Concrete: From Roman to 3D Printing

(3 Credits)

Concrete is the most consumed material on Earth after water, yet a major contributor to global CO2 emissions. Despite modern advancements in cement and concrete technologies, the remarkable durability of ancient Roman concrete - used in structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum, which have lasted millennia - continues to outperform modern concrete. Can lessons from Roman concrete help us balance durability with the urgent need for sustainability in modern construction, including innovations such as 3D concrete printing? Through field visits in Rome to historic concrete sites and modern landmarks like the MAXXI Museum, along with hands-on work at one of Italy’s largest 3D concrete printing facilities, students will examine the engineering, environmental, and economic implications of concrete throughout its evolution. They will research contemporary efforts to create more sustainable alternatives, including recycled materials and low-carbon binders. For their final projects, students will reimagine concrete structures using 3D printing and other emerging technologies, analyzing their potential to reduce construction time, material waste, and carbon emissions.