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Deep beneath the Mediterranean Sea, an ancient Roman breakwater has withstood 2,000 years of relentless seawater erosion—yet it remains intact. What makes this structure so remarkably durable? A recent study by a team led by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the U.S. revealed that the Romans may have developed a method to produce concrete that not only lasts longer but also reduces carbon emissions and environmental damage. How did they achieve this? Let’s explore.
The Secret Behind Marine Concrete
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, and the Berlin Synchrotron Radiation Facility used advanced tools like the Advanced Light Source (ALS) to analyze ancient Roman concrete found in Pozzuoli Bay. Their findings highlighted two major differences between ancient and modern concrete practices.
First, the Romans used a different binding agent. Modern concrete relies on Portland cement, which creates calcium silicate hydrate (CSH)—a compound that forms the glue in concrete. However, the Romans added aluminum and small amounts of silicon, creating a more stable compound called calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (CASH). This compound is known for its exceptional durability, especially in marine environments.
Second, the hydration process of Roman concrete was unique. In modern concrete, CSH tends to form low-crystalline structures that lack stability over time. But in ancient Roman concrete, researchers discovered xonotlite—a highly ordered mineral that contributes to long-term strength. The presence of aluminum in the structure played a key role in stabilizing these minerals, making the material more resistant to degradation.
How Did the Romans Do It?
Today, concrete is one of the most widely used building materials, but its production comes at a high environmental cost. Cement manufacturing alone accounts for about 7% of global COâ‚‚ emissions. Producing Portland cement requires heating limestone and clay to extremely high temperatures, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide in the process.
However, the research team found that the Romans used a much more energy-efficient approach. Instead of using high-temperature kilns, they baked limestone at around 900°C or lower. They also used less lime and mixed it with volcanic ash, which acted as a natural pozzolan. This combination created a stronger, more sustainable bond without the need for excessive heat.
Analysis showed that Roman concrete recipes contained less than 10% lime by weight, and the production temperature was significantly lower than today’s standards. The resulting CASH and aluminosilicates provided both strength and longevity, proving that the Romans had mastered a sustainable construction technique long before modern science understood it.
Providing a Model for Green, High-Performance Concrete
Professor Paul Monteiro from UC Berkeley emphasized the importance of learning from the past. “Modern concrete structures are designed to last 50 to 120 years, but Roman ports have survived for over 2,000 years despite constant exposure to seawater and erosion,†he said. This shows how much we can improve by adopting ancient methods.
Modern concrete often suffers from low tensile strength, poor flexibility, and susceptibility to cracking. As cities grow and infrastructure ages, there's a pressing need for materials that are both strong and environmentally friendly. By studying Roman techniques, scientists hope to develop a new generation of concrete that uses fewer resources and emits less COâ‚‚.
Volcanic ash, once a natural resource used by the Romans, is now being re-evaluated as a potential substitute for Portland cement. When mixed with lime, it creates a durable, eco-friendly alternative. Today, researchers are working to replicate these ancient formulas using modern technology, aiming to build structures that are not only strong but also kinder to the planet.
As the world faces growing environmental challenges, the lessons from ancient Rome offer a powerful reminder: sustainability and strength don’t have to be mutually exclusive. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern innovation, we can create a future where architecture and nature coexist in harmony. (Reporter: Hualing)
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