MIT News breed · Wetenschap

Startup Revives Ancient Roman Concrete for Modern Construction

A startup named Dmat is commercializing a new concrete additive inspired by ancient Roman technology, aiming to significantly increase the lifespan of modern concrete structures and reduce environmental impact.

Ancient Roman concrete structures have demonstrated remarkable durability, a quality that modern construction has struggled to match. MIT Associate Professor Admir Masic's research into Roman concrete revealed manufacturing processes that endowed it with self-healing properties.

Masic co-founded Dmat in 2021 to apply these findings. The company has developed an additive that reportedly extends concrete structure lifespans by 50 percent and reduces CO2 emissions by 60 percent compared to traditional concrete. This technology has already been used in European infrastructure projects like water tanks and road barriers, with plans for U.S. expansion.

Masic explained that the material is competitively priced, self-healing, and easy to implement, potentially becoming an industry standard without requiring operational changes. The technology is based on ancient Roman methods, offering a tested foundation for modern applications.

Masic's research involved analyzing the chemical makeup of ancient concrete and studying well-preserved sites. A 2023 study demonstrated that when ancient Roman concrete cracks, calcium-rich components recrystallize to fill the cracks. Dmat's formulation incorporates this principle by using calcium-rich lime clasts.

The findings from this research formed the basis for Dmat, which Masic launched with entrepreneur Paolo Sabatini. Dmat has since developed proprietary technology, secured EU certifications, and ensured its solution integrates with modern concrete-making practices. Sabatini emphasized the importance of fitting the solution within the existing industry ecosystem, considering factors like transportation and price.

Dmat supplies additives for concrete and mortar to developers and manufacturers, enhancing material lifespan and performance. They also offer ready-mix bagged mortars for structural restoration and provide customized concrete mix recipes. The company works across the supply chain, collaborating with developers, architects, and construction companies.

The initial years of Dmat were focused on technology development, industry relationship building, and obtaining necessary certifications for European deployment. Masic highlighted that Dmat is deeply integrated into the concrete industry, providing a proven product rather than just an idea, and has carefully selected projects to ensure successful implementation without significant added cost.

Unlike other self-healing concretes that use more expensive or less familiar additives like bacteria or polymers, Dmat utilizes materials more familiar to the industry. This approach, combined with the potential for scalability, is crucial given concrete's status as the world's most produced material and its significant contribution to global CO2 emissions.

Masic expressed the profound nature of ancient builders engineering self-healing materials without modern chemistry. He stated that his research and work with Dmat aim to improve the modern built environment by applying historical lessons to contemporary challenges.

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