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The Accidental Genius of Roman Concrete

Science & discovery

The Accidental Genius of Roman Concrete

10 min

While modern concrete crumbles in decades, Roman structures have survived two millennia of salt water and seismic activity. Explore the 'hot mixing' technique and self-healing chemistry that modern engineers are only now beginning to decode.

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Show notes

Discussion of the 2023 MIT study led by Admir Masic on 'hot mixing'.

Analysis of the chemical differences between quicklime and slaked lime.

The role of aluminous tobermorite in Roman maritime durability.

Comparison of the Pantheon's longevity versus modern infrastructure.

In this episode

  1. 1Intro1 min
  2. 2The Two-Thousand-Year Paradox2 min
  3. 3Hot Mixing: The Violent Chemistry of the Past3 min
  4. 4The Self-Healing Mechanism2 min
  5. 5The Seawater Secret: Growing Crystals2 min
  6. 6Outro1 min

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The Accidental Genius of Roman Concrete — Fylom