Why Are Roman Concrete Structures Still Standing (Video)

“Hi, my name is Greg Batista here to answer another question from the internet.

busyguy345 asks: Why are Roman aqueducts and harbors still around, but our buildings crumble?

Roman engineers used a mix of volcanic ash, lime, and seawater that produced chemical reactions still benefiting those structures today. Modern research shows their concrete actually became stronger with age. A 2017 U.S. Geological Survey study found Roman seawalls had minerals like aluminum tobermorite that grew inside cracks, essentially “healing” the concrete. By contrast, modern concrete relies on steel reinforcement. While that gives strength, it introduces vulnerability: when steel corrodes, it expands and destroys the surrounding concrete. That’s why many modern structures, especially in Florida’s salty air, show deterioration within decades, while Roman structures have lasted for over 2,000 years. Engineers today are studying Roman formulas, and there’s active research into “self-healing” concretes that mimic what the Romans achieved naturally. It’s a great example of ancient wisdom guiding modern engineering.

For more content, follow me. Please comment since I personally read all of them. Ask me a question — I may feature the answer in an upcoming video.

Authoritative references: U.S. Geological Survey (Jackson et al., 2017); Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – Roman Marine Concrete Study.

The author, Greg Batista, PE, CGC, SI is owner of G. Batista Engineering & Construction and is a nationally-recognized engineer and contractor with more than 35 years of experience and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.