volcanic rock

High-tech methods confirm Pliny the Elder’s observations and reveal new insights into strength of Roman concrete

By April Gocha / July 31, 2017

An international group of scientists recently found that the key to the strength of ancient Roman concrete is the presence of aluminous tobermorite, a mineral that slowly forms within voids and prevents cracks from traversing through the concrete.

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The ancient Roman secret to more ductile concrete could be buried (miles) beneath our feet

By Stephanie Liverani / July 13, 2015

The latest research to shed light on the ductility and durability of ancient concrete comes from geophysicists at the Stanford University, who discovered concrete-like rock deep within a dormant volcano in Italy they say could explain how ancient Romans invented the compound used to build structures like the Pantheon and Colosseum.

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