Yes, this looks like an (EE) topic, NOT ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???? You need to go to the HISTORY WebSite Thanks -----Original Message----- From: piclist-bounces@MIT.EDU [mailto:piclist-bounces@MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Russell McMahon Sent: Friday, June 09, 2006 5:48 AM To: PIC List; BBob Subject: [EE] Architectual records for ancient buildings World class examples of the limits that could be reached in architectural design and implementation with stone and without steel or concrete. http://home.tiscali.be/johan.branders/ Note that the Romans used concrete in many of their constructions. It was wherever possible hidden by facings of 'grander' material as they considered concrete too utilitarian for display. The discovery of the role of 'fly ash' in conjunction with burned lime transformed a mediocre material into an excellent albeit flawed one. The relatively recent addition of tensioning members transformed the product into what we know today. ***NEVER*** support a car on concrete blocks. Achieved "records" are given with photos. Fascinating - well worth a look. Note the notional "home page" is broken and doesn't go anywhere. Highest structure Widest vault. Highest vault. Widest dome. Slenderest columns In the latter class, Cathedral Santa Maria, Palma de Mallorca, Spain with columns of ratio 14.4:1 height to diameter would be interesting to see "in the stone". Russell -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist