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Concrete construction without rebar is more durable and worth bringing back. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_concrete https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_c

by ewzimm 4y ago

Concrete construction without rebar is more durable and worth bringing back. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_concrete https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_concrete

nradov 4y ago
How well does it handle earthquakes?
- midoridensha 4y ago
  It doesn't.
- ewzimm 4y ago
  Earthquake resistance is increased by strengthening the concrete, but it mainly depends on how the structure is built, not just the shape but additoinal measures used to strengthen the structure. We've been stuck on rebar for so long that research on alternatives has stalled, but there are interesting opportunities and developments in that area. For example, basalt fiber and bamboo have potential. Sustainable, innovative building structures that don't require energy-intensive and corrosive steel will depend on a convergence of strengthening technologies and archtectural techniques, maybe even including ones like described in the original article. Considering all the environmental and social problems we have with modern housing and construction, this is a prime area for innovation! https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/two-natural-rebar-alternatives-for-concrete_o https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/two-natural-reb...
monkeywork 4y ago
Isn't there a massive difference in wall thickness between what the Romans did and what we do today?
- ewzimm 4y ago
  Modern uses of Roman concrete go beyond what the Romans did. We can create completely different types of structures using the same principles. Here's an example of recent developments in research: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210113090920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210113090920.h...
adwn 4y ago
Concrete without rebar lacks tensile strength, and Roman concrete is no different. When using materials with insufficient tensile strength, you're severely restricted in the kinds of structures you can build. That's why Roman buildings used so many domes and arches, and why they were massive. Practical Engineering has a good video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL0BB2PRY7k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL0BB2PRY7k

by ewzimm 4y ago

Concrete construction without rebar is more durable and worth bringing back. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_concrete https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_concrete

nradov 4y ago

How well does it handle earthquakes?

midoridensha 4y ago
It doesn't.
ewzimm 4y ago
Earthquake resistance is increased by strengthening the concrete, but it mainly depends on how the structure is built, not just the shape but additoinal measures used to strengthen the structure. We've been stuck on rebar for so long that research on alternatives has stalled, but there are interesting opportunities and developments in that area. For example, basalt fiber and bamboo have potential. Sustainable, innovative building structures that don't require energy-intensive and corrosive steel will depend on a convergence of strengthening technologies and archtectural techniques, maybe even including ones like described in the original article. Considering all the environmental and social problems we have with modern housing and construction, this is a prime area for innovation! https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/two-natural-rebar-alternatives-for-concrete_o https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/two-natural-reb...

monkeywork 4y ago

Isn't there a massive difference in wall thickness between what the Romans did and what we do today?

ewzimm 4y ago
Modern uses of Roman concrete go beyond what the Romans did. We can create completely different types of structures using the same principles. Here's an example of recent developments in research: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210113090920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210113090920.h...

adwn 4y ago

Concrete without rebar lacks tensile strength, and Roman concrete is no different. When using materials with insufficient tensile strength, you're severely restricted in the kinds of structures you can build. That's why Roman buildings used so many domes and arches, and why they were massive. Practical Engineering has a good video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL0BB2PRY7k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL0BB2PRY7k