Roman concrete, also called opus caementicium, was used in construction in ancient Rome. Like its modern equivalent, Roman concrete was based on a hydraulic-setting cement added to an aggregate.
Researchers have spent decades trying to figure out the secret of this ultradurable ancient construction material, particularly in structures that endured especially harsh conditions, such as docks, sewers, and seawalls, or those constructed in seismically active locations.
But it turns out that's not the whole story. In 2023, an international team led by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that not only are the materials in Romanconcrete slightly different from what we thought, but the techniques used to mix them were also distinct.
Although the Ancient Roman Civilization were not the ones to discover concrete, they were the first people to widely use concrete as a building material [8]. The Roman civilization began as an Italic settlement on the Italian Peninsula in 753 BCE.
Researchers still puzzle over exactly how Romanconcrete was made, but they have a few clues, including many of its ingredients and that it is self-healing when it rains.
Opus Caementicium, called Roman concrete, is a building material developed and widely used by ancient Romans, especially in marine environments. Influenced by Etruscan and Greek architecture, it evolved with the wide use of Opus Caementicium, transforming the design style of Roman construction.
Romanconcrete, often admired for its longevity and resilience, was revolutionary due to its unique blend of materials and its remarkable ability to withstand environmental stress over centuries.
Romanconcrete, or opus caementicium, actually contains self-healing properties. It grows stronger over time, while today’s concrete often crumbles in just a few decades. The secret? Romanconcrete-manufacturing strategies included self-healing functionalities using a process called hot mixing.
The Romans called it “opus caementicium”, but today we simply call it Romanconcrete. The concrete was made from three components: aggregate, mortar, and facing. The aggregate was made from stones, terra cotta, or tiling. The mortar was created by mixing lime, water, and ash or sand.
Although the ancient Romans did not invent concrete, it is a well-known fact that Roman concrete, also known as opus caementicium, is incredibly durable, lasting for thousands of years. Some have speculated that it even becomes stronger over time due to the material used in its construction.
Roman concrete, also called opus caementicium, was used in construction in ancient Rome. Like its modern equivalent, Roman concrete was based on a hydraulic-setting cement added to an aggregate.