Posted by Gary R on February 17, 2003 at 04:56:20:In Reply to: Re: Structural Ceramics - How about armor plating posted by JWmHarmon on February 16, 2003 at 09:39:27:
Actually, Yes. Studies are already underway to determine the potential for using structural ceramics as a steel substitute for structural members, not just cladding of steel. However, if that doesn't pan out, using structural ceramic coatings on steel could greatly improve their heat resistance. If the steel of the WTC had been coated with such a compound, it would probably not have collapsed as it did, and may have allowed for repairs to take place, as the structural integrity of the lower floors were not damaged by the intense heat from the fires. It was only when the steel at the upper flors collapsed from the heat that the structure failed, and, of course, its weight and momentum are what brought down the lower floors with it, as it fell and pancaked the buildings. If the fire had not been present, or if it had not weakened the steel, this wouldn't have happened. Subsequently, the floor damaged by the airliner impacts would have been repairable. Too bad steel with high fire resistant coatings didn't exist in 1970.
Gary
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