aluminum tobermorite

Unique crystals prevent crack propagation and bestow strength to ancient Roman concrete

By April Gocha / January 6, 2015

A new study confirms that unique aluminum-containing crystals that form in Roman concrete are behind the material’s robust strength and durability.

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Ancient lessons: Roman concrete durable, green

By Jim Destefani / June 10, 2013

Drill core of concrete from a 2,000-year-old Roman breakwater consists of pumice (yellowish inclusions), lava and other volcanic crystalline materials (dark and gray spots), and lime (white). Inset: scanning electron…

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