The structures dating back to the ancient Roman period are still admired for their robustness even today. The secret to the durability of these structures lies in the special type of concrete used. Roman concrete is a mixture of volcanic ash, lime and sea water. The durability of this material is beyond the reach of modern concrete.
Modern Concrete Can Crack Over Time
Modern concretes are usually produced using Portland cement, which contains ingredients such as silica sand, limestone, clay, chalk and silica sand melted at high temperatures. Over time, however, these components can cause chemical reactions, leading to cracking and erosion of the concrete.
Roman concrete was enriched with volcanic ash and tuff rocks
The enrichment of Roman concrete with natural materials, such as volcanic ash and tuff rocks, is one of the main factors that allowed it to survive for thousands of years.
Can Roman Concrete be Used Today?
Modern scientists aim to revive this ancient recipe by studying the chemical properties of Roman concrete in detail. If these studies are successful, a new type of concrete could be developed that produces fewer carbon emissions, does not require steel reinforcement and can last for centuries. This could revolutionize the field of sustainable construction materials and breathe new life into modern engineering projects.
Source: Discover, Science Alert