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	Podcast:		Short Wave
	Episode:		Rome wasn't built in a day, but they sure had strong concrete
	Category:		Science & Medicine
	Duration:		00:13:12
	Publish Date:		2023-03-06 05:10:33
	Description:		The Roman Colosseum is a giant, oval amphitheater built almost two thousand years ago. Despite its age and a 14th century earthquake that knocked down the south side of the colosseum, most of the 150-some foot building is still standing. Like many ancient Roman structures, parts of it were constructed using a specific type of concrete. Scientists and engineers have long suspected a key to these buildings' durability is their use of this Roman concrete. But exactly how this sturdy concrete has contributed to the architecture's strength has been a mystery to researchers across the globe. A team of interdisciplinary researchers have recently discovered one answer to why these ancient Roman buildings have weathered the test of time — while many modern, concrete structures seem to crumble after a few decades. The answer: self-healing concrete. Curious about other new discoveries or potential climate solutions scientists are researching? Email us at ShortWave@NPR.org.
	Total Play:		0

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