Hydration reaction of concrete

This chapter discusses the hydration reaction of concrete. It provides an understanding of this phenomenon and its consequences.

In 1818, Louis Vicat developed his theory on the hydraulic properties of cement, thereby triggering its industrial boom. However, the Romans were already familiar with and used a mixture of lime and volcanic ash from Pozzuoli with water, which set and hardened over time. This hydration process is exothermic and can therefore generate, particularly in massive structures such as engineering works, thermomechanical stresses and/or pathologies developed as a result of temperature rise, i.e., internal sulfate reaction (ISR). Various solutions can be used to reduce this heating, either in the cement or in the concrete mix design.

This chapter presents a summary of current knowledge on the cement hydration process and...