Why 2,000-Year-Old Roman Concrete Still Stands While Modern Concrete Falls Apart

Ancient Roman concrete, unlike modern counterparts, possesses a remarkable self-healing capability. Researchers discovered that a "hot mixing" technique, incorporating quicklime and volcanic ash, creates lime clasts. These fragments react with water seeping into cracks, reforming calcium carbonate and sealing damage. This chemical resilience explains the Pantheon's enduring strength, offering lessons for sustainable modern infrastructure.