Author(s): |
Bernard Espion
|
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Medium: | conference paper |
Language(s): | English |
Conference: | 6th International Congress on Construction History (6ICCH 2018), July 9-13, 2018, Brussels, Belgium |
Published in: | Building Knowledge, Constructing Histories [2 vols.] |
Page(s): | 199-206 |
Year: | 2018 |
Abstract: | Between 1914 and 1928, Eugène Freyssinet, working with the Limousin Company, designed and built numerous reinforced concrete roofs, some of which may be considered as significant structures in the early history of thin concrete shells. Basically, Freyssinet pioneered two types of innovative thin concrete shells: the large span “short” barrel vault that he mainly used for covering “tunnel” aircraft hangars, but also the Reims Market Hall, and the northern light shed with “short” conoids. Nearly every new construction was for Freyssinet an occasion to invent, and often patent, a new construction technique. Surprisingly, many of these structures built more than 90 years ago are still standing today. Most of them are not well known, and have not received the proper recognition they deserve. Some reasons for this omission in the history of thin concrete shells are discussed in the paper. |