Catching up with the past

Unbelievable that we are just understanding how they used to make things 2,000 years ago! A new study from researchers in the US, Italy, and Switzerland has discovered that the use of lime clasts in ancient Roman concrete gave it its durability, allowing it to last for over 2,000 years.

The white chunks, previously thought to be evidence of poor-quality raw materials or sloppy mixing, had healing properties that allowed the concrete to repair cracks that formed over time. The discovery could help make modern concrete more sustainable and may have wider implications for the construction industry. Roman concrete allowed the ancient civilization to have an “architectural revolution” that changed how humans lived, according to Admir Masic, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT and a study author.

Far from being a flaw, these lime clasts endowed Roman concrete with a unique self-healing ability. When cracks formed over time, these lime clasts would react with water, effectively "healing" the concrete and preventing further deterioration. This discovery turns our understanding of ancient engineering on its head and has profound implications for the future of construction.

Roman concrete was a cornerstone of the ancient world's "architectural revolution," enabling the construction of iconic structures that have stood the test of time. Admir Masic, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT and one of the study's authors, emphasizes the significance of this breakthrough. Not only does it highlight the advanced knowledge of Roman engineers, but it also opens the door to creating modern concrete that is more sustainable and resilient.

The potential applications of this discovery are vast. If we can incorporate similar self-healing properties into today's concrete, we could significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction, extending the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure. This newfound understanding of ancient Roman techniques could revolutionize how we build the world around us, just as it did for the Romans over two millennia ago.

The brilliance of Roman engineering continues to inspire and astonish, proving that some of the best ideas aren't necessarily new—they're just waiting to be rediscovered.