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Sticky Rice Is the Key To Super Strong Mortar

Posted by timothy on from the what-can't-sticky-rice-do? dept.

lilbridge writes "For over 1,500 years the Chinese have been using sticky rice as an ingredient in mortar, which has resulted in super strong buildings, many of which are still standing after hundreds of years. Scientists have been studying the sticky rice and lime mortar to unlock the secrets of its strength, and have just determined the secret ingredient that makes the mortar more stable and stronger. The scientists have also concluded that this mixture is the most appropriate for restoration of ancient and historic buildings, which means it is probably also appropriate for new construction as well."

20 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. Two more by qortra · · Score: 5, Funny

    Based on experiences with my dishwasher, I can also predict that buildings made with oatmeal or cheese will also stand the test of time.

    1. Re:Two more by nigelo · · Score: 5, Funny

      The other favourite is to carefully capture the dirty water in a bucket when disconnecting the drain, stand up, then think: 'where can I lose this? I know! Down the drain...' Wet feet.

      --
      *Still* negative function...
    2. Re:Two more by Pharmboy · · Score: 2, Funny

      In this instance what he needed was a bucket and a new "P" trap. Or at least a bucket and a chisel, to remove the cemented rice. I have had plenty of maintenance men say that rice kills pipes.

      Raw rice isn't too good for birds either as they tend to eat, drink, expand & explode. Similar to pitching a seagull an Alka Seltzer, only in slow motion. This is why the tradition was changed to throw bird seed.

      --
      Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!
    3. Re:Two more by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Hehe. Glad I'm not the only one.

      Actually, you are. We're talking about you.

    4. Re:Two more by russ1337 · · Score: 3, Funny

      while living in Military barracks we had single rooms each with a sink and cupboard against one wall. It was a common prank to disconnect the drain in a buddies room while he was out drinking, because you *knew* he was going to piss in it during the night instead of walking all the way down to the toilets.

      the thought process is excellent: ahhh..... wait why are my feet wet! no no no ... can't stop!....ahh f&K it....

  2. Sounds like by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Ancient Chinese Secret

  3. Re:The romans build concrete buildings by jgagnon · · Score: 3, Funny

    Water is also a common ingredient. Hmmm... :p

    --
    Remember to maintain your supply of /facepalm oil to prevent chafing.
  4. Re:Where will the rice come from? by Yvan256 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Exactly! Rice doesn't grow on trees, you know!

  5. Re:The romans build concrete buildings by zygotic+mitosis · · Score: 5, Funny

    You're working in the 70s? Aren't wages much lower? Why don't you invest in Apple, Microsoft, or IBM instead?

  6. Re:The romans build concrete buildings by Farmer+Tim · · Score: 4, Funny

    Works for Eskimos...

    --
    Blank until /. makes another boneheaded UI decision.
  7. Re:Shamwow Guy? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    We need the Shamwow Guy to do commercials comparing this to his caulk.

    haha caulk!

  8. Re:Where will the rice come from? by jgagnon · · Score: 2, Funny

    Someone might be able to make a genetically modified version that grows on walls. That would be cool.

    --
    Remember to maintain your supply of /facepalm oil to prevent chafing.
  9. Once you see the rice in action ... by DeadDecoy · · Score: 5, Funny

    you'll shit bricks.

    1. Re:Once you see the rice in action ... by darthdavid · · Score: 3, Funny

      More like cinder-blocks...

  10. Re:US Homes by eggy78 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Jack Daniels and broken dreams?

  11. Re:sounds like a job for the MythBusters! by Tumbleweed · · Score: 3, Funny

    better than duct tape

    SYNTAX ERROR

  12. Re:Will someone please... by swanzilla · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...provide this information to BP?

    Dear BP,

    Scientists have concluded that sticky rice/lime mortar is the most appropriate for restoration of ancient and historic buildings.

    How is that oil spill thing going?

    Best regards,

    some guy on ./

    --
    0 = 1 + e^(Alt something)
  13. Re:I hope this doesn't take by CCarrot · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sticky rice is for sushi and sushi alone.

    Ahh, no my friend, the best application for sticky rice is being steamed together with yummy chinese sausages and chicken, all wrapped up in a banana leaf...mmmm...sticky rice...

    Speaking of possible industrial uses for Dim Sum foods, I propose shrimp dumplings as a universal lubricant. At least the darn things always are whenever they see me coming at them with a pair of chopsticks...

    cc

    --
    "I love animals! Some are cute, others are tasty, what's not to like?" - Betsy Schroeder, Jeopardy contestant
  14. Re:The romans build concrete buildings by Ihmhi · · Score: 3, Funny

    So that's why there aren't any Roman toilets around anymore. They couldn't handle the load.

    --
    Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)
  15. Re:Strong doesn't mean good, and rebar as a flaw by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Yes, but can you give us any concrete examples?