Title:
The Early Roots of Cement
Author(s):
Luke M. Snell and Billie G. Snell
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
22
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
83-85
Keywords:
development of mortar; earliest use of manufactured cement; Egyptian mortar; Egyptian construction; friction; gypsum; mortar; pyramids.
DOI:
Date:
2/1/2000
Abstract:
The construction of the pyramids allowed the Egyptians to develop several new construction techniques. One of their key developments was the use of mortar. These mortars were made from gypsum. It is thought that the mortar was used to reduce the friction between the massive stone as it was being moved into its final position. Much of the mortar used in the pyramids survives today and has been analysed. This provides insights into the manufacturing techniques and allows us to speculate on the construction procedures. This mortar also appears to be one of the earliest uses of manufactured cement. This article presents the details about mortar, its manufacture, and how the mortar plays a role in the construction of one of the surviving wonders of the world