A study published this week has finally revealed how the Romans were able to build structures that still stand today. 9News
For generations, a question has stumped historians and archaeologists all over the world - how did ancient Romans build cement structures so strong they are still standing and operating today?published this week by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has finally answered how the Romans did it.
The study suggests ancient Romans used lime in its reactive form, a material known as quicklime, and mixed it with limestone to create a chemical reaction that can self-heal cement, a process dubbed as "hot mixing".The study gives scientists insight into how ancient cement has been able to stay strong over time.
Ancient Roman builders would mix quicklime with its lesser reactive sibling, slated lime clasts, to create a self-healing material. The research team proved this was how the Romans built strong cement structures by mimicking the ancient cement mixing technique.Within two weeks of pouring water into the replica cement with the quicklime, the cracks were fully "healed".
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