Unlocking the Ancient Secrets: Researchers Unveil the ‘Self-Healing’ Power of Roman Concrete

• 21 May 2023
• Construction Focus
• 1451 Views

A groundbreaking discovery has been made by an international team of researchers hailing from the United States, Switzerland, and Italy. Their study has revealed the long-guarded mystery behind the remarkable durability of ancient Roman concrete structures that have withstood the test of time for thousands of years.

The research uncovered a key ingredient in Roman concrete that contributes to its exceptional longevity: volcanic ash from the city of Pozzuoli, known for its distinctive lumps of lime that possess remarkable self-healing properties.

By utilizing a hot mixing technique, the Romans ingeniously created “clasts” within the concrete mixture. This strategic approach allows cracks to form and subsequently fill with water. As a result, the lime reacts by saturating the cracks with calcium carbonate, which crystallizes and effectively seals the crevices, as detailed in the Journal Science Advances.

To authenticate their findings, the research team endeavored to replicate the Romans’ hot-mixed concrete technique and test its self-healing capabilities. A parallel experiment conducted without the inclusion of quicklime failed to exhibit the remarkable self-repairing properties observed in authentic Roman concrete.

This collaborative endeavor united experts from renowned institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, the Instituto Meccanica dei Materiali from Switzerland, and Italy’s Archeological Museum of Priverno. Their collective expertise has shed light on the extraordinary engineering prowess displayed by the Romans in their construction practices.

Unlocking the secrets of Roman concrete not only provides invaluable insights into ancient craftsmanship but also paves the way for potential advancements in modern construction techniques. By harnessing the knowledge gained from these ancient materials, researchers aim to develop innovative approaches that enhance the durability and longevity of contemporary structures.

• Knowledge and Key Success
• Technology and Engineering