Ancient Roman Concrete Inspires New Durable Materials

Quick Smiles:

• Scientists confirm hot-mixing technique behind Rome’s self-healing concrete at a Pompeii site.
• Roman concrete’s recipe included volcanic ash, lime, and innovative heat processes for longevity.
• Inspired by the discovery, a researcher is creating modern concrete using ancient Roman methods.

Groundbreaking research at a preserved Pompeii construction site confirmed that Romans used a unique “hot-mixing” technique for their legendary concrete. By blending lime fragments with volcanic ash and then adding water, ancient builders produced concrete capable of healing its own cracks, with many structures still standing after two millennia.

Professor Admir Masic and his team found that this method creates small lime clasts which redissolve when cracks form, enabling the material to repair itself naturally.

“There is the historic importance of this material, and then there is the scientific and technological importance of understanding it,” Masic explains.

The team’s analysis of volcanic components like pumice uncovered even more minerals that strengthen the concrete over years. This fresh evidence helped solve historic debates and highlighted the remarkable scientific knowledge of ancient Roman engineers.

Taking inspiration from these findings, Masic has launched a company dedicated to producing concrete that lasts by embracing these time-tested Roman techniques. He hopes modern materials can learn to “regenerate themselves” just as Roman concrete did.

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