In 2023, researchers found that the presence of lime clasts in an ancient Roman form of this material played a key role in its self-healing properties. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name this composite material. Modern preparations of this material may involve prestressing it with high-strength tendons or embedding it with rebar to reinforce it.
ANSWER: concrete [accept reinforced concrete or ferroconcrete; accept prestressed concrete; accept self-healing concrete; accept Roman concrete]
[10e] Prestressing or reinforcing concrete helps overcome its weakness to this kind of force. A rope experiences this kind of force when it is held taut.
ANSWER: tension [accept tensile force]
[10h] Concrete can also be made more workable and fluid by adding the “super-” form of these additives, reducing the water requirements of concrete production. These additives are also used to decrease the viscosity of polymers.
ANSWER: plasticizers [accept superplasticizers]
<Editors, Chemistry>