Roman concrete

The quality of the concrete used by the Romans is one reason why so much of the Roman Empire is still visible and accessible more than two millennia after it was erected. Its superiority over contemporary concrete is clear to see. Modern concrete roads and sidewalks frequently collapse and crack after only a few years of use because they are unable to withstand the salt that is used in northern climates to melt ice in the winter.

The oldest Roman amphitheater in the Empire (almost 150 years old), constructed of stone and concrete, was located in Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Roman concrete underwater works in the Carthage ruins have withstood the corrosive effects of seawater for more than 2,000 years. It is obvious that Roman concrete is superior to contemporary concrete.

Roman concrete is also less expensive to produce since it uses less cement, and it has a lower carbon impact because it employs volcanic ash rather than the more recent replacement, coal fly ash. Roman concrete has been studied by industries all over the world for years, and because of its strength and lifespan, its return to widespread use is practically guaranteed.

Modern concrete has an outdoor lifespan of roughly 20 years when made with the Portland Cement combination, which is the industry standard. The oldest non-reinforced concrete dome in the world, the Parthenon in Rome, is made of Roman concrete, which has lasted for more than 2,000 years.

Roman concrete is easier to work with, less expensive to create, more resilient, and stronger underwater. It represents an antiquated technology that cultures tackling problems with their infrastructures in the twenty-first century can use right away.