Loading ...The Romans as far as I know haven’t been surpassed in building skills and long lasting buildings. They also built them to withstand earthquakes..At what scale of quakes I don’t know. Japan has been working on that for a long while. That big quake few years back their larger newer buildings survived a 9.
The Romans repurposed volcanic ash and lime for strength.
Yes, many Roman concrete buildings have withstood earthquakes for centuries, showcasing the material’s resilience. The Pantheon, for example, is a testament to Roman seismic-resistant construction. Roman concrete’s ability to withstand earthquakes is partly attributed to its unique composition and the way it was used, including incorporating volcanic ash and lime, which allowed for flexibility and self-healing properties.
Here’s why Roman concrete was so effective:
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Volcanic Ash and Lime:The Romans combined volcanic ash (pozzolana) with lime and water to create a strong, durable concrete. This mixture, particularly when hot-mixed, allowed for the formation of unique mineral compounds that contributed to the concrete’s self-healing capabilities and overall strength.
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Lime Clasts:The presence of lime clasts (tiny minerals from lime) within the concrete further enhanced its ability to self-heal cracks, making it more resilient to seismic activity.
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Flexibility and Discontinuities:Roman construction techniques, such as incorporating arches, vaults, and brickwork within concrete structures, created intentional discontinuities that allowed for slight movements and stress redistribution during earthquakes. This flexibility helped the buildings withstand shaking without catastrophic failure.
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Structural Design:The Romans understood the importance of structural design in resisting earthquakes. The Pantheon’s thick walls and dome, for example, were designed to distribute weight and resist stress, contributing to its survival.
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Long-Term Durability:Roman concrete’s ability to harden and become stronger over time, even underwater, contributed to its longevity and resistance to the erosional forces of weather and earthquakes.