Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter ArenaQuestion
← HistoryWhich maintenance outcome primarily prevents Roman roads ('viae') from subsurface weakening when seasonal freezing occurs?
A)Replacing the 'statumen' layer annually
B)Maintaining surface camber for drainage✓
C)Applying sealant to the 'pavimentum'
D)Widening the 'agger' embankment
💡 Explanation
When water penetrates road layers and freezes, cryostatic pressure occurs causing heaving because ice expands, weakening the structure from below. Therefore maintaining surface camber for drainage minimizes water penetration and subsequent freeze-thaw damage, rather than annually replacing the statumen, applying sealant, or widening the agger, which address different issues.
🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool
Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.
Related Questions
Browse History →- Which mechanism allows for precise timekeeping in the Antikythera Mechanism despite its age?
- Which material degradation mechanism limited Mesopotamian bronze tools' cutting-edge durability in humid environments?
- Which outcome arises when water freezes inside cracks within ancient stone aqueducts?
- Which outcome occurs when iron is smelted using a bloomery furnace with insufficient air flow?
- Which constraint limited maximum terrace height in Inca agricultural systems using stone retaining walls?
- Which risk increases when a Roman road's sub-base experiences continuous water saturation?
