Main Feature 3: Concrete
One of the major contributions made to architecture ever was by the Romans. They created cement that was stronger than any before, for they enhanced the cement made by other civilisations thus making it stronger. Their concrete was cheaper and better, and is the main reason why Roman architecture endured for so long. It was used in the majority of Roman constructions like sewers, baths, reservoirs, and buildings.
The name for Roman concrete was opus caementicium [o-pus see-men-tic-ee-um], and it was made of lime, water, a special mortar called caementa [see-ment-a], and volcanic ash sand (pozzolana). The city of Ancient Rome did not possess much ordinary sand that was used in the cement of other civilisations, so because volcanic sand was abundant in their city, they used it instead. It was indeed this volcanic ash sand that produced such superior, strong concrete.
When Roman concrete was made it was first poured into layers at a time then laid out evenly. It was then crushed together with a tool called a tamp.The concrete was poured between two stone or brick walls/faces and then using a process called shuttering with timber, they were able to make molds of the desired shape using the concrete. At the end of the page is the video “The Story of Roman Empire (Full BBC documentary)” that explains the method during 31:01 minutes till 31:21 minutes (so just scroll to 31:01 seconds of the video) .
Roman cement was a very vital contribution to the field of architecture. It produced Ancient Rome’s famous, greatest, and best still standing today monuments and buildings like The Pantheon. But Ancient Roman concrete is not only regarded or superior because of its strength. Ancient Roman concrete was hydraulic meaning it could even be used underwater. This is the secret to how they created their baths and sewers.
There were many different ways Roman Concrete was used. Though the main three were:
1. Opus Incertum
2. Opus Reticulatum
3. Opus Testaceum
A technique or method where irregular shaped tuff blocks were randomly placed into the core of the building which was made of Opus Caementicium (Roman Concrete).
A technique or method where diamond-shaped tuff block were diagonally placed longways into the core of the building which was made of Opus Caementicium (Roman Concrete).
A technique or method where fired bricks where placed horizontally into the core of the building which was made of Opus Caementicium (Roman Concrete).