Journal article
Mortar studies towards the replication of roman concrete
H Goldsworthy, Z Min
Archaeometry | Published : 2009
Abstract
The use of strong and durable materials is one essential ingredient leading to the survival of many monumental Roman concrete structures. Replicated concrete mortars with different lime to pozzolan ratios, encompassing the range likely to have been used by the Romans, have been studied here to determine their relative compressive strengths as a function of time. This has been supplemented by the use of the scanning electron microscope to delve into the structure and composition of the binders formed within the strongest and weakest mortars, leading to a deeper understanding of the reasons for the differences in compressive strength. © University of Oxford, 2008.
Grants
Funding Acknowledgements
This research has been made possible through a Discovery Grant from the Australia Research Council. The pozzolana used in this research was generously supplied by the firm Pozzolana Flegrea S.r.l. in Bacoli. Similarly, the quicklime was supplied by Laurie Hammer from Adelaide Brighton Cement Ltd. We would also like to acknowledge Grant Rivett in the Structures Lab of the University of Melbourne for his assistance with the mortar testing.