Roman concrete: that's how it is so resistant ?

Roman concrete: that's how it is so resistant ? Roman concrete, also known as opus caementicium, was a building material used by the ancient Romans that is known for its durability and resistance to weathering.

Roman concrete: that's how it is so resistant ?

Roman concrete: that's how it is so resistant ?

Roman concrete, also known as opus caementicium, was a building material used by the ancient Romans that is known for its durability and resistance to weathering. The primary ingredient in Roman concrete was a volcanic ash called pozzolan, which was mixed with lime and water to create a mortar. The concrete was then reinforced with a network of iron rods or stones, which helped to hold the structure together.

One of the key features of Roman concrete that contributes to its durability is its ability to harden over time. This is due to a process called "re-crystallization," in which the minerals in the concrete slowly precipitate out of the mixture and bind together to form a strong, durable rock-like substance. This process continues for centuries, making Roman concrete structures extremely resistant to weathering and erosion.

Another factor that contributes to the strength of Roman concrete is the use of pozzolan. Pozzolan is a type of volcanic ash that contains silica and alumina, which are both strong binding agents. When pozzolan is mixed with lime and water, it forms a paste that hardens over time to create a very strong and durable concrete.

In addition, the ancient Romans used a variety of techniques to improve the strength and durability of their concrete structures, such as using a high proportion of lime in the mixture, adding crushed volcanic rock to the concrete, and mixing in other materials such as clay and crushed brick.

Overall, the combination of these factors - the re-crystallization process, the use of pozzolan, and the various techniques used by the ancient Romans - all contribute to the durability and resistance of Roman concrete, making it one of the most enduring building materials in history.