Bamboo Pyramid

[Morningstar88]

The bottom could be a concrete slab and we can lash the bamboo to the concrete.

It would also be cool to try some limestone concrete which is lighter than standard concrete.

[Morningstar88]

Cheers. What are the pros and cons of limestone concrete?How do you make it?Please tell me the ratios.

[Morningstar88]

You make it by mixing limestone cement with aggregates such as sand or natural crushed limestone.

The main advantage is that it is lightweight.

The main disadvantage is that it can have limited durability in a humid, wet environment such as a tropical rainforest.

Other than that, there is really no disadvantage.

Limestone concrete is actually more environmentally friendly and it uses less water in the manufacturing process.

[Morningstar88]

Cool. I have some Portland cement here.Can you tell me what that is?Why Portland?

**Portland cement is the most common type of cement today. It is so-called because its main ingredient is Portland limestone, which is quarried in England. It was also the first commercially manufactured cement. It was invented in England in 1824 and is still very widely used today because of its excellent resistance to water, chemicals and freezing temperatures.

It is very good for concrete but it has a high carbon footprint so you could consider swapping it out for limestone.**

[Morningstar88]

Well, limestone is the perfect material for concrete because it contains the main component of cement — calcium carbonate— which makes it a natural binder.

Portland limestone contains high levels of calcium carbonate, which gives Portland cement its good strength and hardness.

[Morningstar88]

When I went to Vietnam and Cambodia they had these concrete cottages.I noticed the concrete was kind of shiny.And even through torrential rain.They were bone dry inside.No humidity.Any idea what they might have done?

[Morningstar88]

It sounds like you saw concrete with waterproofing. This could be achieved by applying a coating to the concrete prior to placing.

In Vietnam, they may use epoxy coatings which are quite common for waterproofing concrete.

These coatings provide protection against moisture or dampness which can be harmful to concrete.

I believe these coatings are also more cost-effective than other waterproofing approaches.

[Morningstar88]

Great. Now what are the best epoxies?

[Morningstar88]

When it comes to epoxy coatings, you want to use a coating that is specifically designed for waterproofing concrete.

It should offer superior protection against moisture, be easy to apply and provide good durability over time.

Some of the best examples of these coatings are:

● Polyaspartic resins: they form a tough and durable layer on the concrete that is resistant to humidity and condensation.

● Silicone coatings: these provide excellent protection against water penetration while remaining flexible and durable.

● Polyurethane coatings: these provide excellent moisture and water resistance while being economical and durable in the long term.