Several years before the patent, French engineer Louis Vicat conducted systematic studies to produce a hydraulic binder capable of hardening in both air and water. In 1817, he succeeded with this innovation, which was crucial for constructing lighthouses and bridges. He openly shared his discoveries, which were published in French in 1828 and translated into English in 1837, enabling further development.
On the other hand, Aspdin secured a patent that was neither particularly detailed nor scientific. It is likely that he never managed to produce what we now call “Portland cement.”
It wasn’t until 1844/45 that it was realized that clinker had to be burned at much higher temperatures (1450 °C). However, Aspdin cleverly introduced the name “Portland cement,” likely chosen to associate his cement with a high-quality building material—a limestone from the Isle of Portland in England, whose appearance resembled this new material.
Although the cement patented in 1824 is not exactly the same as what we call Portland cement today, it marked the beginning of a development that has shaped the entire construction industry.
John Smeaton and early advancements
Another key figure in this history is John Smeaton, who was born 300 years ago this year and is considered the first civil engineer. While building the Eddystone Lighthouse in 1756, he rediscovered Roman construction techniques and provided important insights that helped advance hydraulic binders.
The discoveries of Smeaton and Vicat fueled research that laid the foundation for today’s cement types. Over time, understanding of cement clinker minerals and hydration grew, a development pioneered by Henry-Louis Le Châtelier in 1887, which has been crucial to the field.
From history to the future
Looking back this historic year, I realize that this year marks 25 years since I began my research in concrete—a very brief time in the history of concrete—and this was made possible through a donation from our founder Martin Thomas to Chalmers University of Technology.
To tie together this 200-year history, Thomas Concrete Group’s Strategic Development Committee, including myself, recently visited Vicat and the Vicat family in France. During this visit, discussions centered around new innovations that can shape the future of the cement and concrete industries. The meeting yielded fruitful discussions on various technical solutions, from low-carbon additives to science-based innovations, as well as startups claiming breakthrough innovations.
Future challenges and opportunities
Achieving climate-neutral concrete is one of our main goals. We are looking into how natural and man-made pozzolans can help reduce concrete’s environmental impact. By combining historical methods with modern technology and scientific innovations, we believe we can achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
Although we face significant challenges, research in this area is progressing rapidly and shows great promise. I am confident that concrete and hydraulic binders will remain essential in the construction industry, with a greater focus on environmental impact and durability.
The target of climate neutrality in concrete production is ambitious, but thanks to both historical advancements and current developments, it is within reach.
To succeed, our society and the industry must increase investments in both basic and applied research. We can also learn from history; it’s not always the patent-holding startup with a breakthrough innovation that deserves media attention and funding—unless the technology is science-based, scalable, and can make a significant impact on climate change.
