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Essay On Structural Engineering

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Roman Innovations in Structural Engineering
Introduction
The ancient Romans incorporated many building techniques from other Mediterranean cultures, including the arch of the Etruscans and the practice of mixing lime with sand to create a stronger mortar mix (Ambler, n.d.). With a willingness to experiment and a strong drive towards civil engineering and innovation the Romans were able to expand the possibilities of architecture to unimaginable accomplishments. Grand monuments that still stand today as a testament to the abilities of Roman ingenuity.
Discussion
From the Etruscans the Romans learned how to build using an arch, prior to this the post and lintel system was used. The post and lintel system is very common even today; a horizontal joist or lintel is supported by vertical supports. The problem was that the distance spanned was limited by the available size of stone and the tendency of stone to break under its own weight without support (Farber, n.d.). The arch the Romans learned from The …show more content…
Jean-Jacque Gelbart,
The next breakthrough in the fields of structural engineering and architecture was the discovery of concrete, opus caemeticium, in 25 BCE. Builders who used pozzolana, a volcanic sand found near Naples, realized that their mortar was much stronger, more durable, and was able to set underwater (Ambler, n.d.). At first they used the concrete to fill walls, packing it in around fillers and facing the walls with non-structural bricks (Shaeffer, 1992). The progression of innovation led from the true arch to vaults, barrel vaults were structurally a series of vaults lined-up. Groin vaults are an intersection of barrel vaults joining at ninety degree angles. The structural and aesthetic improvements brought on by experimentation culminated in the creation of one of the most fascinating structures of all time. Roman architectural focus turned towards the interior and the achievement of the dome with the vast space it

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