Page 4 - ICJ Jan 2026

TECHNICAL PAPER

100 YEARS OF CONCRETE

MATERIALS SCIENCE BISHWAJIT BHATTACHARJEE*

Abstract
Concrete materials science originated with Abrams’ pioneering
work and its evolution toward modern concrete composite is
briefly discussed at the outset. Some research work, carried
out at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, are presented.
Key topics include a re-examination of Abrams’ Law, thermal
conductivity of concrete, durability, and service life of concrete
structural elements and sustainability related research. Lastly,
the perceived knowledge gaps and way forward are highlighted
elaborating opportunities for contemporary and near-future
research.

1. INTRODUCTION (a) Gateway of India site
Concrete, in a very general sense, has been used by human
[1]
civilizations for millennia ; but the material science of concrete
is barely more than 100 years old, initiating with Duff Abrams
postulating the water-cement-ratio law in 1919 [2,3] . Notably,
Abrams could also obtain a compressive strength as high as
[4]
276 MPa for paste at a w/c of 0.08 with pressure application .
Abrams also introduced the concepts of fineness modulus
of aggregates, slump, and he invented the slump cone. In
this sense, his work marks the true starting point of concrete
science, and Abrams may be regarded as the father of concrete
science. Interestingly, the Indian Concrete Journal (ICJ) started
only a few years later in 1926 and is now continuing in its 100 th
year. Subsequent pioneers, notably T.C. Powers, continued the

[5]
development of concrete science further . The first reinforced (b) Gateway of India under construction
cement concrete (RCC) structure in India - the dome of the
Gateway of India in Mumbai - was constructed in 1928. A few
pictures documenting its construction is shown in Figure 1. The
contractor for this landmark project was the company founded
by Mr. J. C. Gammon, a former superintending engineer of the
[6]
Public Works Department (PWD) . Numerous other researchers
and practitioners have since contributed, collectively building
the extensive body of knowledge that defines concrete materials
science. This article chronicles this development leading to the
evolution of modern, versatile concrete, and presents selected
research contributions carried out at IIT Delhi.

2. EVOLUTION OF CONCRETE IN LAST 100
YEARS (c) Gateway of India, Mumbai, India’s oldest RC structure
Science organizes knowledge in testable explanation (severe exposure)
and prediction. Prediction is often through mathematical Figure 1: Gateway of India

THE INDIAN CONCRETE JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026 9
* Corresponding author: Bishwajit Bhattacharjee, Email: bishwa@civil.iitd.ac.in