Innovative methods

[Dick Morrisson <rmorrisson@unidial.com>]

Dave Irons asked about innovative methods to build a submersible or
habitat.  I read about a novel method and material some time ago which I
hope some other members will help recall details of.  The method was to
build a mesh of conductive material (like steel) in the shape of the
desired walls and submerge it in sea water, then apply a small charge to
it over a period of weeks (or months).  The dissolved material in the
sea water would "plate out" on the mesh and eventually build up a wall
of great strength.  The author said the wall was stronger than concrete
and the material was free except for the cost of the electricity.  I
immediately envisioned a wave action generator to provide the
electricity and huge complexes of underwater habitats which were kept
supplied with oxygen by hydrolysis of sea water from the same
electricity after initial construction.  This is pretty wild stuff but
it seemed technically feasible.  Comments!?