ROMAN AQUEDUCTS
Many believe, and some still teach, that the Romans built aqueducts to store water because they didn't know about the siphon. Also known as the communicating glasses (phisycs principle), used to transfer water through a valley using it´s own preassure.
Nothing could be further from reality. The Romans built siphons with ceramic pipes, wood and lead but they didn't have the right materials or the appropriate methods to make tighter joints. For that reason their shiphons weren't generally more than 10 meters in depth, although sometimes they were larger. The water preassure, broke the joints and broke the pipes. They preferred to build one, two or more aqueduct levels of superimposed arches.
THE
ROMAN AQUEDUCT OF SEGOVIA (SPAIN)
Since the first century, A.D., Segovia´s aqueduct has supplied the city with water. It's mission of bringing water from the ancient Roman times to the present it´s been accomplished. The aqueduct is an example of survival. It´s survival is also one of it´s biggest mistery.
The fact that the monument still stands is an enigma on itself. We do not know why, but we do know many things by studying its evidences. Who ordered to be built? When it´s construction started?. Who were the engineers and craftmanships that built it?. How did they justify such a huge hydraulic system for such an insignificant city, compared with the other more opulent and famous Roman cities?.
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Inside
the publication.
SURVIVAL
OF A HYDRAULIC WORK - THE AQUEDUCT OF SEGOVIA (SPAIN)
The book written by Ph. D. Civil Engineer (Ingeniero de Caminos, Canales y Puertos), Aurelio Ramírez Gallardo. This book explains in great technical and narrative style the Aqueduct´s restoration process step by step (Proyecto de Reparación y Consolidación).
SUMMARY
Introduction,
by Spain´s Aristocrat Lozoya Marquise
Foreword,
by Fernando Chueca Goitia
Preliminary, by the author Aurelio Ramírez Gallardo, Ph. D Civil Engineer
Chapter I
Description. The intake. - The piping. - First tower of water. Stone house. - Second tower of water. Decanter hut. - Aqueduct in simple arcade. - The end of the aqueduct back to city walls - Main characteristics.
Chapter II
Construction. Comments about its construction. - The longitudinal profile. - Why they used the granite. - Elevation breakdown - Construction Techniques. - Why they made an aqueduct. - When the aqueduct was built. - Why it was built in Segovia. - How much is its weight. - Why it still stands. - Its price. - For how long it will last.
Chapter III
. Preceding, Repair and consolidation works design and motivation. Stability - The design - Government reports - Elements of the Inspecting Committee, Technical Direction and the Contractor.
Chapter IV
The repair and consolidation works. Stability - Integrity - Functionality - Conservation - Consolidation -Restoration - Knowledge
Chapter V
The repair and consolidation works through press releases.
Chapter VI
Historical
data.
First
part: Documents from 1483 to 1868.
Second part: Press releases found in newspapers
and magazines from 1868 to 1970.
Chapter VII
The
legend.
Bibliography
Prints and Photographs lists.
One
volume, size 22 x 32 cm.
297 pages. 76 drawings and pictures. 27 old engravings.
SCIENCES,
HUMANITIES AND ENGINEERING COLLECTION, No. 40
COLEGIO DE INGENIEROS DE CAMINOS, CANALES Y PUERTOS.
SPAIN - European Union