Startup brings ancient Roman concrete technology to modern construction

August 19, 2026 - 11:34

A new startup is taking a page from the history books to solve a very modern problem. The company, Dmat, is turning research from an MIT laboratory into a commercial product that could change how we build. The idea comes from the work of Admir Masic, a professor who has spent years studying the secret behind the incredible durability of ancient Roman structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

The key is a special additive that Dmat is now producing. When mixed into standard concrete, this ingredient helps the material heal its own micro-cracks over time. This simple change has a big effect. Structures built with the additive are expected to last about 50 percent longer than those made with traditional concrete. That longer lifespan also means less frequent repairs and fewer full-scale rebuilds, which is a major win for both budgets and the environment.

The environmental benefit is just as important. Concrete production is a huge source of carbon dioxide, but Dmat says its technology cuts emissions down to just 40 percent of what a conventional mix would produce. That is because the longer-lasting material reduces the need for new batches of cement, which is the most polluting part of the process. The company is now working to scale up production and bring the additive to large construction firms. If it catches on, the same recipe that held the Roman Empire together might help build a greener future.