Littlestone,
Littlestone wrote:
[quote]Do the mortise and tenon joints at Stonehenge really make that much difference to the stability of the structure?
Yes, for greater masses the frictional quality of water ingress in joints is greater, and, with the addition of algaeic growth, the friction is reduced further.Imagine small blocks , say an inch square by four inches long. These, made out of the same materials, wouldn't be influenced as much by the gravitational constant as a greater mass would be, and the osmotic effect of water is greater for a lesser mass. Mortice and tennon joints obviously stop the sliding process, unless the uprights fall.
Add to that the fact that the end pieces were joined in a similar fashion, and the fact that a circular structure is very stable, then, perhaps, that is why Stonehenge has lasted so long.
Cheers,
TE.
