Concrete touchdown: new technology influences industrial buildings in Norway, 1912–1920

The introduction of concrete construction technology between 1912 and 1920 significantly influenced industrial architecture at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rjukan-Notodden, Norway. This period marked the first use of concrete in large-scale industrial structures, such as hydropower stations and production facilities, driven by Hydro's need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer production. The development of heavy concrete bearing walls and mixed steel-concrete systems required substantial material resources, leading to the innovation of skeleton frames. Research in materials science and structural engineering, both in the USA and Europe, played a pivotal role in achieving viable construction systems. This study highlights how these advancements connected Rjukan-Notodden's industrial buildings to global architectural and engineering history, providing valuable insights for future conservation efforts.

Haupt, T. (2024). Concrete touchdown: new technology influences industrial buildings in Norway, 1912–1920. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering History and Heritage, 177(2), 34–51. https://doi.org/10.1680/jenhh.23.00017