tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post3330574099635277268..comments2024-03-27T00:49:23.985-07:00Comments on Masonry Design: The lack of innovation in masonryPeter Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08823379238317407262noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-20364220558887530042013-01-08T09:07:28.896-08:002013-01-08T09:07:28.896-08:00"Masonry works as is, so there's far less..."Masonry works as is, so there's far less impetus for innovation." The focus of this blog from the beginning (see my first entry) has been doing more with manufactured concrete block. <br /><br />Currently, concrete block are used for building straight vertical walls and square corners. This design has been a real success story of the 20th century: it is ubiquitous, inexpensive and performs well enough. <br /><br />I propose to do roofs with block: it's a whole different use. Very high strength, fire proof, insect proof, inexpensive, suitable for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and much more. While it appears that contemporary masonry works "as is" there is much more to come! This is the impetus for innovation. <br /><br />Walk into a cathedral and imagine how unimpressive it would be if the masonry were only used for vertical walls. This is the art I want to re-introduce to contemporary masonry. The arch.Peter Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08823379238317407262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-55997681239933439892013-01-05T20:31:25.707-08:002013-01-05T20:31:25.707-08:00This somehow reminded me that the greatest innovat...This somehow reminded me that the greatest innovators in dentistry were the Etruscans, who invented bridgework. Nothing happened after them (the practice actually de-evolved) until Charles Goodyear invented galvanized rubber in 1837, which was used for dentures. That's an enormous innovation gap in a field whose practices were far less successful (even barbaric) than masonry. Masonry works as is, so there's far less impetus for innovation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-50211696703205220862013-01-04T17:48:19.173-08:002013-01-04T17:48:19.173-08:00I'm working on it, will let you know; follow t...I'm working on it, will let you know; follow this blog. Hopefully within the year. Thanks very much for your interest.Peter Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08823379238317407262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-71835009955860121942013-01-04T16:37:43.444-08:002013-01-04T16:37:43.444-08:00When are you bringing your product to market? I...When are you bringing your product to market? I'd be more than happy to be your first customer. Syedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02780039664901088863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-79186805964677434932013-01-03T19:10:43.201-08:002013-01-03T19:10:43.201-08:00Excellent points. I especially agree with 2,4 &...Excellent points. I especially agree with 2,4 & 7 (which I would lump modern Architects and builders in along with the designers.)<br /><br />Ches...I have seen examples of "seat of the pants" engineering too and it's a beautiful thing.Matt Sevignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03306728618900514061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-44855038258174250252013-01-03T17:46:20.959-08:002013-01-03T17:46:20.959-08:00Beautiful masonry throughout Mexico. Cheers Ches....Beautiful masonry throughout Mexico. Cheers Ches.<br />Peter Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08823379238317407262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3510429481940113675.post-25895662546377137902013-01-03T16:14:08.896-08:002013-01-03T16:14:08.896-08:00In my trips trough Mexico I am always fascinated b...In my trips trough Mexico I am always fascinated by their use of masonry and although not necessarily innovative, they open my eyes to the use of masonry particularly the use of vaults, domes, and even concrete joists and rafters. The prevalence of termites means that even the lower cabinets in kitchens are masonry. Their skill and even seat of the pants know how never cease to amaze this gringo.Cheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07214918997716742448noreply@blogger.com