Why does ancient Roman concrete last for thousands of years? (We already know)
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An international team of scientists has finally uncovered the secret behind the astonishing durability of the concrete used in Ancient Rome. This material, used in buildings such as aqueducts, temples , and the famous Pantheon, or Temple of Agrippa, has demonstrated a resistance far superior to that of modern concrete, which tends to crack and deteriorate over the decades.
For a long time, it was thought that the volcanic ash used in the Roman mixture was the key to its longevity. However, new research led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has identified another key ingredient: tiny white fragments known as "lime clasts," Live Science explains.
These fragments, long observed but misinterpreted , were considered simply a sign of poor mixing or low quality. However, the new study suggests they are evidence of a "hot mixing" process that may have been intentional, rather than accidental , on the part of the ancient Roman builders .
By mixing quicklime (calcium oxide) with water and other ingredients at high temperatures, the Romans not only generated these clasts, but also produced a material with unique self-healing capabilities . When a crack forms in concrete, water can seep in and react with these clasts, allowing them to recrystallize into calcium carbonate and seal the crack.
By mixing quicklime with water and other ingredients at high temperatures, they produced a material with unique self-healing capabilities.
To test this hypothesis, the researchers recreated a Roman formula using volcanic ash from the Pozzuoli region, quicklime, and water, and found that the material was able to self-repair after cracking . The cracks disappeared within two weeks of contact with water.
This discovery not only solves a historical mystery, but could have important applications today. The implementation of this type of self-healing concrete could significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry, which accounts for 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions .
An international team of scientists has finally uncovered the secret behind the astonishing durability of the concrete used in Ancient Rome. This material, used in buildings such as aqueducts, temples , and the famous Pantheon, or Temple of Agrippa, has demonstrated a resistance far superior to that of modern concrete, which tends to crack and deteriorate over the decades.
El Confidencial
