Skip to main content

VIDEO: Concrete paving - you’ve come a long way, baby!

It’s 1948. The grand scheme of creating an Interstate Highway system in the US is still barely a twinkle in President Dwight Eisenhower’s military eye. Highway construction improved greatly in the late 1950s and early 1960s as the American contractors became more mechanized and therefore efficient at laying roads faster and of better quality. But how did they build a road back then in 1948? Thanks to Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, we have a movie of just how a concrete highway was created. The constr
July 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
It’s 1948. The grand scheme of creating an Interstate Highway system in the US is still barely a twinkle in President Dwight Eisenhower’s military eye. Highway construction improved greatly in the late 1950s and early 1960s as the American contractors became more mechanized and therefore efficient at laying roads faster and of better quality.

But how did they build a road back then in 1948?

Thanks to Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, we have a movie of just how a concrete highway was created. The construction site looked more like a chain gang from a nearby prison that a professionally done infrastructure project.

Viewers just might be able to feel the sun’s heat as workers toil into the long day.

If this video piqued your curiosity about road building projects back then, %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal click here Visit youtube Page false https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neaoGclvips false false%> to see a 1951 film from the Bethlehem Steel Company. Things have apparently moved on since 1948 and steel is making inroads. At least this film is in colour.

Related Content

  • New technical centre boosts CMS Cepcor
    April 18, 2013
    Crusher spares specialist CMS Cepcor has opened a new technical centre at Coalville in the UK and has now transferred its Baguley Precision Engineering business into the newly formed Precision Services Division. The company has moved machine servicing from Burton-on-Trent to the new technical centre and retained all the engineering staff. Within the centre is a CNC manufacturing capability, which will enhance the manufacturing, inspection and repair facilities at Coalville.
  • Perkins will demonstrate how its engine will meet EU Stage IV/US Tier 4 Final emissions regulations
    January 6, 2017
    Perkins will showcase a complete line-up of Stage IV/Tier 4 Final engine solutions at Bauma, ahead of the new legislation next year. The four cylinder 854F-E34TA will demonstrate much of the technology on offer, as it uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with an exhaust additive, plus a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). Both Perkins’ 3.4 and 4.4-litre engine lines make do without a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), though the larger 7 litre will use a DPF as well.
  • Perkins will demonstrate how its engine will meet EU Stage IV/US Tier 4 Final emissions regulations
    February 7, 2013
    Perkins will showcase a complete line-up of Stage IV/Tier 4 Final engine solutions at Bauma, ahead of the new legislation next year. The four cylinder 854F-E34TA will demonstrate much of the technology on offer, as it uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with an exhaust additive, plus a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). Both Perkins’ 3.4 and 4.4-litre engine lines make do without a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), though the larger 7 litre will use a DPF as well.
  • DAT’s speedy and reliable dataloggers
    January 6, 2017
    DAT instruments is a leading manufacturer of dataloggers for geotechnical activities and special foundations. The company, whose dataloggers are suitable for use in applications relating to jet grouting; grouting; cement injection; drilling; MWD; CFA; soil mixing; vibroflotation; diaphragm walls; Lugeon tests; and mineral investigation. Product reliability and company service are said to be among DAT instruments key priorities.