3 ms·

Yeah I did a degree in structural engineering and they introduced aluminium like someone would introduce lambdas in python. Right time, right place, but usually

Yeah I did a degree in structural engineering and they introduced aluminium like someone would introduce lambdas in python. Right time, right place, but usually a very minor role. Expensive, no resilience, and a host of other problems like how it is very soft, corrosion has strange properties (creates kinda a shell around the material), low thermal capacitance, and expands at a different thermal delta than concrete (unlike steel which is pretty close). Lifting heavy objects is relatively easy so why not use steel? Personally, I prefer wood or glulam over steel and concrete but they all have their places. Stone is nice too, lasts forever even if it is expensive. Ultra High Performance Concretes like Ductal are wild, but unfortunately building codes in most countries haven't kept up.

wahern 7y ago
10+ years ago there seemed to be a rise in interest for precast stone blocks, seemingly part of the larger trend in precast blocks (e.g. foam blocks), which in turn seemed like a precursor to the 3D-printed hotness. One project in particular, using precast faux-limestone blocks, has stuck with me: https://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/DAC-ART/building-concrete-block-house.html https://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/DAC-ART/building-concrete... Not sure that's ideal for a humid Alabama climate, but seems perfect for a drier, mediterranean environment like in California. Is that stuff--specifically large, precast stone blocks--forever in the future, at least in terms of wide availability and construction know-how? Have the costs even come down? EDIT: This DAC-ART seaside cottage used aluminum framing for the roof: http://www.concretecottage.com/roof-framework.htm http://www.concretecottage.com/roof-framework.htm That's what initially popped into my head regarding the question of why use aluminum over steel for construction. michaelbuckbee's post about the Dymaxion house elsethread is probably on point regarding what the article author actually had in mind.

wahern 7y ago

10+ years ago there seemed to be a rise in interest for precast stone blocks, seemingly part of the larger trend in precast blocks (e.g. foam blocks), which in turn seemed like a precursor to the 3D-printed hotness. One project in particular, using precast faux-limestone blocks, has stuck with me: https://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/DAC-ART/building-concrete-block-house.html https://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/DAC-ART/building-concrete... Not sure that's ideal for a humid Alabama climate, but seems perfect for a drier, mediterranean environment like in California. Is that stuff--specifically large, precast stone blocks--forever in the future, at least in terms of wide availability and construction know-how? Have the costs even come down? EDIT: This DAC-ART seaside cottage used aluminum framing for the roof: http://www.concretecottage.com/roof-framework.htm http://www.concretecottage.com/roof-framework.htm That's what initially popped into my head regarding the question of why use aluminum over steel for construction. michaelbuckbee's post about the Dymaxion house elsethread is probably on point regarding what the article author actually had in mind.