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what is concrete?

Concrete is not just a material - it is a passion, a combination of strength and elegance that excites the senses and unleashes creativity. Its history stretches back to the Roman Empire, where its recipe of barley grains, water and cement was already known. Today, concrete is much more than just a building material - it is a source of inspiration for designers and artists all over the world.

aggregate

Depending on the desired concrete properties, sand and gravel in different grain sizes are added. These materials come from local river and lake deposits or rock. By using recycled aggregate, natural resources can be conserved.

Water

Clean water is essential for the hydration process and optimal compaction of the concrete.

cement

Cement is a perfect hydraulic binding agent that ensures optimal hardening of the concrete. The main components are limestone and marl, which are burned and then ground into a fine powder with other additives.

additives & substances

Concrete admixtures and materials are added to the concrete to meet specific requirements. - A longer processing time, a more plastic consistency, increased frost resistance or higher strength.

surface

The formwork determines the texture of the concrete surface. The liquid concrete is poured into a mold and takes on the desired shape after hardening, giving each project, product or design its own character.

Colors

The color design of concrete surfaces is more than just a fashion trend - it influences the quality of life. In addition to the texture, the color of the concrete also plays an important role. High-quality concrete colors, combined with white or gray cement and colored aggregate, ensure a strong and brilliant cement stone color that gives every project an individual touch.
learn more about concrete in color

Protection

Surface protection agents are used to protect concrete from damage caused by weather, carbon dioxide, chemical substances and mechanical stress. A distinction is generally made between impregnations, such as hydrophobic treatments, and coatings or sealants.
learn more about care and treatment
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Typical
characteristics

When concrete takes shape and becomes furniture or sculptures, it tells a story of strength, elegance and timeless beauty. Each piece is unique with individual characteristics, much like every person in this world.

"What's nice about concrete is that it looks unfinished."

Zaha Hadid

concrete history

Early History of Concrete

The origins of concrete date back at least to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Egyptians used an early form of concrete to build massive structures such as the pyramids. They made a mixture of lime, gypsum and water that is similar to today's concrete. Archaeologists have also found evidence of a type of cement mortar used in construction in Mesopotamia.

Roman Empire and the Concrete Revolution


The Romans took concrete development to a new level. In the first century BC, they developed a material that is very similar to today's concrete: Opus caementicium. This mixture consisted of lime mortar, volcanic ash (pozzolan) and broken stone. Roman concrete was characterized by its durability and strength. Some Roman buildings, such as the Pantheon or the aqueducts, are still standing today and are impressive testaments to Roman engineering.

Particularly notable was the Romans' ability to use concrete underwater. They built ports and foundations using underwater concrete that hardened through the chemical reaction of volcanic ash with water. This advance was groundbreaking and enabled the construction of durable maritime structures.

The Decline and Rediscovery of Concrete


With the fall of the Roman Empire, the knowledge of how to make concrete was largely lost. In the following centuries, especially in the Middle Ages, concrete was largely forgotten and other materials such as stone and wood dominated construction.

It was not until the 18th century that concrete experienced a renaissance. In 1756, the British engineer John Smeaton developed a new lime cement, which he used in the construction of the Eddystone lighthouse. This marked the beginning of modern concrete production. A few decades later, in 1824, the Englishman Joseph Aspdin patented the so-called Portland cement, which laid the foundation for modern concrete. This type of cement got its name because the concrete produced resembled the famous Portland stone from England.

Concrete in the 20th Century and Beyond

In the 20th century, concrete became the leading building material worldwide. The invention of reinforced concrete - a combination of concrete and steel reinforcements - made it possible to build high-rise buildings, bridges, dams and many other engineering structures. Concrete was considered the ideal material for modern architecture because it is both robust and flexible.

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