Based on historical sources and also using today’s models and strategies developed by business economics the time of introduction and growth of reinforced concrete in Berlin between 1880 and 1918 was analysed. The main objective of this assignment is to analyse the introduction of the reinforced concrete constructions in Berlin in regards to the influence of economic factors on possible ways of its commercial use.

The potential of reinforced concrete was noticeable without any doubt within its technological characteristics. Linked with far more commercialization strategies (public relations, rationalization of reinforced concrete) it was possible to build up an efficient marketing policy, which contributed to its introduction. Within an environmental and industrial analysis, reinforced concrete was compared with iron/steel construction as direct competitors. Even though market growth was only average, a tremendous competition developed. This was justified by the fact that new trading opportunities with round bar for the ironwork industry was less lucrative than expected. In regards for the cement industry, reinforced concrete was more lucrative and therefore was systematically supported.

The introduction of reinforced concrete was rather difficult in Berlin. Only in 1904 first regulations by the building police were published. They give guidelines for structural calculation and construction. The fact that there hasn’t been found any explicit reference of reinforced concrete in construction regulations before World War I, can lead to the assumption that the governmental authorities were rather modest in handling the novel construction material.

Nevertheless, when speaking of early reinforced concrete in Berlin it is important to highlight the special role of a few company founders that helped to improve the understanding by investigating and creating necessary basics on their own expenses. The founding mentality and business growth strategies were investigated by putting two companies into focus: „Beton- und Monierbau Actien-Gesellschaft“ and „Dyckerhoff & Widmann“. The analysis shows that reinforced concrete had a positive impact on establishing a company, their development and on the long run proved itself reliable for sustainable growth.

Furthermore, it turns out that establishing reinforced concrete construction in Berlin until the point of its sustainable commercial use can be tracked back to the correlation between basic knowledge of technical engineering (1880-1904) and constructional law respective economic business concepts (since 1904). In general, the situation in Berlin can be characterised by the positive and result oriented collaboration of economy, science and administration.