Riddle solved: Why was Roman concrete so durable?
12 hours ago
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- Ancient Roman concrete structures, like the Pantheon and aqueducts, have lasted over 2,000 years, while modern concrete often deteriorates within decades.
- Researchers discovered that the durability stems from self-healing properties due to 'hot mixing' using quicklime, forming reactive lime clasts that fill cracks.
- The lime clasts, previously thought to indicate poor mixing, react with water to create calcium carbonate, sealing cracks spontaneously and preventing spread.
- Experiments confirmed that hot-mixed concrete healed cracks within two weeks, whereas concrete without quicklime did not, leading to efforts to commercialize the material.
- This innovation could extend concrete lifespan, improve 3D-printed concrete durability, and reduce environmental impact, as cement production accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.