“If we can emulate this property our concrete will not break down and have to be replaced so often.”
And that’s why it’s not used in my opinion. The same goes for asphalt. There is a way to make asphalt last longer, (I think it was a kind of infusion of rubber, not sure), but we don’t use it. I know it’s more expensive, but it would last, which probably explains why it’s not used.
They just found this out recently. The news came out back in 2023.
In practice, engineering is therefore commonly about using the least and cheapest materials in an economic manner, not using the best possible materials for the sake of permanence. If it was, many of us would be living in small, old houses made of solid stone and steel based on the needs and designs of decades ago, driving on obsolete and hopelessly crowded roads, and working and shopping in old buildings.
We would also be complaining that we did not have more of the new designs that engineers dreamed up but could not build except to a limited degree. As it is, the frequent demolition and dramatic new building seen in Las Vegas and Florida's theme parks is what modern engineering tends toward when it has the money. And, approve it or not, people like Las Vegas and Florida's theme parks.
There is a way to make asphalt last longer, (I think it was a kind of infusion of rubber, not sure), but we don’t use it. I know it’s more expensive, but it would last, which probably explains why it’s not used.
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Used in WI, but goes away fast after a winter season with the snowplows scraping it off - lasts maybe 2-3 winters. Gives a real nice ride, however, when its new.