Archive · 29 May 2025
MIT Study Reveals Secrets Behind Roman Concrete's Durability
Researchers at MIT investigated why Roman concrete lasted so long.
They found it was made with volcanic ash (pozzolan) and small chunks of lime.
The ash reacted with the lime and water, making the concrete strong.
The lime chunks allowed the concrete to heal itself!
When cracks formed, water got in and reacted with the lime to create crystals that filled the cracks.
Modern concrete is made differently and doesn't have this self-healing ability, explaining why ancient Roman buildings like the Pantheon still stand tall today.
MIT researchers studied the composition and techniques of Roman concrete.
Roman concrete used pozzolan (volcanic ash) and lime clasts for strength and self-healing.
Pozzolan reacted with lime and water for durability.
Lime clasts allow for self-healing by filling cracks with calcite crystals.
Modern Portland cement lacks the self-healing properties due to different production methods.
- Who
- An international team of researchers led by MIT.
- What
- The study investigated the durability of Roman concrete.
- When
- The study was published in the journal Science Advances.
- Where
- The study was conducted by MIT researchers.
- Why
- To understand the longevity of Roman concrete structures.
- Lead Research Institution
- MIT
- Source of Pozzolan
- Pozzuoli, Italy
- Key Ingredients
- Lime clasts and pozzolan
- Crack-filling Material
- Calcite crystals
- Roman Production Method
- Hot mixing
- Modern Concrete Type
- Portland cement