Cement has its roots in the Latin word *caementum*, which referred to gravel or crushed stone. The concept of cement dates back to ancient Rome, where builders used a mixture of lime and volcanic ash to create a material that resembled modern-day pozzolanic cement. This early form of concrete was not only strong but also resistant to both fresh and salt water, making it a crucial material in construction for centuries.
In 1756, British engineer John Smeaton made a groundbreaking discovery about hydraulic lime—limes that could harden even under water. He found that this property came from burning limestone mixed with clay. His work laid the foundation for future cement development, especially for underwater construction, where hydraulic lime combined with volcanic ash became the ideal choice.
By 1796, an Englishman named Joseph Parker created a new type of cement by burning marl, a type of sedimentary rock. This brown-colored material closely resembled the Roman mix of lime and volcanic ash, and he called it "Roman cement." Since it was made directly from natural materials without additional ingredients, it was also known as natural cement. It had excellent hydraulic properties and set quickly, making it perfect for use in water-related projects.
In 1813, French civil engineer Louis Vicat discovered that mixing lime and clay in a 3:1 ratio produced the best results. Then, in 1824, British builder Joseph Aspdin patented what we now call Portland cement. He used limestone and clay, mixed in specific proportions, and fired them in a kiln similar to those used for lime. After grinding, the material formed a cement that hardened into a stone-like substance, much like the building stones found in Portland, England. This invention marked a major milestone in construction history.
In 1907, a French chemist named Béchamp replaced clay with bauxite (an aluminum-rich ore) in the cement-making process, leading to the creation of alumina cement. In 1871, Japan started building its first cement plant, marking the beginning of industrial cement production in Asia.
The 19th century saw significant technological advancements. In 1877, the British company Clapton introduced the rotary kiln, and in 1885, Lansam improved it further. In 1889, China opened the Tangshan "Fine Soil" factory near the Kaiping Coal Mine. By 1906, the Qixin Cement Company was established, producing 40,000 tons of cement annually. In 1893, Japanese engineers Endo Hideki and Neihai Sanyu developed a seawater-resistant Portland cement, expanding its applications.
Throughout the 20th century, cement technology advanced rapidly. Alongside improvements in Portland cement, new types such as high-alumina cement and special cements were developed for unique construction needs. Today, there are over 100 types of cement worldwide. In 2007, global cement production reached around 2 billion tons. China, too, made great progress, establishing its first national standard in 1952 and shifting toward silicate cement. By 2007, China's annual cement output had reached approximately 1.1 billion tons, reflecting its growing role in the global construction industry.
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