The first dams designed in accordance with modern scientific principles were built in France during the second half of the 19th century,
initially for water supply purposes.
As early as the end of the 18th century, British and French engineers began to take a greater interest in "hydraulic" binding agents
to manufacture cement and concrete.
In 1824, Joseph Aspdin made the first "artificial stone" [of modern times].
He called it "Portland cement" because of its resemblance to Portland stone
which was a very popular building material at the time.