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Ancient architectural wonders: How to create strong cement from volcanic ash and lime?
Cement, a chemical substance that acts as a binder in buildings, is an important cornerstone of human civilization, both in ancient and modern times. The birth of cement originated in ancient Rome, when architects discovered that mixing volcanic ash (commonly known as pozzolana) with limestone (lime with calcium oxide) could create a strong building material. This discovery opened up a whole new field of building materials. .
“The term cement can be traced back to the ancient Roman term opus caementicium, which was used to describe masonry structures similar to modern concrete.”
According to archaeologists, it can be traced back to about 2,500 years ago when the ancient Romans discovered the importance of this bonding material when building cities. They used local volcanic ash and lime to create a strong composite material that was used to build famous buildings such as the Roman Amphitheater and the Pantheon. The lightweight and high-strength properties of cement have enabled ancient Roman architecture to stand the test of time and still stand today.
The raw materials of cement are based on two main components: hydraulic cement and non-hydraulic cement. Hydraulic cements, such as Boston cement, react chemically with water to produce mineral hydrates, which allows them to harden in water or humid environments, while non-hydraulic cements rely on reacting with carbon dioxide in the air to harden.
“Ancient Roman engineers used volcanic ash as the main ingredient in cement, which not only hardened underwater but also improved its resistance to corrosion.”
The use of volcanic ash was a major innovation in ancient Roman architecture. This natural particle formed by volcanic eruptions is highly reactive and when mixed with lime can form a strong bond that is more durable than traditional materials. Research shows that pozzolana, the volcanic ash often used in ancient Roman architecture, came from a small town in present-day Italy. The volcanic ash here reacts with lime to form a hydraulic cement, which allows ancient buildings to be firmly established in water.
Interestingly, this isn't just an invention of modern humans. The use of cement and similar materials is also common in ancient civilizations around the world, especially Mayan culture and ancient Egyptian structures. In ancient Egypt, architects used mortar made from sand and gypsum powder to bind stones and bricks together.
"The development of various architectural techniques in ancient civilizations shows the wisdom of human beings in utilizing natural resources."
With the advancement of engineering technology, the cement manufacturing process has undergone many improvements. In the 19th century, Joseph Aspindine of England came up with the concept of Portland cement, a material named for its color similar to English Portland stone. Subsequently, this cement, which is mainly made of limestone, quickly became the mainstream in modern engineering construction. In addition, Aspindine's son accidentally produced new calcium silicates during the manufacturing process, which further promoted the development of Portland cement.
As time goes by, the use of cement is no longer limited to building structures, but has even extended to many fields such as three-dimensional art and large public facilities. The use of cement is no longer limited to concrete, but is integrated into the combination of different legumes and polymers, making its performance more powerful and diverse.
Despite its ubiquitous use in construction, cement production is also a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions. According to reports, about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from cement production, which reminds us that while pursuing architectural modernization, we must also consider environmental sustainability.
"As technology advances, cement, an ancient material, will continue to evolve in future buildings and become a more environmentally friendly and efficient choice."
Overall, ancient cement technology, which began with the combination of volcanic ash and lime, demonstrates human wisdom and creativity in the face of challenges. As the times evolve, cement production technology has been constantly updated and continues to play a key role in modern construction. As humans continue to pursue a higher quality of life, how will cement continue to evolve to meet future needs?
