Ancient Romans engineered concrete that hardens underwater
Ancient Romans pioneered a revolutionary concrete using volcanic ash that set underwater, enabling durable harbor constructions that still stand today, inspiring modern material science.
Around 200 BCE, ancient Romans developed a revolutionary concrete that could set underwater, transforming their empire's maritime engineering. This material, opus caementicium, combined lime with volcanic ash called pozzolana, creating a hydraulic cement. Unlike earlier mortars, this mixture reacted with seawater to form strong, water-resistant bonds.
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