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Discuss the development of both concrete and the arch in Rome
Thesis on Roman concrete
Thesis on Roman concrete
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Development of Concrete and Arch in Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome triumphed in various arenas that have affected and inspired varied cultures around the globe. One such arena was architecture. The principal purpose of this academic paper is to discourse the development of both concrete and the arch in Ancient Rome.
Furthermore, this paper also provides the details of the significance of concrete and arch in the life of Ancient Romans and the outcome of their use in their architecture.
Concrete
The term concrete is derived from the Latin word “concretus”, which means to grow together (National Institute of Standards and Technology, n.d.).
Opus caementicium or the Roman concrete was developed in the 2nd BCE. Mortar was a
mixture
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Even though, bricks and tiles were frequently used to cover the cement due to the fact that it was not believed to be good-looking, nevertheless, concrete’s structural potential was quite significant to the Romans (Ambler, n.d.).
When building a structure, each layer of concrete was strongly pound on the whole set of layers with a tool known as a tamp. Due to Roman cement’s specialty of being strong as well as hydraulic (being able to set up and harden even underwater), it facilitated the building of structures, like Roman sewers, baths, cisterns, as well as harbors (Rome - Volunteer Presentation
Notes, n.d., p. 1). DEVELOPMENT OF CONCRETE AND ARCH IN ANCIENT ROME 3
Arch
A bowed structure customarily made using stone, brick, concrete, or, more recently, even steel is called an arch. It is used to in order to provide support to a construction. Several arches comprise of wedge-shaped building blocks, called voussoirs, the top center of which is the last block to be placed in. Such a block is called a keystone. During their formation, arches are
The Pantheon was a Roman concrete structure. Roman concrete is a mixture of lime and volcanic ash (pozzolana, found near modern-day town Pozzouli). Roman concrete is also called hydraulic cement-based concrete. It is known for curing relatively rapidly, even in damp condition, thus it could be used for massive construction. The most daring thing about the use of Roman concrete in the Pantheon is that Portland cement needs steel reinforcement due to tendency of cracking caused by tension forces, meanwhile the Pantheon did not. The Pantheon still stands today is because of its special structure.
From the Egyptians to Romans, architecture achievements of the ancient world have left a huge impression on todays modern world. They all have left a tremendous impression on modern civilizations. There are numerous architectural monuments to write about. In this essay I will be discussing about the Pantheon and Colosseum, the famous architectural buildings of the Roman Civilization. I will discuss the history, significance, and analyze the qualities of the architecture.
The Roman Pantheon built by the Romans using advanced engineering skills combined a cylindrical structure with an outer colonnade Greek classical design to make an architectural monument. The amount of time and effort that went into the building of this structure shows a cultural emphasis on quality workmanship and perfectionism. This workmanship and perfectionism showed the importance given to the worship and honoring of the Gods. This pantheon is the only active place of worship amongst Rome’s ancient temples still in existence. Modern commentators tend to view the building as a high point in an "architectural revolution" brought about mainly through the Roman development of a superior pozzolana concrete that lent itself to the forming of unitary, three-dimensional structures. Other factors cited for the technical success of the Pantheon include the use of a series of massive, concentric stepped rings and the lightening of the dome by coffering and gradated light-weight aggregates. ( Mark, Robert, and Paul Hutchinson, 1986) The concrete dome was one of the world’s largest unreinforced concrete builds for over a millennium until the modern era. The success of the Pantheon longevity was largely attributed to acquired new techniques of construction and materials that shaped the development of Roman construction technology. This allowed for the use
The engineering discoveries of ancient Rome have played a key role in the history of architecture and engineering. Many of Rome’s roadways, bridges, and aqueducts have been in use from the first century until the twentieth century. Many American buildings have used the Roman dome. Several major structures from early Rome still stand, including the Collosseum. These remnants of feats of Roman engineering stand as a monument to the ability of ancient Roman builders.
As one of the greatest structures in Rome, the Pantheon was built between 118 and 128 CE. It is described as the most remarkable ancient building surviving in Rome. After being destroyed and rebuilt twice, it was renamed the “Temple of the Gods”. In 126 AD, the Pantheon was restored to its glory, by the architects who at that time has learned and mastered their craft in concrete construction in the Greek Classical order. They constructed a massive 25 foot thick walls which was to support the huge dome made of concrete to be placed at the top. The dome was the largest ever made of unreinforced concrete at 43.4 meters in diameter (Matthews, Roy and Platt pg. 5).
The Romans invented and revolutionised many innovations and technologies. Although, of all of these innovations and technologies, only one has survived unchanged for over 2000 years. Hydraulic cement-based concrete is certainly the most significant ancient Roman innovation that has come to be. Ancient Roman concrete was significant as it was cheap, and allowed the ancient world to build greater infrastructure. This in turn vitally helped revolutionise trade and many regions’ economy. Concrete also allowed long-lasting and important health systems, as well as security systems to be put into place for ancient Rome, revolutionising both health and safety across the ancient world. On top of this, to prove the significance of concrete, it is still
The Romans also excelled in the highly practical art, architecture. The Romans were the first people in antiquity to use concrete on a massive scale. By using concrete in their new architectural designs, the Romans were able to construct huge buildings, bigger than the Greeks ever could have dreamed of.
Yegul, Fikret . "ROMAN CONCRETE." Roman Building Technology and Architecture. University of California, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.
The Romans constructed the first ostentatious stadia. These colossal structures were architecturally unique due to the Romans’ inimitable engineering technique. The Romans used a skill different than that of the Greeks; instead of carving large masses of stone, the Romans had successfully implemented pouring concrete for their designs. One of the most world-renowned structures and most visited attractions in Italy is the Colosseum, attracting an astounding four and a half million tourists a year. Standing at a height of approximately 45 meters, with respected dimensions of 189 meters by 156 meters, the name is only fitting for this enormous structure (Claridge 1998). Vespasian; the Roman emperor ruling at the time, had commenced its construction in approximately 69 AD near the lake of Nero’s Domus Aurea which took approximately ten years to complete (Claridge 1998). This was a remarkably rapid construction, considering the limited technology that the Romans had access to. The name of the architect remains unknown; however, by vigilant analysis of other structural projects f...
It is commonly believed that the Romans were the founders of the arch due to the complex and world famous buildings they have created using it. However, the first signs of the arches came in the form of a triangul...
“Many European cities still bear reminders of the power of ancient Rome, and throughout the western world the influence of Roman power is still manifest.” “As the Roman Empire expanded Roman architects struggled to achieve two overriding aims: to demonstrate the grandeur and power of Rome, while also improving the life of their fellow citizens.” They held the Greeks in high regard for both their sculpture and architecture, learned stonework and pyramid architecture from the Egyptians, and absorbed important techniques from the Etruscans. To that end, the Romans perfected three architectural elements: concrete, the arch, and the vault. These three elements helped lighten the load carried by Roman structures while maintaining overall durability.
This scaffolding would support the weight of the arches. Bricks and stones would be laid upon the top of the scaffolding. After all stones were placed the scaffolding was removed as the stones were now able to support their own weight. The workers would do this once or twice for each layer of arches. The bottom layer would contain the largest and longest of the arches and each layer would shrink the size of the arches. Most aqueducts only contained two of the aforementioned layers. At the bottom, large stone pillars were placed to bear the weight of the layers. They were much larger and stronger at the base. Of course this was just the visible portions of the aqueducts. The tunnels that often made up the larger portions were called specus and were built by first digging vertical tunnels called putei. The Putei were dug at intervals of approximately 230 feet. After these tunnels were dug the workers would begin digging the specus. Cranes were used to carry the excess dirt and lower the stone tiles that covered the tunnels walls, floors, and ceilings. Siphon pipes would be added to allow for the workers to divert bodies of water or create enough momentum for water to flow upwards. Siphon pipes were often made of lead reinforced with stone and ceramic, clay, or stone. After this the aqueduct was
...dings with absolutely no geometric shape. However, the development of arches that later took on a concrete form make the world a much more beautiful place and makes the buildings much safer to live in. I will add that the world could benefit from turning back the clock and learning the ways of the Romans when it pertains to the materials used to make concrete, according to an analysis done by UC Berkley of the Roman concrete, the materials and the process of making Roman concrete is much more sustainable and environmental friendly. (History, 2013).
By the middle of the first century the first concrete revolution had occurred in Rome. The discovery of concrete construction of arches and domes possible. The most famous architectural elements Ancient Rome is known for: our decorative columns, arched aqueducts, bridges, public baths and expansive domes, the pantheon features one of the most impressive domes in Rome. Hadrian commissioned the Pantheon, to honor all Roman gods. This dome was constructed with concrete and measures 142 feet in diameter.
The Significance of the Colosseum in Roman World During the early Roman period, there were several magnificent architectures such as the first dome Pantheon and the bridge Point-du-Guard in France. However, the most significant in that period is the Roman Colosseum. The Colosseum is a massive amphitheater that was built for the purpose of public entertainment for citizens. It is famous and known as “the largest and most important amphitheater in the world” (Kleiner 203).