Many construction companies and individuals use concrete without really thinking about it. After all, it is the most used building material in the world and has been for centuries. But why is that? What is it about concrete that keeps customers coming back to it year after year? Read on to find out more about the basics of that material we take for granted: Concrete. Then reach out to Subsurface Imaging at 866-997-2327 if you need assistance with concrete x-ray, concrete coring, and other similar services.
Just how popular is concrete?
First, let’s look at just how popular concrete is. It is used in just about all types of infrastructure, from schools to bridges, from houses to roads and even skyscrapers. In fact, estimates show that for each person there is on earth, there are three tons of concrete. This adds up to twice as much as the total of all other building materials, including wood, plastic, steel, and aluminum.
Why is concrete so popular?
First of all, it is an extremely low impact material. Second, it is one of the strongest materials we build with, which makes it a wise choice. In addition to being strong, it is durable and can last for many years. It has an excellent thermal mass. These advantages are enough to make it a top choice, but when you also add that it’s affordable then it becomes easy to see why it is so popular.
The abundance of concrete is not a new thing
While many people associate concrete with more modern buildings, the truth is that this material is nothing new. In fact, some of the most famous historical buildings are made from concrete. Think about famous examples like the Hoover Dam and the Panama Canal to see. Then consider even older structures, such as the Roman Pantheon, which is also made from concrete.
That’s right, thousands of years ago, the Romans made their own type of concrete, which was a mix of water, cement, and aggregate. They then built a truly gravity-defying dome that is over 40 meters in diameter. Today, thousands of years later, it is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world – and it has never faltered.
We can help with modern and ancient concrete needs
Are you in need of help with utility locating so that you can lay concrete? We can help. Do you have concrete that is decades old and you need to know what’s in it before you cut? We can help with that too. In short, at Subsurface Imaging we are ready to help with all your concrete screening and scanning needs. Contact us at 866-997-2327 so we can get started.
