In brief
A modern look at ancient Roman cement reveals insights crucial for contemporary building, aiming for a greener future.
In June, the Italian Ministry of Culture announced the remarkable excavation of a newly discovered room within the ancient ruins of Pompeii. This hidden chamber houses vivid frescoes and beautifully preserved agricultural imagery dating back nearly two millennia. However, it was not merely the artwork that captivated scientists; instead, Admir Masic, a chemist from M.I.T., was drawn to a seemingly mundane pile of light tan, granular material. This substance, a precursor of concrete, represents a cornerstone of Roman architecture, used in vital infrastructure like the aqueducts that furnished cities such as Pompeii with fresh water.Dr. Masic explains the profound implications of Roman engineering: “They managed to bring water to the city, and with water came hygiene. That technological advance allowed them to, first of all, build Rome as it is, but also replicate this wherever they ventured.” This ancient wisdom is now fueling modern researchers, particularly in light of the environmental challenges posed by contemporary building practices.Distinct from the Roman materials, modern concrete, largely based on Portland cement, arose in 19th-century England and is deemed the globe's primary building resource. While economical, strong, and easily replicable, modern concrete suffers from notable deficiencies compared to its ancient counterpart. Over time, it develops cracks that allow water infiltration, ultimately compromising structural integrity. Additionally, concrete production currently contributes around 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating climate change.In contrast, researchers like Dr. Masic are studying Roman concrete's composition for lessons that may lead to greener alternatives. Marie Jackson, a University of Utah geologist, notes, “Roman marine concretes have survived in one of the most aggressive environments on Earth with no maintenance at all.” By investigating the methods used to create durable and sustainable ancient materials, scientists hope to integrate this knowledge into modern construction techniques, merging underrepresented historical practices with contemporary environmental consciousness.
