Materials+Review

**Flor: Brick** **Annia:** Good afternoon people! How are you? Well, in today’s program we’ll have a discussion, or if I can say, an exchange of information between Flor and me. Each one of us will choose a material and talk about it characteristics during the debate. So, why don’t we start? Hi Flor, what material have you chosen for today? **Flor:** Hi Annia, how are you? Well, I’ve chosen brick because among all is the one that I like the most. And may I know your choice? **Annia:** Of course! For today’s discussion I’ve chosen concrete. So, let me talk a little bit about it. Concrete was first used for the ancient Egyptians and later in the Roman Empire. This material is a mixture of cement and water, with aggregates of sand and stone. What can you tell me about bricks? **Flor:** A brick is a block of ceramic that is laid using mortar. And, even if you find this incredible, let me say that the beginnings of bricks it’s also placed in the ancient roman and Egyptian civilization. **Annia:** Really? I guess we shouldn’t underestimate any ancient civilization, no matter how far they’re from what we’re used to. Getting back to the subject, I also have to say something really important about concrete, is cheap! Besides, it’s water-fire proof; it can be mold into any form and is very strong in compression. **Flor:** But you forgot to mention something… is weak in tension as well as brick. They both have the same weakness. And also they’re both cheap. On the other hand, brick doesn’t provide any stability for its own weight, it is necessary the use of mortar. This is why nowadays brick is mostly used for decoration. In spite of all this, I prefer brick for its warmer appearance. **Annia:** Yes, you’re right; concrete in its pure form it’s weak in tension but they’re several alloys, like reinforced concrete, that surpass this original weakness. For this reason concrete can be used as structure and, it may not be as warmer as brick, but I love its appearance. Nowadays, concrete is widely used around the world in any kind of construction. **Flor:** That might be truth but I keep faithful to brick  J. **Annia:** Don’t worry I’m not trying to convince you otherwise  J. Each one has its preferences. Well, we’re running out of time so we must say goodbye. It was nice to talk about these two materials with you Flor, and I’ll see you soon. **Flor:** Likewise. It was my placer. Bye! media type="custom" key="3420224"
 * // Script .//**
 * Annia: Concrete**