Revolutionizing Concrete: Lessons from Ancient Rome

In June, the Italian Ministry of Culture unveiled the discovery of a newly excavated room in the ruins of Pompeii, a treasure trove of history that has yet to be opened to the public. Archaeologists were taken by the striking blue paint adorning the walls—an indication of wealth—and detailed frescoes depicting agricultural scenes that have withstood the test of time for nearly two millennia.However, for Admir Masic, a chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, his attention was drawn to what seemed like an ordinary pile of sandy material at the edge of the room. This unremarkable substance was crucial to the Roman Empire as the precursor to concrete, a fundamental element used in constructing vital infrastructure, such as the aqueducts that supplied cities like Pompeii with fresh water. Masic emphasized, “They managed to bring water to the city, and with water came hygiene.” This technological achievement allowed Romans to replicate such advancements wherever they established settlements.In contrast, the modern world predominantly relies on Portland cement, a concrete variant developed in 19th-century England. While this type of concrete is cheap, readily available, and strong, it pales in comparison to the durability of ancient Roman concrete, which develops cracks over time, leading to deterioration upon exposure to water. Additionally, concrete manufacturing is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change.By leveraging insights from Roman concrete, researchers like Masic are at the forefront of innovation, striving to develop more sustainable and resilient alternatives. Marie Jackson, a geologist from the University of Utah, remarked, “Roman marine concretes have survived in one of the most aggressive environments on Earth with no maintenance at all,” highlighting the potential for a greener building material inspired by ancient practices.