Which structural limitation constrained Roman concrete fortifications against complete coastal submersion?

💡 Explanation

When submerged, hydrostatic pore pressure within the concrete increases because the pores and microcracks are filled with water, leading to tensile stress exceeding concrete's tensile strength and causing cracking. Therefore, hydrostatic pressure matters, rather than aggregate dissolution, steel corrosion (which wasn't yet a widespread feature), or pozzolan deficiency which addresses chemical degradation.

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