If roman concrete was shown to have self-healing capabilities, why isn’t it used with modern reinforcement techniques?

1.47K viewsEngineeringOther

As the title suggests. If roman concrete supposedly has the capabilities to mend tiny cracks via chemical reaction, why isn’t it used with modern reinforcements to seal the pathways to the steel beams to protect it from oxygen and elements and prevent corrosion? Are there any major downsides to hot-mixed concrete, is it not as good as the studies make it out to be, or is it simply not viable due to cost and manufacturing process/storage requirements?

In: Engineering

17 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

the truth is, it doesn’t. Some Roman concrete had imperfections with the mix that created little pockets of lime that would mix with water leaking in and reharden the cracks, but when people talk about this stuff they are forgetting the vast majority of roman concrete throughout Europe that didn’t have this and didn’t survive until today.
They likely didn’t know of this quality as a feature at the time they poured those castings, it’s only been revealed to us after some 2000 years.

You are viewing 1 out of 17 answers, click here to view all answers.