Which structural mechanism caused the collapse of some Roman aqueduct arches during seismic activity and large temperature swings?

💡 Explanation

During seismic events and large temperature changes, differential thermal expansion creates tensile stresses exceeding the tensile strength of the Roman concrete, causing cracking and eventual arch collapse. Therefore tensile failure results, rather than shear, buckling, or torsion, which require forces in different directions/ locations.

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