The ancient Roman structures have always been a great attraction for both ordinary people and researchers. The stability of these magnificent architectural achievements like Rome’s Panthon has made the researchers interesting to know how long they stand for two thousand years after the Roman elevation. Although the longevity of these structures can be largely attributed to the Roman concrete, the question still exists about the material used in this feature and concrete.
Roman concrete components
According to research published in the Science Advanced Journal, an international team of researchers led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found that not only the material that is slightly different to us, but also the techniques used to connect them were different.
One of the key ingredients was Pozolan, or Ash. The Romans used ash from the volcanic beds in the Italian city of Pozoli and sent it to the entire kingdom. The silica and alumina in ashes show the reaction with lime and water to the positive reaction at the acidic temperature, resulting in a strong and longer concrete.
Another key component is the smallest parts of the lime, or the small parts of the cock lime.
These clashes provide Roman concrete with their healing capabilities. Over time the concrete weather and weakens, but the water can penetrate its cracks and reach the clashes. When they react with the water, the clashes produce crystals that are called calcitis that fill the cracks.
The difference with the cement of modern day
Today’s use to make modern -day portland cement, high temperature kiln processes, all materials in fine powder. It eliminates lime clashes, which in turn lacks the self -healing properties of Roman cement.
The Romans used a method called hot mixing, which includes connecting and warmlying to Quick Lim with Pozolan, Water and other ingredients. The MIT team found that this method helps unlock its self -healing capabilities of lime clashes, and can result in faster setting than cement, which is made with a high -speed water solution called siliced lime.
