Tag: concrete

  • The Evolution of Concrete: Interactive Timeline of American Innovations | Volume Concrete

    🇺🇸 The Evolution of Concrete: Interactive Timeline of American Innovations

    Welcome to Volume Concrete’s interactive learning experience! Dive into the fascinating history of concrete, with a spotlight on groundbreaking American innovations that have shaped our nation’s infrastructure. Click on the red dots along the timeline to reveal details about each milestone. From ancient roots to modern marvels, discover how concrete has built the backbone of America – strong, resilient, and forward-thinking.

    Proudly Serving America’s Builders Since 1985
    1824: Portland Cement Invention

    While invented in England by Joseph Aspdin, Portland cement quickly crossed the Atlantic, laying the foundation for U.S. mass production in the 1870s. This “artificial stone” revolutionized building, enabling stronger, more durable structures across America.

    1889: First U.S. Reinforced Concrete Bridge

    Ernest L. Ransome builds the Alvord Lake Bridge in San Francisco – America’s first reinforced concrete bridge. This innovation combined steel and concrete for unmatched strength, paving the way for skyscrapers and highways.

    1891: First Concrete Street in America

    George Bartholomew pours the nation’s first concrete street in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Testing at 8,000 psi, it still stands today – a testament to American ingenuity and the durability that Volume Concrete delivers in every pour.

    1930: Air-Entraining Agents

    Invented in the U.S., these additives create microscopic air bubbles in concrete, improving freeze-thaw resistance. Essential for harsh American winters, this breakthrough extended concrete’s lifespan in roads and bridges nationwide.

    1936: Hoover Dam Completion

    An American engineering icon, the Hoover Dam used over 3 million cubic yards of concrete – the largest pour at the time. It powered the West and showcased U.S. capability in massive infrastructure projects.

    1956: Interstate Highway System

    President Eisenhower’s vision launches the largest public works project in history, using billions of tons of concrete. This network connected America, boosting economy and mobility – a legacy Volume Concrete continues today.

    1970s-80s: High-Performance Additives

    U.S. innovations like superplasticizers, silica fume, and fiber reinforcements create stronger, more workable concrete. These advancements enable taller buildings and sustainable designs in modern American cities.

    2006: Self-Healing Concrete

    Developed with U.S. research contributions, this smart concrete uses bacteria or capsules to auto-repair cracks. It’s revolutionizing durability for future infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs for American projects.

    Today & Beyond: Sustainable Concrete

    At Volume Concrete, we’re leading with low-carbon mixes like Type IL cement and recycled aggregates. American innovations in carbon capture and AI-optimized designs promise a greener future for our nation’s builds.

    What did you learn from this timeline? Concrete isn’t just material – it’s the story of American progress. Ready to build your next project with Volume Concrete’s expert ready-mix? Contact us today for a quote!

  • Interactive Historical Chart: The Enduring Legacy of Concrete, Cement, and Pozzolan

    Interactive Historical Chart: The Enduring Legacy of Concrete, Cement, and Pozzolan

    Concrete. It’s the most widely used man-made material on Earth, forming the very backbone of our modern world. But its story stretches back millennia, woven with tales of ingenuity, accidental discoveries, and groundbreaking innovation. From ancient civilizations harnessing volcanic ash to today’s high-performance, sustainable mixes, the journey of concrete, cement, and their remarkable predecessor, pozzolan, is nothing short of fascinating.

    At Volume Concrete, we understand the past informs the future of our industry. Join us on this interactive timeline to explore the pivotal moments, iconic structures, and brilliant minds that shaped the material we rely on every single day.

    Interactive Concrete History Histogram

    The Enduring Legacy of Concrete, Cement & Pozzolan

  • Trench Work?  Traffic Ready in Hours

    Trench Work? Traffic Ready in Hours

    Volume Concrete LLC., is now delivering Rapid Set® Flowable Fill CDF and Rapid Set® Concrete to Contractors and Professionals in the Portland Metro. The advantages to using Rapid Set® for trench work is a MASSIVE reduction in downtime for your clients! 


  • Is it time to finish that sidewalk yet?

    Is it time to finish that sidewalk yet?

    Ever notice the abundance of sidewalks that start and never finish?

    This is sidewalk season, and we are here to help.

  • Concrete Near Me in Lake Oswego or West Linn

    Concrete Deliveries in Lake Oswego and West Linn provided by Volume Concrete LLC.,

    Our unique service is capable of providing 1+ cubic yard of freshly mixed concrete with optional strength and mix designs.

    Qualified & Experienced Operators: Ensure every job is executed with skill, cleanliness and accuracy from start to finish.

    Cell Phone Dispatch (971)219-8604