Weird Science

[kyonides]

Research uncovers secret that made ancient Roman concrete so durable

Here is the  former theory on how Romans were able to build many large structures that are still standing as of today.

Volcanic ash from the area of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples was believed to be a key element that led to the unique durability of ancient structures and kept them standing as modern concrete crumbled to the ground.

But a report released Friday discovered that it is not necessarily the ingredients that attributed to the strength of the Roman’s concrete but the mixing process.

Then what is this secret process they've mentioned above?  

Scientists in a MIT, Harvard University study found that Romans actually relied on a process called "hot mixing" to whip up their hyper durable concrete.

"The benefits of hot mixing are twofold," MIT professor of civil and environmental engineering Admir Masic told MIT News. "First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form.

"Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction," he added.

Now they're revealing to us how did they make such a discovery.

Masic was first alerted to the concept after noticing millimeter-small bright white minerals in the ancient concrete.

The outlet said these deposits, described as "lime clasts" and not found in concrete today, were once chalked up to poor mixing practices.
...
Masic and his team discovered that the white specs were actually calcium carbonate that had been formed after the mixture, which include quicklime, reached an "extreme temperature."

His team then ran a series of tests using modern and ancient techniques with and without quicklime.

The team are now working to commercialize the ancient practices for modern use.

Well, we all know very well that science needs some  serious funding, don't you agree?