This session honors the remarkable legacy of Luke and Billie Snell, whose lifelong dedication to preserving the history of concrete has left an indelible mark on the industry. More importantly, their gift is in not only telling the stories, but their manner that compels a connection way beyond the technical core of the subject. Committee 120 History has invited multiple concrete experts to present material originally researched and published by the Snells. Attendees will explore key milestones in concrete’s history, including the Oldest Concrete Street, the Erie Canal, the Hoover Dam, Graveyard Concrete, the Start of Certification, and Concrete in the Bible. These captivating stories highlight the significance of concrete in shaping modern infrastructure and culture, offering a deeper appreciation for its pivotal role in history, and the storytellers that keep their history alive.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Investigate how concrete technologies has adapted through out history;
(2) Explain how concrete has contributed to human existence over millennia;
(3) Identify how concrete construction designs and construction methods have evolved;
(4) Discuss the importance of documenting concrete in history, which can provide insights into a sustainable future.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
America's Oldest Concrete Street
Presented By: W James Wilde
Affiliation: Texas State University
Description: This presentation explores the research of Luke Snell on the oldest concrete street in the United States, located in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Built in 1891 by George Bartholomew, this pioneering project marked a significant milestone in the use of concrete for road construction. The presentation will discuss the historical context, the materials and methods used, and the impact of this early concrete pavement on modern infrastructure. Additionally, it will highlight Snell’s contributions to documenting and preserving this history, emphasizing the evolution of concrete technology, concurrent with the span of his career in the concrete industry.
Erie Canal
Presented By: Anne Werner
Affiliation: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Description: This presentation is based on an article by Luke & Billie Snell in Concrete International, “The Erie Canal – America’s First Concrete Classroom,” pg 63 – 64, December 1996, on the role of concrete in the Erie Canal’s construction and maintenance.
The Erie Canal was built between 1817 and 1825, spanning 363 miles between the Hudson River at Albany and Lake Erie at Buffalo, New York. At a length of 363 miles, it was the first major man-made navigational waterway in the United States. The design and construction of the canal marked the beginning of civil engineering as a profession in the US and the development of domestic hydraulic cement manufacturing. Canvass White, an assistant to Benjamin Wright who was chief engineer for construction of the canal, was sent to England in 1817 by the governor of New York, to study the canal systems and construction materials and methods there. He used this new knowledge to develop and patent his own hydraulic cement that was cheaper and of better quality than that used in England. This cement was used on the canal for masonry joints and pointing. This presentation will highlight the historical evolution of materials used in the canal and how the challenges presented by the construction of the Erie Canal led to development of the country’s own cement industry and launched the careers of many young successful engineers.
Hoover Dam
Presented By: Jacob Borgerson
Affiliation: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Description: "Hoover Dam: 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete
Completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam was the first man-made structure to exceed the masonry mass of the Great Pyramid of Giza. This presentation is based on the original research of Luke and Billie Snell which was presented at the World of Concrete for over 15 years. Considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century, construction of the dam required innovative concrete techniques. This presentation will explore the pioneering methods for cooling the heat of hydration, the large-scale concrete placement strategies, and the long-term performance of the dam. "
Graveyard Concrete
Presented By: Kelsey Sheridan
Affiliation: WDP & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc
Description: This presentation delves into the research by Luke and Billie Snell, featured in Concrete International, on the durability and historical significance of graveyard concrete. New Orleans’ cemeteries, often called “Cities of the Dead,” are renowned for their architectural beauty and their resemblance to small cities. Rows of tombs, built with brick and covered in cement plaster or lime-and-cement stucco, are arranged like city streets, mirroring societal divisions based on wealth, religion, and social status.
The presentation examines the historical practices of burial and tomb maintenance, focusing on the role of materials like lime and cement in the construction and preservation of these crypts and mausoleums. This discussion will address how inappropriate materials can accelerate deterioration and how evolving social and economic factors, such as perpetual care policies and unclear ownership records, have contributed to the decline of cemetery conditions. The scarcity of qualified contractors knowledgeable about traditional materials further complicates restoration efforts. Ultimately, this presentation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, proper preservation practices, and a deeper understanding of the architectural and cultural significance of these historic sites. As New Orleans works to rebuild and preserve its rich heritage, addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding the unique legacy of the “Cities of the Dead.”
Start of Certification
Presented By: Lance Heiliger
Affiliation: Smg
Description: This presentation explores the research of Luke and Billie Snell, as featured in their Concrete International 25th anniversary article, on the origins and evolution of certification in the concrete industry. It traces the development of standardized testing, quality control measures, and training programs that have shaped modern construction practices. The discussion highlights key milestones, the role of industry organizations, and the impact of certification on ensuring durable and reliable concrete structures. By reflecting on this history, the presentation underscores the importance of certification in advancing professionalism, safety, and innovation in the concrete industry.
Construction in the Bible
Presented By: Karin O'Brien
Affiliation: Econcrete
Description: This presentation explores the findings of Luke and Billie Snell, as featured in their four-part Concrete International articles, on the use of concrete-like materials in biblical times. Their research examines ancient construction techniques, including the use of lime-based mortars, natural cements, and early concrete applications in structures such as the Tower of Babel, Solomon’s Temple, and Roman aqueducts. By analyzing historical texts and archaeological evidence, the Snells provide insight into how early civilizations developed durable building materials that influenced modern concrete technology. This discussion bridges ancient ingenuity with contemporary engineering, revealing the long-standing significance of concrete in human history.