介绍:
As global temperatures rise, sea ice is melting and causing the sea level to rise at a faster rate than before. Venice has already been sinking. How will we save the coastal cities against the rising sea? Researchers have got inspiration from ancient Romans’ wisdom.
“Ancient Roman concrete is the most durable building material in human history,” said researchers, who had been studying the engineering of ancient Roman concrete, which is famous for its durability, lasting for thousands of years and seemingly stronger with each passing year.
The material was made with volcanic ash found in Italy and was particularly well suited to marine structures. Now researchers are wondering if the secrets of this ancient building material could help us adapt to a world of rising seas.
They say that one of the most direct solutions for a coastal city is to build a seawall. These structures don’t need to hold back the ocean constantly, but they are built to block the water from the city during high tides and storms that can cause flooding.
The ancient Romans had the perfect material to beat back rising seas. The material can set underwater or in wet conditions. The ancient Romans mixed their cement with volcanic ash. These crystals make the Roman material so durable.
Between 22 BC and 10 BC, the ancient Romans built an underwater project for the harbor of an ancient city. These structures are still perfect today. Researchers suggest this material could be used to build seawalls around cities at the risk of flooding from the ocean. This enduring material only hardens and becomes more durable when it is in the salt water of the sea.
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