Reinforced concrete in Britain, 1897-1908

Abstract

The earliest inventions and uses of cements, concretes and reinforced concrete in the modern period (mainly in the nineteenth century) are first discussed, with particular reference to Britain. This is followed by a description of the state of practice relating to reinforced concrete, and the major framing systems introduced in Britain, by the early 1900s. This provides a historical and technical context for two core themes:

I. THE COMMERCIAL INTRODUCTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMED CONSTRUCTION IN BRITAIN:

This has principal reference to the introduction of Francois Hennebique's French/Belgian system of reinforced concrete by means of a technical-commercial agency for this system in Britain, established and directed by Louis Gustave Mouchel. The selected period begins with the commissioning of the first framed building on Hennebique's system in Britain (1897), and ends with L. G. Mouchel's death (1908), (while the commercial introduction of other framing systems in this period is also referred to). F. Hennebique's initiation, in Belgium, of a model "specialist" organisation for promoting his system, its geographical extension, and Hennebique's personal role in the British agency are discussed.

The effect of building regulations, in Britain on the use of reinforced concrete frames is assessed. Clients and their motives for risking the new material are examined. Finally, the theme includes a movement among a small group of architects and engineers to end the commercial-specialist's - notably, L. G. Mouchel's - monopoly of reinforced concrete in Britain and to generalise the knowledge of such construction.

II. THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE EARLY FRAMED BUILDINGS, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THOSE ENTIRELY IN REINFORCED CONCRETE.

The respective roles in design of the specialists and architects are established, architect's having responsibility for the initial, and general, designs.

Contemporary architectural ideals are examined with reference to the introduction of reinforced concrete, in particular, the ideal of a modern style, the relation advocated between style and material, and dominant stylistic tendencies. Examples are discussed in relation to specific artistic problems which architects perceived in the use of reinforced concrete.

It is shown that the new construction was generally neglected in the expression of ideals for stylistic improvements or innovations, which were often associated with a popular, "Renaissance" mode, and that it was to this mode that architects tended to adapt reinforced concrete. An interesting exception, "Lion Chambers" in Glasgow and its relation to a local (and new) aesthetic, "Glasgow Art Nouveau", is given particular attention. It is concluded that in these examples, certain stylistic influences were more significant than the use of a new construction.