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RE: Rotten steel connection
Wow! Something new every day!
One of the biggest things we have to focus on in engineering is the predictability of failure and ability see things fail. I wonder if this product shows signs of ductile or brittle failure....
basalt lasts a long LONG time.
I'm not doubt that. What I'm concerned about is mode of failure.
The reason why steel is preferred in reinforced concrete is because of its failure mechanism.
When a concrete beam (without steel) is over stressed, it can suddenly give way and collapse without any warning.
When it is paired with steel, the steel elongates over a period of time. Cracks develop but the structure still stands. The beam begins to heavily sag and eventually the steel snaps and then collapses.
The former is brittle failure, the latter ductile.if basalt is brittle, it has little use in construction (look at cast iron. It's as strong as steel, until you decide to stretch it).