Cement and Concrete: Chemistry Becomes Structure
Connect hydration, porosity, aggregates and reinforcement to long-term concrete performance.
Hydration builds the binder
Cement reacts with water to form binding phases. Water-to-cement ratio strongly controls capillary porosity and strength.
A composite at several scales
Concrete combines paste, aggregate, interfaces, pores and often steel reinforcement. Each scale contributes to cracking and transport.
Durability mechanisms
Chloride ingress, carbonation, sulfate attack, freeze–thaw and alkali–silica reaction can limit life.
Curing and placement
Temperature, moisture, compaction and finishing affect hydration, shrinkage and defect formation.
Engineering takeaway
Specify durability exposure, curing and transport properties—not compressive strength alone.