A hydration model of Portland cement using the work of Powers and Brownyard

Abstract

This book addresses the hydration of ordinary portland cement, the principal hydraulic binder used in building and civil engineering. More specifically the composition of the cement paste as well as the individual chemical reactions of the four major clinker phases and calcium sulfates with water are dealt with. The water needed for the hydration, and the type and quantity of hydration products formed are discussed in detail. The underlying information on chemical shrinkage and water binding is taken from the classic work by Powers and Brownyard (1948). Fundamental properties, such as the chemical and microstructural aspects are discussed. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the composition of cement paste and relating it to the composition of the cement and the water binder ratio involved