Structure of Cement and Concrete

The complete structure of cement and concrete is described, i.e., from the structure of the anhydrous cement particles and other reactive additives to the process of hydration and the structure of the hardened paste. It suffices to know the structure of the hardened cement paste, more specifically how it is contained within the structure of concrete where the cement binds together a complex heterogeneous conglomerate of aggregates. The different porosity of the lightweight materials has a significant effect on the flow of water at the cement-aggregate interface. For the high strength concrete, however, it is not sufficient to limit the porosity originating from the particle grading, but also the fine porosity in the cement matrix should be reduced as much as possible. Portland cement, the most widely applied hydraulic cement, consists mainly of lime, but contains argillaceous impurities.