Eladio Dieste (Engineer)
Introduction
The construction technique of reinforced ceramics or structural ceramics, created and developed by the Uruguayan engineer Eladio Dieste, consists of placing steel reinforcements at the junction of the brick rows. The behavior of the courses of reinforced brick is similar to that of a reinforced concrete beam.[1] The discovery of this construction system, as well as its development, introduction and use owed the engineer Dieste world recognition from UNESCO[2] and the international community. His work is the subject of study in different universities and led him to receive the title of honorary architect, being the only one to possess it in Uruguay.
Description
This construction system manages to design thin sheets from the combination of brick, iron and mortar, which are built on a mobile formwork. The basis of these surfaces is the design; These are structures capable of resisting the stresses exerted on them thanks to their shape and not their mass, which entails a lower requirement for materials.
The number of courses in which the reinforcement is placed depends on the span that must be overcome. The cement dosage is increased to the mortar of these courses of bricks. The reinforcement placed must be made of a corrosion-resistant alloy.
This type of construction was widely accepted because it allows greater lightness, prefabrication and systematization in the repetition of its components, with competitive costs for the market.
References
- [1] ↑ Adell, Josep Mª et Mas Guindal, Antonio J. Eladio Dieste y la cerámica estructural en Uruguay. Informe de la construcción. España. 2005. [1].: http://informesdelaconstruccion.revistas.csic.es/index.php/informesdelaconstruccion/article/view/459/532
- [2] ↑ «Patrimonio Mundial | Comisión UNESCO Uruguay». Consultado el 27 de julio de 2021.: https://comisionunesco.org.uy/patrimonio-mundial/