Roman Concrete's Secret: Carbonation, Not Just Volcanic Ash, Key to Millennia-Long Durability
A study published in Science Advances on July 8 reveals that carbonation, not just the pozzolanic reaction, contributes to Roman concrete's longevity. Researchers led by Paulo J. M. Monteiro of UC Berkeley analyzed a concrete sample from a 1,900-year-old latrine at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sample showed that calcite, formed when atmospheric CO2 reacts with calcium compounds, fills cracks and pores, strengthening the material over time. This builds on 2023 research by MIT's Admir Masic suggesting quicklime reactions also aid self-repair. The findings could help develop more sustainable concrete, as production currently accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions. Monteiro emphasizes that ancient engineering techniques can lead to modern sustainable infrastructure.
Key facts
- Study published in Science Advances on July 8, 2026.
- Roman concrete durability attributed to carbonation in addition to pozzolanic reaction.
- Sample taken from a latrine at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy.
- Hadrian's Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage site, 17 miles east of Rome.
- Calcite, formed from CO2 and calcium compounds, fills cracks and pores.
- 2023 study by MIT's Admir Masic suggested quicklime reactions aid self-repair.
- Concrete production emits 8% of global CO2 emissions.
- UN notes half of buildings by 2050 are yet to be built.
Entities
Institutions
- University of California, Berkeley
- MIT
- UNESCO
- United Nations
- Science Advances
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- Tivoli
- Italy
- Rome
- Hadrian's Villa