A bit of history... The Romans
Stone (concrete) roads were developed by the Roman state and were built from about 500 BC through the expansion and consolidation of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
2. A bit of history... The Romans
Stone (concrete) roads were developed by the Roman state and
were built from about 500 BC through the expansion and
consolidation of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
They provided efficient means for the overland movement of
armies, officials and civilians, and the inland carriage of official
communications and trade goods.
These major roads were often stone-paved, reason why they have
still lasted many centuries.
3. The first street in USA
The first street in the United States to be paved with concrete was
Court Avenue in Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1891.
The first mile of concrete pavement in the United States was on
Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan in 1909.
4. Concrete roads advantages
One of the major advantages of concrete roads is they are
typically stronger and more durable than asphalt roadways.
They also can be grooved to provide a durable skid-resistant
surface.
These stone roads can be maintained over time utilizing a series of
methods known as concrete pavement restoration.
5. Mixing the concrete
Concrete surfaces are created using a concrete mix of Portland
cement, coarse aggregate, sand and water.
In virtually all modern mixes there will also be various admixtures
added to increase workability, reduce the required amount of
water, mitigate harmful chemical reactions and for other beneficial
purposes.
6. Mixing the concrete
In many cases there will also be Portland cement substitutes
added, such as fly ash. This can reduce the cost of the concrete
and improve its physical properties.
The material is applied in a freshly mixed slurry, and worked
mechanically to compact the interior and force some of the
cement slurry to the surface to produce a smoother, denser
surface free from honeycombing.
The water allows the mix to combine molecularly in a chemical
reaction called hydration.
7. Concrete becoming the preferred choice
International researchers say they've uncovered the chemical
secrets of why 2,000-year-old Roman concrete has lasted so
long, especially in breakwaters along some of the ancient empire's
ports, compared with the modern recipe for concrete, which
includes Portland cement.
And unlocking that secret, they say, may have long-term
environmental benefits as well as help future building projects.
Hence, in almost all the new major road construction you can see
the use of concrete rather than asphalt these days.