Reinforced concrete is the only building material that is highly resistant to both water and fire

Concrete is virtually fire-proof. It doesn’t burn, it can’t be set on fire, and it doesn’t release toxic fumes when it comes into contact with flames. It indestructible compositing is why so many buildings and other structures made from concrete are able to survive a fire when everything around goes up in flames.

Concrete is also naturally water resistant. The use of membranes and special concrete mixes can make it virtually waterproof, making concrete the ideal building material for underground structures like lower levels, basements, and parking structures.

Concrete was used as a building material in ancient Rome

Roman builders mixed lime, water and volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius and called the concrete ‘pozzolana.’

The Romans understood the waterproof qualities of this remarkable new building material, and used it to construct their port at Cosa. Although the port reached its height in 100 BC, three of its concrete piers survive as a testament to the engineering know-how of the ancient world.

The British Army used concrete to detect enemy aircraft

Before the development of radar in World War Two, the British erected parabolic acoustic mirrors – commonly called ‘listening ears’ – to detect incoming aircraft. A network of these enormous concrete sound reflectors was constructed along England’s coast during the early days of World War Two and can still be seen today.