Which mechanical effect contributed most to leakage reduction in Roman aqueducts' opus signinum lining?

💡 Explanation

When calcium-rich water permeated opus signinum, crystal growth of calcium carbonate occurred within the pores because of the lime mixed in and reacted with aggregates. This reduces permeability. Therefore crystal infilling reduced leakage, rather than compaction, hydration, or air entrapment, which provide less effective blockage.

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