Solidification (building material)

Cement grains during the solidification phase

The solidification (outdated setting ) is the second phase of hydration and represents the defined increase in viscosity of cement paste due to water binding (storage of crystal water ) in concrete or mortar . In this phase, which must begin after one hour at the earliest (phase of setting ), solidifies the cement paste over a period of twelve hours. This is followed by the hardening phase until the building material has reached its standard strength after 28 days. The hardening is not yet complete after the 28 days have elapsed and continues.

It should be noted that concrete or mortar that has already set must no longer be used. If this happens anyway, hydration can no longer take place completely and the building material cannot achieve the required standard strength. It is therefore important to observe the processing time of the building material. Depending on the requirements of the construction work, the addition of additives can delay or accelerate the setting of the concrete .

Note:
The process described has nothing in common with solidification in physics or a rock melt. The former corresponds to the freezing of liquids, the latter usually occurs through the crystallization of minerals in the magma.

Individual evidence

1. ^ Research Society for Roads and Transport: Definitions, part: Road construction technology . FGSV Verlag, Cologne 2003, p. 53 .
2. ^ Hansjörg Frey: Structural engineering - specialist knowledge of construction . Europa-Lehrmittel Verlag, Haan-Gruiten 2003, ISBN 3-8085-4460-0 , p. 284 .