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"Arco non è altro che una fortezza causata da due debolezze, impero che l’arco negli edifizi è composto di due parti di circolo, i quali quarti circoli, ciascuno debolissimo per sé, desidera cadere, e opponendosi alla ruina l’uno dell’altro, le due debolezze si convertano in unica fortezza."
- Leonardo da Vinci
"An arch is nothing more than a fortress made of two weaknesses: since the arch in buildings is composed of two circular parts, each of these quarter circles is extremely weak on its own and wants to collapse – but by resisting each other’s fall, the two weaknesses are transformed into a single strength."
Leonardo da Vinci observed nature and construction through geometry, proportion, and functionality. His interpretation of the arch as a “fortress made of two weaknesses” reflects a profound understanding of engineering logic – well ahead of his time. Today, solidian & kelteks builds on a similar principle: using advanced non-corrosive, non-metallic reinforcements that enable:
- thinner and lighter concrete elements,
- durability without the need for corrosion-related repairs,
- reduced consumption of concrete, water, and cement,
- freedom of architectural design with high load-bearing capacity.
Just as Leonardo transformed two weaknesses into one strength, our glass, carbon, and basalt fiber reinforcements work the same way – each fiber is thin and fragile, but in a system, they form a strong and durable mesh.
The Weakness of One Fiber – The Strength of the Mesh
When you look at a single glass or carbon fiber, it is extremely thin, light, and easy to break. On its own, it cannot bear high loads. But when thousands of such fibers are combined into a solidian GRID mesh and integrated into concrete – a new level of resilience and longevity is created.
Just like Leonardo’s arch, the weakness of one element is transferred and supported by the others. The mesh becomes a unified system, resulting in a thinner, lighter, and longer-lasting element – ideal for modern architecture, rehabilitation, and infrastructure projects.
How Our Products Work
solidian GRID (carbon or glass meshes)
Each fiber acts as a miniature structural component that absorbs stress and transfers it to the surrounding fibers.
Within the mesh and the concrete, they create a composite layer that controls cracking and extends the lifespan of the structure.
The principle is the same as the arch – what is weak alone becomes strong within a system.
Short, randomly distributed fibers in the concrete act like hundreds of “tiny fuses” that prevent the formation and spread of microcracks.
This creates a homogeneous, elastic, and long-lasting matrix.
Just like in Leonardo’s arch – instead of collapsing, the system stabilizes under load.
Just as two geometric weaknesses in an arch created a strength that has lasted for centuries, solidian & kelteks materials bring concrete a new dimension of durability, sustainability, and design freedom.
At solidian & kelteks, we believe that true innovation happens when aesthetics, science, and functionality come together – just as Leonardo da Vinci envisioned 500 years ago.
What do you think – if Leonardo were designing a bridge today, would he use non-metallic reinforcements?
build solid.
