 Fun Facts About Boston
10. Ancient Romans Were The First To Use Concrete In Construction
It is commonly believed that the ancient Romans were the first to use concrete as a building material and to utilize this material widely. Roman builders used a mixture of volcanic ash, lime, and seawater to form the mix.
11. First Reinforced Concrete Bridge In The US
The Alvord Lake Bridge in San Francisco was the first reinforced concrete bridge built in the United States. It survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
12. Concrete Driveway Can Last From 25 To 50 Years
A concrete driveway can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the quality and durability of the material used.
These are 12 interesting facts about concrete.
FAQ: 12 Fun Facts About Concrete
As concrete is one of the most widely used materials in the world, many people have lots of questions related to it. Here I have answered some of the most relevant questions about concrete.
Q1. How Many Tonnes Of Concrete Are Produced Per Year?
Ans: According to various recent statistics, approximately 25 billion tons of concrete are produced per year around the world.
Q2. How Many Tons Of Concrete Are Used Per Year?
Ans: Approximately three tonnes of concrete are used per year for every person in the world.
Q3. Is Concrete The Most Consumed?
Ans: Concrete is the second most consumed material in the world in terms of volume, only after water. Concrete is used almost twice as much in construction throughout the world than all other building materials combined use.
Q4. What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Concrete Driveway?
Ans: A concrete driveway can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, which depends upon the quality and durability of the material used.
Read Also: 10 Fun Facts About Aluminum
- 10 Fun And Interesting Facts About Oranges You Must Know - September 14, 2022
- 10 Interesting Facts About Aluminum That You Might Not Know - August 24, 2022
- 10 Fun Facts About Smiling That Will Make You Smile - August 14, 2022