HERE’S A NEW CEMENTING MATERIAL INSPIRED BY THE ROMAN EMPIRE’S ANCIENT CONCRETE

 HERE’S A NEW CEMENTING MATERIAL INSPIRED BY THE ROMAN EMPIRE’S ANCIENT CONCRETE

Who says that if a technology is already old, then it’s obsolete? The truth is, some “old” technologies are timeless. They endure because they were born of necessity, perfected by experience, and rooted in natural wisdom. Sometimes, it’s not about reinventing the wheel — it’s about rediscovering how the ancients made it roll so smoothly.

One of history’s most enduring technologies comes from the mighty Roman Empire — its ancient concrete. Consider this: the Pantheon in Rome, built nearly 2,000 years ago, still stands with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, while many modern structures crack and crumble in less than a century. That’s not just impressive; it’s humbling.

Recently, a company in British Columbia called Progressive Planet announced it has developed a new material called Gladiator SCM (Supplementary Cementing Material), inspired by the strength and longevity of Roman concrete. They even filed for a U.S. patent for its composition. Their scientists combined PozGlass, a recycled-glass additive, with other natural materials to create a cementing blend that promises high durability and low carbon emissions — a perfect example of ancient wisdom meeting modern sustainability.

The company’s press release proudly notes that the name “Gladiator” pays tribute to Roman resilience. It’s also symbolic — a battle cry in the global fight against climate change and poor construction practices.

Now here’s my question: why can’t we in the Philippines pursue something similar?

Cement, Corruption, and Crumbling Roads

It’s no secret that many public works projects in the Philippines have been plagued by substandard materials and construction shortcuts — often victims of corruption and negligence. Every typhoon season, we see newly built roads washed out, bridges collapsing, and school buildings reduced to rubble.

In contrast, Roman roads, aqueducts, and ports — built without modern machines — have survived earthquakes and erosion for millennia. Their secret was a volcanic ingredient called pozzolana, which chemically reacted with lime and seawater to make their concrete self-healing. Today, Progressive Planet’s Gladiator SCM uses similar chemistry, but enhanced by recycled glass and scientific precision.

If we could bring such materials here, imagine how much stronger and greener our infrastructure could be. Why not require sustainable SCMs in public construction? This could reduce carbon emissions, improve longevity, and cut down on maintenance costs.

According to the International Energy Agency, cement production accounts for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions — more than aviation fuel. Using SCMs like Gladiator could cut that by up to 40%, depending on the mix. That’s a big deal for climate adaptation in a country like ours, where rising sea levels and stronger typhoons are becoming the new normal.

Rediscovering the Past to Build the Future

What fascinates me most about this development is how science keeps circling back to history. The Romans didn’t have advanced laboratories or AI-driven modeling — they simply observed nature and built with it, not against it. They mixed volcanic ash with lime and seawater, unknowingly creating a “living” material that grew stronger over time.

Modern scientists, through X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, are now finding out why Roman concrete was so resilient. When cracks formed, the unreacted lime particles would dissolve in rainwater and recrystallize, effectively sealing the cracks — an early form of self-healing cement.

Progressive Planet’s Gladiator SCM takes that same idea — durability through chemistry — and pushes it into the sustainability age. They’ve even brought in Dr. Gerhard Albrecht, a world-renowned polymer scientist formerly with BASF, to perfect the formula. If that’s not a fusion of old and new genius, I don’t know what is.

A Call to Build Smarter, Not Just Faster

Here in the Philippines, our obsession with fast construction often comes at the expense of quality. We rush to meet project deadlines, pour concrete in the rain, skip curing times, and use the cheapest materials available. Then we spend twice as much repairing the damage later.

It’s time to rethink our approach. Instead of cutting corners, let’s cut carbon. Instead of pouring more cement, let’s pour smarter cement.

Imagine if DPWH or local governments partnered with universities and companies like Progressive Planet to pilot SCM-based materials in public works — starting with schools, barangay halls, or flood control systems. It could create jobs, attract green investment, and most importantly, save taxpayer money in the long run.

If ancient Rome could build monuments that outlast empires, surely a modern republic like ours can build roads that last more than a few rainy seasons.

In the End, the Lesson is Simple

Not all progress means abandoning the past. Sometimes, progress means looking back with humility and saying, “They got it right.”

The Romans built for eternity; we are building for election cycles. It’s time to change that. Let’s take inspiration from Gladiator SCM — and from the ancients who knew that real strength doesn’t just come from power, but from patience, precision, and purpose.

Because in the end, it’s not just about cementing structures — it’s about cementing values: honesty, sustainability, and respect for the future.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-08-2026