What is hydration of cement ? Discuss the reactions that take place between cement compounds and water.
Hydration Of Cement :- Anhydrous cement does not bind fine and coarse aggregate it acquires adhesive property only when mixed with water. The chemical reaction that takes place between cement and water is referred to as hydration of cement.
C₃S + H₂O 
– C - S – H + Ca(OH)₂
Hydrated calcium silicate
Gel structure
(more gel structure results in more strength)
The cement compound when mixed with water forms (C – S – H)( Gel structure) which leads to stiffening of paste. More gel structure results in rapid evolution of heat and early stiffening of paste cause early strength of concrete.
