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Progress of
2.4 HYDRATION OF CEMENT cement
2.4.1 The Hydration Reaction hydration
2.4.2 Volume products of hydration

Cement Hydration
Gel pores 0.005 nm Capillary pores 10 nm
Hydration of PFA
PFA reacts with the lime produced
by the hydration of cement to give more
hydration products - reducing the voids
and lowering the permeability.

Heat of Hydration
The need for Gypsum
If pure C3A is mixed with water the reaction
leads to uncontrolled setting. To prevent this
Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate CaSO4.2H2O) is
added to the cement clinker. This reacts with
the C3A to form insoluble calcium
sulphoaluminate, but eventually tricalcium
aluminate hydrate is formed.

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Definitions (conventions for

cement and concrete)
Bulk volume: The overall volume defined by the Effect of
outer dimensions of the sample w/c on
Net volume:The volume of solids (excluding pores)
Density: The mass divided by the bulk volume permeability
Specific Gravity: The mass divided by the net
volume
Porosity: Volume of Pores
Bulk Volume
= Bulk Volume - Net Volume
Bulk Volume
Units: 1m3 = 1000 litres (l)

Pore size 2.4 HYDRATION OF CEMENT

distribution
2.4.1 The Hydration Reaction
2.4.2 Volume products of hydration

Section 2.4 Question 1

Volumes in litres
NOTE THAT THE TOTAL VOLUME IS CONSTANT
When mixed Part Hydrated More Hydrated
Cement Cement
Cement 0.127 0.063
0.317
Hydrated Hydrated
cement cement
0.35 0.465
Water
0.4 Pores Pores
0.24 0.19