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Ancient Pompeii Concrete Reveals Secrets for Modern Construction

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists excavating a Pompeii site buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD uncovered Roman concrete that self-repairs.
The finding is detailed in a study published in Nature Communications.
Researchers describe a "hot mixing" method that adds quicklime to water and volcanic ash, creating lime clasts that dissolve and reform into calcium carbonate.
Admir Masic (MIT professor) says insights from this ancient method could inform modern construction for longer-lasting, low-maintenance infrastructure.

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Story summary

Archaeologists excavating a Pompeii site buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD uncovered Roman concrete that self-repairs.
The finding is detailed in a study published in Nature Communications.
Researchers describe a "hot mixing" method that adds quicklime to water and volcanic ash, creating lime clasts that dissolve and reform into calcium carbonate.
Admir Masic (MIT professor) says insights from this ancient method could inform modern construction for longer-lasting, low-maintenance infrastructure.