MIT researchers discover secret of Roman concrete's self-healing properties

A study published in Science Advances by a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), under the guidance of Professor Admir Masic, highlights the resilience of Ancient Roman concrete. The research, conducted in Priverno, Lazio, uncovers a "hot mixing" method involving pozzolana, quicklime, and water that enables the concrete to self-repair. The study revealed porous lime clasts that generate a calcium-saturated solution, which crystallizes into calcium carbonate to mend cracks. In collaboration with Harvard University and the Museo Archeologico di Priverno, researchers assessed both ancient and contemporary concrete samples, discovering that the ancient variant could repair itself within two weeks. Masic, who received training at the University of Turin, has patented self-healing cement and co-founded DMAT with Paolo Sabatini to innovate sustainable concrete technologies. Their new concrete, D-Lime, is certified for industrial use and ready for the market.