19. Concrete

Question 1

What two things were necessary to be developed in the late 18th/early 19th centuries to enable the evolution of modern concrete structures?

Answer 1

• Hydraulic cement

- Reinforcing

Question 2

List three reasons why Larson considers reinforced concrete, and not iron, to have been the material more responsible for the development of modern architecture:

Answer 2

• No precedent, new concept
• Plastic, could take almost any shape
• Could cantilever, columns no longer needed

Question 3

Ernest Ransome’s concrete framed factories bore a stunning resemblance to those designed at the same time by what French pioneer in concrete?

Answer 3

Coignet

Question 4

The first important French contractor of reinforced concrete prior to the Franco-Prussian War was:

Answer 4

Coignet

Question 5

The architect chosen by Henry Ford to design his factories in Detroit was _________________.

Answer 5

Kahn

Question 6

What economic advantage did the Hennebique system enjoy in Paris?

Answer 6

Thinner floors allowed extra floor to be added

Question 7

What was the secret of Roman cement that was rediscovered in the 19th Century?

Answer 7

Hydraulic properties of Pouzzoli cement, chemical composition that allowed it to internally harden without being exposed to atmosphere

Question 8

The French rationalist tradition, started by Soufflot, and best represented by the work of Perret, was a quest to synthesize the ideas of what two historic styles?

Answer 8

• Greek

- Gothic

Question 9

What other theoretician, besides Viollet-le-Duc, influenced the work of Perret?

Answer 9

Choisy

Question 10

What two theoreticians influenced the work of Perret?

Answer 10

• Viollet-le-Duc

- Choisy

Question 11

The architect responsible for the early use of reinforced concrete structures in the design of the first automobile factories in Detroit was _______________.

Answer 11

Kahn

Question 12

The first skyscraper constructed with a reinforced concrete frame was the ______________.

Answer 12

Ingalls building

Question 13

The Swiss engineer famous for his graceful, shallow arched, three-hinged concrete bridges was _____________.

Answer 13

Maillart

Question 14

Portland Cement was first invented in which country?

Answer 14

England

Question 15

The demise of terra-cotta fireproofing that led to the universal acceptance of reinforced concrete was a result of _______________.

Answer 15

San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

Question 16

In which country was the principle of reinforcing concrete first developed?

Answer 16

France

Question 17

What advantage did reinforced concrete enjoy over iron from the viewpoint of structural rationalists?

Answer 17

No fireproofing meant exposed tructure, iron had to be covered and fireproofed

Question 18

Which French engineer built an international concrete company after the Franco-Prussian War?

Answer 18

Hennebique

Question 19

What was the name of Tony Garnier’s socialist utopian city which employed concrete housing and solar power?

Answer 19

Cité Industrielle

Question 20

What is generally regarded as the first American reinforced concrete building?

Answer 20

William Ward’s Concrete Castle