The Portland Cement Association’s latest CD, Shades of Gray, Sands of Time, illustrates the evolution of concrete construction equipment and techniques
The Portland Cement Association’s latest CD, Shades of Gray, Sands of Time, illustrates the evolution of concrete construction equipment and techniques during the past century as it traces the building of America from approximately 1900-1960. The rising rate of concrete consumption that accompanied the nation’s industrial boom throughout the 1900s is portrayed through 900-plus, high-resolution, black-and-white photo files that also provide glimpses of life during successive eras.
Showing buildings, bridges, highways, streets and other concrete structures under construction, the images demonstrate that while technology has advanced, current methods in some cases largely reflect the original techniques. Of special interest are photos of a wide assortment of concrete construction machinery, including horse-drawn and hand-operated equipment. Besides paving and earthmoving machinery, buckets, cranes, and buggies, vintage mixer trucks are featured Û from the earliest models to the those of the ’50s and ’60s Û in 148 pictures. More information can be obtained and orders placed by visiting the PCA Bookstore at www.cement.org/bookstore or calling 800/868-6733.