The Construction Civil

Origin Of Portland Cement

* Initially used by Romans 2000 years ago as “Pozzalan” made from volcanic ash.
* With fall of Roman empire, “secret” to making concrete was lost until the 19th century.
* Rediscovered by Englishman Joseph Aspdin in 1824, called “portland cement” after a durable
limestone already in use.
* Joseph Aspdin (1779-1835) patented the clay and limestone ,cement known as Portland
cement in 1824.
* Joseph's son, William Aspdin’s kiln used to make the first genuine Portland cement.
* It was first used in the civil engineering project by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859), as
the lining of the ThamesTunnel.