Lessons from a lost technology: The secrets of Roman concrete

Roman concrete, renowned for its durability and use in iconic structures like the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Colosseum, harbors a hidden secret: the mineral al-tobermorite. This discovery, detailed by Jackson et al. (2013), reveals that Roman seawater concrete undergoes a unique chemical process over time, forming this stable mineral which enhances its longevity. The study analyzed samples from 11 ancient Mediterranean harbors, part of the ROMACONS project (2002-2009), demonstrating how Roman engineers leveraged volcanic ash and seawater to create a material that defies modern concrete's typical degradation. This insight offers potential for developing more resilient, long-lasting infrastructure materials today.

Elsen, J., Cizer, O., & Snellings, R. (2013). Lessons from a lost technology: The secrets of Roman concrete. American Mineralogist, 98(11-12), 1917–1918. https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2013.4643