Aqueduct

Aqueduct

An aqueduct is a water supply or navigable channel constructed to convey water. In modern engineering, the term is used for any system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels, and other structures used for this purpose. Historically, aqueducts were used in Ancient Rome and other ancient civilizations to bring water from distant sources into cities and towns, supplying public baths, latrines, fountains, and private households.

History

Aqueducts have been used since ancient times. The earliest examples of aqueducts were constructed by the Assyrian Empire and the Babylonian Empire. The most famous ancient aqueducts were those built by the Roman Empire, which constructed numerous aqueducts throughout their empire, including the Aqua Appia, the first Roman aqueduct, and the Pont du Gard in France.

Construction

Aqueducts were typically constructed using a combination of stone, brick, and concrete. The Roman aqueducts, for example, were built using a series of arches to support the water channel, which was lined with concrete to prevent leaks. The channels were often covered to protect the water from contamination and to reduce evaporation.

Function

Aqueducts were designed to transport water from a source, such as a river or spring, to a city or town. The water was transported by gravity, flowing through the channel at a gentle slope. The aqueducts often included features such as settling tanks to remove sediment, and distribution tanks to regulate the flow of water to different parts of the city.

Modern Aqueducts

In modern times, aqueducts are still used to transport water over long distances. Modern aqueducts are typically constructed using pipes made of materials such as steel or concrete, and may include pumping stations to move the water uphill. Examples of modern aqueducts include the California Aqueduct and the New York City Water Supply System.

Related Pages

• Ancient Rome
• Roman engineering
• Water supply
• Hydraulic engineering
• Pont du Gard
• California Aqueduct
• New York City Water Supply System

See Also

• Canal
• Irrigation
• Water management
• Public health