Comparing the Water Distribution Systems Discussed by Vitruvius with Actual Roman Systems
Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Civil Engineering
Research Advisor
Bruening, Michael W. (Michael Wilson)
Advisor's Department
History and Political Science
Abstract
Vitruvius Pollio in The 10 Books on Architecture discusses the construction, material specifications, dimensions, repairs and placement of water distribution systems. Vitruvius’s outline on Roman water distribution systems was then compared to systems throughout the empire particularly those mentioned by Sextus Julius Frontinus in The Strategems and Aqueducts of Rome. Specifications such as the slope of aqueducts was remarkably precise and largely agreed with actual aqueducts. Also, noteworthy is the discussion of health requirements such as the placement of detention basins, reservoirs, and even the health benefits of using clay instead of lead piping. In short this document is a comparison of Roman water resource engineering in theory and practice.
Biography
Chad McDaniel is a Senior in Civil Engineering major from Kansas City, MO. He works for the United States Navy Civil Engineering Corps and enjoys hiking, fishing, hunting, sports, and reading.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Arts and humanities oral presentation, First place
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Comparing the Water Distribution Systems Discussed by Vitruvius with Actual Roman Systems
Carver Room
Vitruvius Pollio in The 10 Books on Architecture discusses the construction, material specifications, dimensions, repairs and placement of water distribution systems. Vitruvius’s outline on Roman water distribution systems was then compared to systems throughout the empire particularly those mentioned by Sextus Julius Frontinus in The Strategems and Aqueducts of Rome. Specifications such as the slope of aqueducts was remarkably precise and largely agreed with actual aqueducts. Also, noteworthy is the discussion of health requirements such as the placement of detention basins, reservoirs, and even the health benefits of using clay instead of lead piping. In short this document is a comparison of Roman water resource engineering in theory and practice.
