Revealed the secret of longevity of ancient Roman concrete

Concrete was of high quality due to the use of a mixture of seawater, volcanic ash and lime.

American, Chinese and Italian geologists have uncovered the secret of longevity of ancient Roman concrete constructions from which number more than two thousand years. A study published in the journal American Mineralogist.

The concrete used by builders in Ancient Rome were of high quality due to the use of a mixture of seawater, volcanic ash and lime, which promotes the growth of mineralization and, consequently, high strength of the material.

To such conclusions the authors came, examined by means of x-radiation a fragment of a concrete slab of a Roman pier from Orbetello (Italy). Scientists have discovered that the cracked material is the formation of minerals, the process is caused by tidal erosion. This proves that the corrosive effect of sea water on concrete continues even after the completion of construction.

The combination of ash, water and lime leads to pozzolanic reaction, approximately the same processes contribute to the formation of volcanic tuffs. Watching the last of the Romans, as scientists believe, and have created our own technology for the production of concrete.

Modern concrete is usually made of Portland cement, includes sand and gravel, mineralization of the material increases when it is mixed with sea water. Currently used material is usually degraded within a few decades.

paradox