What Was Used Before Concrete? A Brief History of Concrete

Before ready-mix trucks and calibrated batching plants, early builders had to get creative. They used whatever materials were on hand, like lime, volcanic ash, and even sticky rice. It might sound rough and ready, but it worked. Structures like Roman roads, Egyptian pyramids and ancient aqueducts still stand as proof of their staying power.

So, what was used before concrete? The history of concrete is packed with experimentation, problem-solving, and centuries of refinement. This blog explores the journey from lime mortars in Mesopotamia to Portland cement in 19th-century Britain. It also shows how these early materials still influence the mixes we use on job sites today.

Early Building Materials Before Concrete

Long before anyone had access to a concrete calculator or same-day delivery, ancient builders made do with what they could find. This was often local stone, mud, and variations of lime. They built lasting, load-bearing structures without the tools we have today. Some of these structures still stand in various places, including the UK.

Stone & Mud

Stone was the go-to for durability, while mud brick (adobe) offered an accessible, low-cost solution. Earth-based construction continued to be common in the UK countryside well into the 1800s. This was particularly the case in Devon and Cumbria. According to Historic England, these traditional methods can still be seen in listed rural buildings today.

Lime Mortar

The ancient Egyptians were among the first to bind blocks with a lime-based mortar, which was a simple mix of lime, sand, and water. Though it wasn’t as strong as modern concrete, it performed well in dry climates. It was essential for building structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Hydraulic Lime

Let’s head to regions like southern Syria and Jordan. Here, the Nabataeans discovered that lime mixed with volcanic ash could set underwater. This early hydraulic lime was compacted through a method called tamping. Findings from scientists as reported by the BBC support this idea.

Use our concrete volume calculator to get the perfect mix for your project, with no tamping required.

Roman's Were the Early Concrete Innovations

When it comes to concrete, the Romans engineered something revolutionary. Around 200 BC, Roman builders started mixing volcanic ash, called pozzolana, with lime and seawater. This created opus caementicium, the first Roman concrete.

This early mix changed construction forever. It could be set underwater, resist erosion, and become stronger over time. Many Roman structures are still standing today, from bridges and bathhouses to ports and aqueducts.

Why Was Roman Concrete So Advanced?

• Waterproof & Durable: Roman concrete could be set underwater. This made it perfect for aqueducts, bathhouses, and ports. A 2017 University of Utah study found that its seawater reaction created crystals (C-A-S-H) that strengthened the mix over time.
• Built to Last: The Pantheon, still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, is nearly 2,000 years old. The Colosseum and other Roman structures also remain standing, a testament to the durability of their formula.
• Self-Healing Chemistry: Roman concrete chemically bonded over time. According to the Guardian, this made it far more resilient as it aged.

Although the recipe was lost after the fall of Rome, today’s concrete is still built on the same values: strength, reliability, and longevity. Our bespoke ready mix concrete is engineered for lasting performance.

Concrete Falls into Obscurity

After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD, much of their advanced building knowledge – including concrete – faded into obscurity. For centuries, European builders returned to simpler materials like timber, stone, and lime mortars.

These mixes kept masonry strong in cathedrals and castles. However, without volcanic ash, they didn’t match the durability of Roman blends. Medieval construction relied more on craftsmanship than chemistry.

It was only in the Renaissance, when interest in ancient texts grew, that builders began to experiment again. By combining lime and aggregate in new ways, they laid the groundwork for the revival of concrete as a construction staple.

Concrete’s Modern Comeback

In 1824, everything changed when British bricklayer Joseph Aspdin patented Portland cement. This material looked and felt like Portland stone, both in appearance and strength. It was the first mix to offer reliable strength and a predictable setting time, making it ideal for industrial-scale building.

This innovation heralded a new era of construction:

• Consistent Quality: Controlled production meant batches were reliable and repeatable.
• Fast Setting: Perfect for the pace of 19th-century urban expansion.
• Compatible with Steel: Opened the door to reinforced concrete, first developed in the 1850s by Joseph Monier.

Reinforced concrete transformed design possibilities, making stronger, taller structures achievable. It soon became the foundation of infrastructure throughout Britain. This includes everything from post-war housing estates to major bridges and tunnels.

That tradition continues today. We offer ready mix concrete, expert batching, and concrete pumping. This means you can achieve high-performance pours quickly and reliably.

Concrete in the 21st Century

Today’s concrete is smarter, cleaner, and more adaptable than ever. Whether you’re laying a patio or constructing a multi-storey development, there’s a tailored mix to suit.

New in batching, additives, and sustainability have pushed it forward:

• Lower Carbon: Using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) or recycled aggregates helps cut emissions a lot. The UK Green Building Council states these alternatives can reduce carbon impact by up to 40%.
• Self-Healing: Some new concretes have bacteria or crystals that seal small cracks on their own. This cuts down maintenance for big infrastructure projects.
• Faster Delivery: With off-site batching and precast systems, concrete arrives ready to install. Our concrete blocks are manufactured to size and strength for efficient on-site placement.

At Wright Readymix, we provide custom ready-mix concrete in the South West and South Wales. We have more than 45 vehicles and concrete plants close to major routes. Whether you need a mini pump for tight access or the UK’s largest concrete pump, we keep your project on track.

Built in the Past, Delivered for Today

Concrete’s history shows progress, resilience, and reinvention. It starts with the clever designs of Roman engineers and includes the creation of Portland cement. What began as a mix of lime, ash, and instinct is now a high-performance building material backed by science and driven by precision.

At Wright Readymix, we carry that legacy forward. No matter if you’re pouring for a home extension or managing a large project, we offer custom solutions. We have decades of experience, dependable delivery, and expert advice. Need concrete that’s made for the modern site?

Call 0117 958 2090 or get in touch, and let’s build something built to last.