Modern equivalent of Roman's self-healing concrete?

[k.d.r4df0rd]

I was reading about ancient Roman concrete and how it was so durable. Apparently, it has this mix of volcanic ash and lime chunks that can react with water to heal cracks as they form, essentially making it self-healing.

That got me thinking.. has anyone seen or used a modern product that works on a similar principle? I'm curious if there's anything on the market that's designed to automatically fill in hairline cracks. What kind of applications do you think something like this would be useful for and appropriate? I'm imagining it could be a game-changer for anything from foundations to retaining walls where constant exposure to moisture is a factor. Any insights or product recommendations would be great!

 

[Santi206]

This tech is new and still changing, but it's already in use in some trial projects globally. As it gets cheaper and more people start using it, then it could totally change how we build in wet places.

 

[TheStoneBuilder]

I was reading about ancient Roman concrete and how it was so durable. Apparently, it has this mix of volcanic ash and lime chunks that can react with water to heal cracks as they form, essentially making it self-healing.

That got me thinking.. has anyone seen or used a modern product that works on a similar principle? I'm curious if there's anything on the market that's designed to automatically fill in hairline cracks. What kind of applications do you think something like this would be useful for and appropriate? I'm imagining it could be a game-changer for anything from foundations to retaining walls where constant exposure to moisture is a factor. Any insights or product recommendations would be great!

I think the closest modern equivalent is bio-concrete or microbial self-healing concrete, like the commercially available Basilisk products. Instead of the Roman's quicklime chunks, this material embeds dormant, limestone-producing bacteria. When a crack forms and water enters, the bacteria activate, precipitate calcium carbonate or limestone, and essentially self-seal the crack. Another product type uses crystalline admixtures that react with moisture to grow sealing crystals. I agree that this technology can be a game-changer for reducing maintenance and extending service life! Think foundations, bridge decks, tunnels, and marine structures!