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Roman concrete self-repaired via hot-mix method with quicklime and volcanic ash, MIT study finds.
A newly uncovered construction site in Pompeii, buried in 79 CE, reveals ancient Romans used a "hot-mix" method to make self-healing concrete by mixing quicklime with volcanic ash before adding water, creating heat and durable lime clasts that repair cracks.
This advanced technique, confirmed by MIT researchers and published in Nature Communications, contrasts with earlier beliefs based on Vitruvius and shows Romans achieved long-lasting structures through sophisticated, intentional engineering.
The discovery offers new insights into Roman construction and may inspire more sustainable, durable concrete today.
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El hormigón romano se repara a sí mismo mediante el método de mezcla en caliente con cal viva y ceniza volcánica, según un estudio del MIT.