I found this article and short video about Roman concrete that I'd like to share.
Modern Concrete
Ancient Roman Concrete
From article: Ancient Rome Concrete Mystery Solved by Scientists | Time
Modern cement mixtures tend to erode, particularly in the presence of seawater, but the Roman recipe of volcanic ash, lime, seawater and a mineral called aluminium tobermorite actually reinforces the concrete and prevents cracks from expanding, researchers found.
The reaction was caused by the seawater continually ramming into the structures for hundreds of years, allowing the mineral mixture of silica oxides and lime to grow between the volcanic rock aggregate and mortar to develop resistance.
“Contrary to the principles of modern cement-based concrete, the Romans created a rock-like concrete that thrives in open chemical exchange with seawater,” lead author Marie Jackson from the University of Utah said in the journal.
Those Romans were no fools. Nor did they cut corners, like modern contractors.
ReplyDeleteThey built things to last.
DeleteWho says modern technology is always better?
ReplyDeleteSometimes old technologies are lost.
DeletePeople in the modern age don’t know what they’re doing; the Romans did
DeleteNothing is built to last anymore it seems. I started a course on Roman Architecture way back when, but then switched it up to accounting for some odd reason lol...would have been an interesting history lesson for me! I may still have my textbook under piles of dust somewhere!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find your textbooks. You can always search the web.
DeleteI never knew about Roman concrete, interesting. I believe the Roman empire came to an end because of dishonest politics and corruption. Sounds similar to today's world.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment.
ReplyDeleteThey did a much finer job from way back! You'd think we'd take more pride in our work.
ReplyDeleteWe should do it more often.
DeleteThe Romans did seem to build things that lasted …
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan