Architectural concrete as we know it today was invented in the 19th century. It reached new heights in the U.S. after World War II when mid-century modernism was in vogue, following in the footsteps of a European aesthetic that expressed structure and permanent surfaces through this exposed material. Concrete was treated as a monolithic miracle, waterproof and structurally and visually versatile.
Construction techniques based on contractors’ experience with infrastructure introduced cast-in-place concrete combined with precast elements to replace natural stone on façades. Architects designed exposed concrete façades, cantilevered concrete balconies, and their associated slabs as if the material were uniformly waterproof, which it was not. Thermal conductivity was not addressed. No one discussed embodied carbon back then.
The history of concrete construction between 1950 and 1970 offers architects and construction professionals a framework for how to rehabilitate these buildings today using both time-tested and emerging technologies. Most exposed architectural concrete in the U.S. was in structures built by institutions, especially universities, which expanded rapidly after WWII. Planning for these structures began in the 1950s, and the first wave of buildings was in place by 1965. Many were built with perimeter radiation for heating and without ducts for air conditioning. Comfort standards were less exacting then, and energy conservation was a minor concern.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this article, you should be able to:
+ Discover the history of mid-century modern concrete buildings
+ Explore the primary sources of deterioration in concrete buildings
+ Discuss methods for diagnosing and repairing concrete structures
+ List the advantages of reinforced concrete construction
TAKE THIS FREE AIA COUSE AT BD+C UNIVERSITY
Related Stories
Wood | Jan 13, 2017
Steel and concrete's take on tall wood
The American Institute of Steel Construction contends that the steel industry is a “world leader” in using recycled material and end-of-life recycling, and has made strides to lower greenhouse gas emissions below regulatory requirements.
Concrete Technology | Dec 5, 2016
Telescopic walls could help combat the damages of floodwaters
The project is currently under development by a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Buffalo.
Sponsored | Concrete | Nov 11, 2016
Fabcon Precast is built for speed
It’s difficult for other construction methods to match Fabcon’s speed, especially when weather is a determining factor–as it almost always is in Canada.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2016
Making concrete greener
The high energy-consuming material can be made more sustainably.
Concrete | Aug 2, 2016
Concrete Association builds case against cross-laminated timber
The campaign asserts that not enough is known about CLT in construction
Concrete | Jul 20, 2016
Arup ensures Mexico City concrete skyscraper can withstand seismic activity
Double-V hangers and irregularly spaced gaps allow the structure to bend.
3D Printing | Jun 14, 2016
By 2021, 3D concrete printing is projected to be a $56.4 million industry
The 3D concrete printing industry is expected to more than double in size within the next five years.
Concrete | Jun 13, 2016
American Concrete Institute releases new Guide to Shotcrete
Includes information on application procedures, testing.
Concrete | Jun 7, 2016
Concrete Institute publishes document providing concrete curing guidance
New curing monitoring techniques included.
Building Materials | Jun 1, 2016
MIT study: Microscopic structure of natural materials can inspire better concrete
Bones and sea sponges are highly organized at the molecular level, while concrete consists of random composites.