英語翻譯漢語 08 02 01
Iron production was revolutionized in the early eighteenth century when coke was first used instead of charcoal(木炭) for refining iron ore. Previously the poor quality of the iron had restricted its use in architecture to items such as chains and tie bars for supporting arches, vaults(拱頂), and walls. With the improvement in refining ore, it was now possible to make cast-iron beams and columns. During the nineteenth century further advances were made, notably Bessemer’s process for converting iron into steel, which made the material more commercially feasible.