ABSTRACT
Concrete is an inorganic composite material formed, in its simplest form, from a simple reactive binder, an inert filler, and water. In reality, modern concrete is a complex material typically made of a form of hydraulic cement, fine and course aggregate, mineral and chemical admixtures, and mix water. The structural properties of plain concrete depend primarily on the chemical reactions between the cement, water and other mix constituents, as well as on the spatial distribution and homogeneity of the concrete components. The chemistry, structure, and mechanical performance of the products of the hydration reactions in concrete are, in turn, influenced by the production processes and the environmental conditions prevailing during the production of concrete. Thus, in designing concrete for service in a specific environment, not only the concrete materials per se, but also the processing techniques and environments of use have to be taken into account. This fact is sometimes neglected in engineering practice.
