Some of our ancestors were incredibly smart, in spite of little "scientific knowledge".
I found this a very interesting article. Found it researching modern science (SDR radio).
So much for *ignorant* ancient peoples.
they put us to shame continually what with what they were able to do without the technology and heavy equipment we depend on so highly.
Did the Roman concrete makers do this on purpose, or was it a fortunate result of imperfect manufacturing methods? it’s remarkable either way.
It only takes one smart person and one wealthy person to make a major impact. The pyramids: pulley system. Easy as pie.
Tells us they were smarter than us
One can only imagine some “woke” engineering school concrete...it would dissolve completely by the time it reached outside temperature. But the remaining grain would be multi-colored.
We must remember to factor in the existential threat of “CLIMAGEDDON” when talking about concrete. Well, when talking about anything. You know, like the existential threat facing the transcomms. 😲😂
The Romans could also teach us a lot about the adverse impact of moral deviancy.
I have always found concrete to be one of the wonders of the world because of its properties:
If it is poured as dry as possible, it gets harder. However, if it is kept damp while curing, it gets even harder.
There are different ‘slumps’ in the mixture which can change the properties somewhat.
It can cure in 7 days but does not cure fully when it can get it hardest, that time is 28 days. It is time-related and nothing more. Those who say that there is still uncured concrete in the Hoover Dam are full of hooey.
All of its properties are kind of contrary to logic, aren’t they? Concrete is, indeed, curious, to say the least. ;-)
I have discovered that some of the ancient technologies are much more advanced than our own, especially in the realm of moving and carving very heavy rock building blocks, etc. Wm. Shatner discusses much of this on his show “The Unexplained”.
.
I saw a video about that on YT.
Earlier this year I was in the keys and did the pigeon key tour at the old 7 mile bridge. They said the concrete used on the old bridge will out last the concrete used on the new bridge. That concret recipe from germany for the old bridge could stand up to the salt water but the recipe was lost. They said the old bridge will still be standing when the the new bridge will need to be replaced. Cool stuff.
We build things to sell, not to last.
The rest of the keyword, sorted: