What is Heat of Hydration in cement paste?
When cement is mixed with water, calcium silicates react with the cement producing a gel like calcium silicates hydrate and Calcium hydroxide is called “Hydration of cement paste”. This hydration Reaction is an exothermic reaction which means heat is liberated. This is called heat of hydration in cement paste. The quantity of heat liberated in quite Appreciable and due consideration to be taken while making mass concrete construction. During cooling of the concrete after hydration reaction, cracks can develop due to thermal gradients if enough design consideration are not taken care.
