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Expert: - 12/19/2006


Question
Dear Roger, I'm in sixth grade doing a project and needed help. what would be the strongest building material that would last thousands of years in Madagascar,? (Were coming up with the eighth wonder in the world and were building a computer in Madagascar

Answer
If we look to history, the temples and buildings of ancient Rome and Greece would give us a clue.  Marble or granite are natural materials that have many positive features - strong, colorful, plentiful and still in use today. The negative side is that the stone must be removed from the ground, cut to needed sizes and transported and fissures in the material can cause it to crack under pressure.  Man made material, such as concrete, has been in use for over two centuries and has great flexibility and strength (especially when reinforced with iron) and can be formed into nearly any shape.  The downside of concrete is that it erodes with weather over many years.  Steel is the other modern material that is used in most buildings today.  It can be formed to many shapes and an alloy material can be used which is less prone to rust.  Steel beams act as a "skeleton" of a building which supports the outside skin and multiple levels, just as our bones support our bodies and are covered.  Also, just like our bodies, if one beam (or bone) breaks, it can be repaired without the entire building (or body) falling apart.  So my choice for a modern building in Madagascar, that would last centuries, would be a steel framed building on a concrete foundation with marble exterior.

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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