Why was Roman concrete so durable?
Chemistry might be important, but we don't necessarily need that deep of an analysis.<p>Romans didn't mind over-engineering with massive, inefficient structures. They didn't worry about complex/thin shapes, or any tensile elements. No rebar, no "piping" cement, etc. And they could put up with extremely long cure times.<p>The end result is very, very dense concrete.<p>We could probably recreate the durability of their concrete if we were actually willing to put up with the compromises they represent.<p><a href="https://practical.engineering/blog/2019/3/9/was-roman-concrete-better" rel="nofollow">https://practical.engineering/blog/2019/3/9/was-roman-concre...</a>