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Which structural weakness affected Roman fortifications using opus caementicium in cold climates?

A)Differential thermal expansion cracking
B)Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater ingress
C)Seismic instability from layered construction
D)Biological decomposition by fungal growth

💡 Explanation

When temperatures cycle below freezing, differential thermal expansion occurs between the aggregate and cement matrix because they contract at different rates, leading to internal stresses and cracking. Therefore differential thermal expansion cracking would result in Roman fortifications, rather than hydrostatic pressure, seismic issues, or decomposition, which require differing environmental conditions or material properties.

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