PlaCe ITN ESR10 “From Roman to Green cement: Technological developments and social aspects"

ESR10 will explore the influence of different cultures on the architecture and mortar technology in the eastern Mediterranean region, aiming to compare and evaluate the development of building techniques and technological solutions chosen by craftspeople through time. It will focus on the interpretation of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of mortars produced through the centuries (e.g. changes from pure lime and lime/ pozzolan mortars to the systematic production of Roman cement, Cocciopesto, and the later introduction of modern cement). The investigation will take into account respective social contexts, material use and initial performance requirements, along with potential cultural interactions and imported technological solutions. The project will study durability and performance characteristics of mortars from different structures and uses, in different environmental/ weathering contexts, as well as particular phenomena of historic hydraulic mortars such as self-healing. The latter is of particular importance for modern industry and the production of compatible conservation mortars and cement composites with self-healing properties. The project aims to highlight the social aspects that motivated the technological evolution of mortars from the Roman Concrete and Kourasani (Cocciopesto) to the industrial production of modern cement. It also seeks to highlight the characteristics of historic concrete and the potential influence of other pyrotechnical processes (e.g. ceramic, metallurgical) in cement production. Finally, it aims to take advantage from traditional building crafts and building technology towards the sustainable conservation of architectural heritage.