Chapter 5: Concrete: an introduction

A historical context is given in order to highlight the stages of development of concrete, from 7000BC to the present time. Using this section, the inherent advantages and disadvantages of concrete as a construction material are given and both reinforced and prestressed concretes and many special types of concrete which can be used in construction are introduced. This chapter also highlights the need for ensuring both the durability and sustainability of concrete as a construction material. The currently used methods are listed and future trends are summarised. All these topics are elaborated in different chapters within the section on Concrete and hence only a brief summary is given in this chapter. No discussion on this versatile material can be confined to the different chapters in the section on Concrete and hence readers are advised to refer to further reading materials listed in each chapter for a thorough understanding of concrete as a construction material for the twenty-first century.