The Introduction of the Hennebique Reinforced Concrete System in the Russian Empire, 1898-1907
- As a part of the research field concerning the transfer of European knowledge to the Russian Empire, this paper concentrates on the transfer of technical knowledge. It describes the introduction and application of a reinforced concrete construction method developed around I886 by the French bricklayer and construction site supervisor François Hennebique. The Hennebique system was promoted by his worldwide professional network, including in the Russian Empire. Paul de Monicourt, a French engineer, was the main figure associated with the promotion of this method throughout the Russian Empire. He established his first office in southwestern Ekaterinoslav specialized in industrial buildings and bridges. After sharing his construction and calculation methods with the engineers of Russian Railways, he lost his monopoly hold on bridge construction in the Russian Empire. Moving his focus to the north, he established an additional office in Saint Petersburg, where he began to work in dome construction. In I905, de Monicourt began a partnershipAs a part of the research field concerning the transfer of European knowledge to the Russian Empire, this paper concentrates on the transfer of technical knowledge. It describes the introduction and application of a reinforced concrete construction method developed around I886 by the French bricklayer and construction site supervisor François Hennebique. The Hennebique system was promoted by his worldwide professional network, including in the Russian Empire. Paul de Monicourt, a French engineer, was the main figure associated with the promotion of this method throughout the Russian Empire. He established his first office in southwestern Ekaterinoslav specialized in industrial buildings and bridges. After sharing his construction and calculation methods with the engineers of Russian Railways, he lost his monopoly hold on bridge construction in the Russian Empire. Moving his focus to the north, he established an additional office in Saint Petersburg, where he began to work in dome construction. In I905, de Monicourt began a partnership with a local construction company. His involvement in this partnership makes it difficult to trace his later activity and individual achievements since this company took over the spread of Hennebique system in the Russian Empire.…