Roman Concrete

• Roman Concrete was manufactured from 150 BCE onwards. The Romans created a two types of concrete, one durable and the other waterproof by mixing Pozzolana sand with Lime.
• Using this concrete they were then able to construct Buildings, Bridges, Domes, Docks and underwater Moles.

Ingredients

• Pozzolana from the volcanic sandbeds of Pozzuoli (Puteoli), and  Lime were mixed to form concrete.

Vitruvius

• Structural Lime Mortar
  • Vitruvius recommended 1 part lime to 3 parts Pozzolana for creating structural Lime Mortar.
• Underwater Lime Mortar
  • He also recommended 1 part lime to 2 parts Pozzolana for underwater construction (The same ratio in use today).

The Pantheon

• Concrete was used in the construction of the world’s largest Domed roof on the Pantheon in Rome.

Harbour Moles

• The Harbour Moles at Dover, Portus, Caesarea Maritima and other locations were made with Roman concrete.

The Concrete Dome of the Pantheon