2,000 years ago, ancient Roman engineers were building structures that have withstood the test of time remarkably well, many of which remain standing today. At the heart of their success lies a mystery: what were the secrets of ancient Roman concrete that made these buildings so durable?
Now, MIT researchers are drawing from this curiously durable technology of the ancient world to help them develop modern building materials that can last longer, and potentially even reduce the carbon footprint of modern construction—all while managing to self-repair itself by healing small cracks.
