Scientists have discovered the secret to the sustainability of Roman seawalls over the past thousand years.
According to the Guardian newspaper (UK), breakwaters from the Roman era have remained “inert and old” for more than 1,500 years, while similar structures built later with new materials are soon hidden. against the waves of the ocean. Why?
That concrete is mixed from volcanic ash, quicklime, seawater, and rock from the volcano.
In a study just published in the journal American Mineralogist, University of Utah geologist Marie Jackson, co-author of a study of Roman-era constructions, sheds light on the secret materials that make up the building. sustainability of Roman construction.
Accordingly, the Romans used a special concrete mix formula for their seaports and breakwaters. That concrete is mixed from volcanic ash, quicklime, seawater, and rock from the volcano.
Thanks to this special building material, the water-soaked structures of the ancient Romans became more and more sustainable over time.
Scientists explain that seawater has chemical reactions with materials derived from volcanoes, thereby giving birth to new materials that help concrete slabs become stronger.
Researcher Marie Jackson commented: “It took a lot of work to develop this material. They are extremely smart people.”
The video shows how seawater has made concrete structures from Roman times more sustainable – (Source: University of Utah/Youtube).
The researchers described their analysis of concrete cores in breakwaters and seaports dating back to Roman times.
According to the study authors, the Romans were aware of the great value of the concrete material they discovered, believing in its durability against the waves and over time it would only become more durable. than.