Startup Brings Ancient Roman Concrete Technology to Modern Construction
DMAT Develops Self-Healing Concrete that Reshapes the Future of Infrastructure
Reinventing Durability in Construction
Concrete has served as the foundation of empires for thousands of years. Today, itâs one of the most common materials in the world. However, one look at the ancient Roman concrete structures still standing suggests that ancient builders knew something about durability that we donât. Inspired by this timeless technology, a groundbreaking startup is bringing the ancient wisdom of Roman concrete to modern construction.
MIT Associate Professor Admir Masic has dedicated his career to studying ancient Roman concrete. His extensive research unveiled the secrets behind its legendary durability, including the manufacturing process that endowed it with remarkable self-healing properties. In 2021, Masic co-founded DMAT to translate those findings into a solution that improves the lifespan of contemporary concrete.
DMAT has developed a concrete additive that not only increases the lifespan of structures by 50% but also reduces CO2 emissions to just 40% of those produced by traditional concrete. The companyâs innovative products have already been deployed in various infrastructure projects across Europe, including underground water tanks and road barriers in Italy and Switzerland.
Innovation Steeped in Tradition
âWe can now offer an extremely competitively priced, self-healing product that is easy to implement and available worldwide,â Masic states. âWhatâs exciting to me is that this material could become the industry standard without requiring companies to change how they operate.â
This claim is rooted in Masic's detailed research at MIT, which employed new characterization techniques to probe the chemical makeup of ancient concrete. His findings demonstrated that when ancient Roman concrete cracks, reservoirs of calcium within it dissolve and reform to fill in the new openings. Inspired by this, DMAT developed new concrete formulations that deliberately retain calcium-rich lime clasts throughout the mix, leading to enhanced mechanical performance and durability.
Partnering with Italian entrepreneur Paolo Sabatini, DMAT began commercializing this transformative technology, ultimately crafting a substantial portfolio of proprietary solutions. As they developed their self-healing concrete, DMAT collaborated closely with company laboratories to secure essential safety and performance certifications in the European Union, ensuring their innovative solutions harmonized with existing concrete-making practices.
Concrete as an Ecosystem
âAt DMAT, we like to view concrete as an ecosystem,â explains Sabatini. âItâs critical to consider all facets of materials, transportation, pricing, and certifications to drive adoption in the industry.â By constructing a system that integrates seamlessly within the traditional marketplace, DMAT positioned itself for success.
Currently, DMAT offers additives to developers and concrete manufacturers to enhance the lifespan and performance of concrete. With a new line of ready-mix bagged mortars hitting the market, the company is set to revolutionize structural restoration practices. âWe provide customized concrete mixes tailored for individual projects while offering recipes to manufacturers that improve overall performance,â Sabatini elaborates.
The initial years focused on refining the technology and building industry relationships while securing necessary certifications for European deployment. Masic reflects proudly on their journey, stating, âWhatâs good about DMAT is that the company is truly embedded in the concrete industry. They are not merely selling an idea; they have carefully chosen projects to ensure success in delivering self-healing solutions at reasonable costs.â
DMATâs approach to self-healing concrete differentiates it from competitors that rely on more costly additives such as bacteria or polymers. Instead, DMAT has meticulously developed recipes using industry-familiar materials, setting the stage for scalabilityâan essential factor in making a significant impact in the construction sector.
Looking Towards the Future
As DMAT sets its sights on expansion in the United States, the outlook remains promising. By merging ancient wisdom with modern technology, this startup could redefine industry standards and usher in a new era of sustainable and durable construction