---
title: The History of Concrete
description: Precast concrete fence completed with beautiful grass and sky.
image: https://blog.hilltopconcreteco.com/hubfs/20231101_142656.jpg
---

###### 1 min read

# The History of Concrete

By: [ Ashley Hiett ](https://blog.hilltopconcreteco.com/blog/author/ashley-hiett) on  Nov 17, 2023 7:45:00 AM

[Austin, TX](https://blog.hilltopconcreteco.com/blog/tag/austin-tx)

![Featured Image](https://blog.hilltopconcreteco.com/hubfs/20231101_142656.jpg)

Did you know that concrete has been around since the 1800s? How one interprets the word “[concrete](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concrete)”  depends on what time period you are discussing. In ancient times, ancient materials were just lewd cement made by crushing and burning gypsum and limestone. Yet, when water and sand were added to these types of cement, they were called “mortar”, which was a plaster-like material used to keep the stones together.

The first initial widespread use of [Portland Cement](https://www.cement.org/) for construction use was in France and England between the years of 1850 and 1880. Portland cement is just a powder that is produced by heating clay minerals and limestone in a kiln to form clinker, then grinding that clinker, and adding 2-3% of gypsum. 

Today, concrete is made using Portland cement, which is a coarse and fine material made of stone, sand, and water. We use [admixtures](https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/concrete_admixtures/types.html) which are the chemicals that are added to the concrete mix to control its setting properties. Different environmental elements mean different admixtures. These environmental elements consist of high/low temperatures and windy conditions.

All in all, [Hilltop Concrete](https://www.hilltopconcreteco.com/) uses concrete as our main course of action… making precast concrete fences. Our fences can be used as security, sound barriers, and decoration, privacy, and much more. Contact us today for more information and a fee quote! 

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