This 3D-printed, carbon-absorbing bridge is inspired by bones | CNN
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Researchers are using an unusual design to enhance the sustainability of concrete, with a carbon-absorbing material and nature-inspired structure.

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.

  • Vodulas [they/them]@beehaw.org
    1·
    10 hours ago

    The information is pretty easy to find, but since you asked for receipts, here is a article from JSTOR that calls out “chick” as a dehumanizing term for women and cites a study from the 90s that calls it out (among several other dehumanizing words for women).

    https://daily.jstor.org/the-language-of-nasty-women-and-other-gendered-insults/

    I think you misinterpret the point of me calling out the word. I don’t think you have an intention to condescend or dehumanize women, but other people that use “chicks” to refer to women often do. If it were me, I would not want to associate myself with them.

    In the end, intent matters less than impact. For example, if you use a slur that you did not know was a slur, wouldn’t you rather be told so you can stop using it?

    • Powderhorn@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
      1·
      9 hours ago

      I of course would if told that’s a problem. The failure, as I see it, is that “chicks” only came into my lexicon via women. If they’re using the term, how am I being offensive?

      This feels like manufactured grievance. I present an excerpt from an email I received from the woman who got me into the rave scene many moons ago:

      damn [Powderhorn]! you’re braver than i shall ever be. remember to follow the sunset- not the sunrise. it can only blind you and lead you where only the teachers and preachers want you to be. always take that shadowed path… that is where you will find happiness. not many find it there, but you are one of those few - i know. whether it be early in the morning, downtown in a strange place with some bizzare chick … good traveling. this is your life. i am so jealous that you are taking it upon yourself to be your own life. someday i will be that brave… i wish you all the luck in the world… your friend forever

      Now, we can play this game that I hate women, but it’s not going to have a lot of legs.