The concrete and cement sector has been trying to reduce its environmental impact for years through sustainable concrete mixtures or efficient designs.

Now, a research team at the University of Pennsylvania has combined both novel materials and a material-saving design, without compromising on strength and durability.

The project, called Diamanti, takes inspiration from nature and uses a robotic 3D printer to create complex, lattice-like patterns with a sustainable concrete mixture.

While most regular concrete absorbs carbon dioxide (up to 30% of its production emissions over its entire life cycle, according to some research), Diamanti’s enhanced concrete mixture absorbs 142% more carbon dioxide than conventional concrete mixes.

Its first design, a pedestrian bridge, uses 60% less material while retaining mechanical strength, says Masoud Akbarzadeh, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the lab that spearheaded the project.

          • Powderhorn ( Powderhorn@beehaw.org ) OP
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            1 year ago

            I was never a huge fan of the franchise, as I hate horror, but when you’re young, you want to fit in, so you hear “oh, it’s not at all like the first one” and think “well, worth a shot.” Also, I have a thing for chicks with extremely short hair, so there may be some confirmation bias in my memory.

                • Idc, in certain contexts said by certain people maybe it’s ok. But as a usual way to talk about women as “chicks” or also the widely used “females” is demeaning and is rooted in misogyny. I’d think language can be powerful and we should reflect upon why we use certain words and what that tells us about our underlying worldview.

                  • Powderhorn ( Powderhorn@beehaw.org ) OP
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                    1 year ago

                    I’m sorry, but if your starting point is “idc,” you’ve given up any interest in a productive conversation. Don’t expect that of me if you’re not available. You get to choose one. Either victim or feminist warrior, but you can’t be both.

                    But your literal starting point is “I don’t care.” If you don’t care, you don’t post. Simple as that. You’re lying in one way or the other, and it’s really not something I care about. I’ll take you seriously when you can express consistent thoughts, but I’m still going to be irritated that you caused an entire mod conversation because – and I know you won’t care – you give no shits about anyone on here. You just wanted to whine and destroyed years of goodwill as the lines were drawn because of your actions.

                    Great to not care. You get to sleep as though nothing happened. You fucked up a consistent baseline. I hope that makes you happy.

                • Powderhorn ( Powderhorn@beehaw.org ) OP
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                  1 year ago

                  Actually, given more time to think about it, I picked it up from the chick who took me to my first rave in 1997. So I actually have nearly 30 years (my 45-year-old ex still uses the term) of evidence that this is an acceptable term for women.

                  Maybe go clutch a different pearl if you’re here just to find outrage. It’s slang and neither vulgar nor demeaning. Wrong C-word to challenge for referring to women.