He found use for reinforced concrete where, it would seem, this material has no place

Introduction. The article is devoted to an employee of the Research Institute of Reinforced Concrete, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor I.G. Ludkovsky, a specialist in the field of building materials and technology, one of the founders of the scientific school in the field of reinforced concrete spatial structures. The author analyzes the versatility of the views of Isaac Grigorievich Ludkovsky, who improved and implemented many technological processes for the use of reinforced concrete on important domestic construction sites. He participated in the implementation of a new method of manufacturing of the reinforced concrete stress-reinforced pipes of large diameters, for which he was awarded the Stalin Prize (1951). Aim. The study of Professor I.G. Ludkovsky's fruitful scientific activity in the field of reinforced concrete theory, his creation of progressive reinforced concrete spatial structures, and the addition of new facts to the scientist's scientific biography based on the study of newly discovered data. Materials and methods. The author, having studied archival materials on a relevant topic, using retrospective, historical, typological and comparative research methods, showed certain aspects of the scientific activity of Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor I.G. Ludkovsky, determining the degree of his active participation in the development of the theory of reinforced concrete, specifying the most significant achievements of the researcher in construction science. Results. The article provides the first comprehensive study of Professor I.G. Ludkovsky's scientific activities in the field of concrete and reinforced concrete applications in the construction industry, and analyzes the newly discovered biographical data of the scientist in the period of 1911–1990. Conclusions. The source base of the research has been expanded, new archival documents and materials have been introduced into scientific circulation, confirming the uniqueness of the versatile personality of Professor I.G. Ludkovsky, his outstanding achievements in construction science in the period of 1935–1990, who laid the foundations of a scientific school in the field of reinforced concrete spatial structures. The role and place of Professor I.G. Ludkovsky as a construction scientist in construction science are also determined. The article notes the great national and economic importance of the research activities of the team of scientists of the Research Institute of Concrete and Reinforced Concrete named after A.A. Gvozdev to create a new direction in construction science – stress-reinforced reinforced concrete pipes of large diameter, reinforced concrete large-span spatial structures, which significantly reduced the cost and accelerated the construction of industrial buildings, resulting in significant economic advantages nationwide.