Posted on 05/14/2009 3:15:11 AM PDT by decimon
Sandy ash produced by a volcano that erupted 456,000 years ago might have helped a huge ancient Roman complex survive intact for nearly 2,000 years despite three earthquakes, according to research presented last week in Rome.
X-ray analysis of a wall sample from the Trajan's Market ruins in Rome showed that the mortars used by ancient Romans contained stratlingite, a mineral known to strengthen modern cements.
"It is the first time that stratlingite is recognized in ancient mortars," Lucrezia Ungaro, the Trajan Forum archaeological chief, told Discovery News. "This is amazing, and shows the technical expertise of Roman builders."
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
I don't know. And I don't want to know what "alludung" is. ;-)
'Pozzolith' could mean something or it could be just a convenient trade name.
Your professor was right, and it's been known for quite some time.
Volcanic ash and stone was used in the concrete used to make roman fish pens.
The ash's addition makes a "hydraulic" cement, capable of setting under water.
There was also a roman governor in ancient Israel that used the same hydraulic concrete to build massive docks and seawalls in a city called (IIRC) "Ceasaeria".. (sp?)
Romans also added wheat flour to their mortars and cements.
The gluten creates a glue that helped the mortar / cement to bond more firmly to the stones used to build walls.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea_Maritima
Scroll down to the chapter on the harbor.
Is that perhaps like “alludung are belong to us”?
Alludung is raining on us.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.