Michel Barsoum, Christopher Dunn, Margaret Morris, and Robert Schoch discussed the function and construction of the pyramids, and addressed the topic of whether the stones were cut or poured.
Barsoum, a Professor of materials engineering at Drexel University, participated in a recent study which suggested that around 20% of the Great Pyramid was made out of a substance similar to concrete. Citing the work of Joseph Davidovits, he described how the pyramid builders may have used limestone rubble and other ingredients to end up with a mud-like compound.
Researcher Margaret Morris posited that the bulk of the Great Pyramid is made of synthetic stone, except for later restoration blocks. An electromagnetic study of the Pyramid's composition found moisture-- data consistent with the use of hydraulic cement (which has bound water molecules), she reported. There are no quarries of a suitable size in the area for such large blocks to have come from, she added.
Engineer and author Christopher Dunn said that cutting and pouring techniques are not mutually exclusive, but to rely on a simplistic explanation does the ancient Egyptians a disservice. He believes they made use of precise and sophisticated machinery that we'd be hard pressed to match today. The Great Pyramid was a "power plant" used to relieve earthquake pressures, he commented.
Author and researcher Robert Schoch concluded that the Great Pyramid was not primarily a tomb and was built over a long period of time in various stages. At different times, it served different functions, including religious or sacred purposes. Astronomical observations were taken there and it may have also been developed as a response to catastrophes, he said. Dunn and Schoch answered callers' questions in the last hour.
Iran Update
First hour guests, author Jerome Corsi and radio host Hossein Hedjazi commented on Iran. Hedjazi suggested that there were ways to "suffocate the regime" without resorting to a military attack that would harm the Iranian people. A lot of citizens there are against Ahmadinejad, he added. Corsi recommended engineering something similar to the South Africa divestment campaign on Iran.