Hydration
The term hydration refers to the process of absorbing water, in terms of construction this can refer to processes relating to materials but also biologoical processes in humans, specifically construction workers.
In terms of materials hydrated (lime) is used to describe non-hydraulic lime powder 'which is used in modern cement/lime/sand mortars. It is important to distinguish between this and hydraulic Lime which is the material most commonly used in lime mortar mixes in repair work.’ (Short Guide: Traditional Scottish Brickwork). The Low Carbon Concrete Routemap, Setting the agenda for a path to net zero, draft for consultation published by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2021, defines hydration as: ‘The chemical reaction between cement and water that causes concrete or other cement-based materials to harden.’
Hydration can also be used with reference to construction in terms of the health and well-being of construction workers. The European Food Safety Authority recommends a water intake for men is around 2.5 litres per day and a daily water intake for women of 2 litres. See the article Survey reveals nearly two-thirds of construction workers risk dangers of dehydration.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Cast-in-place concrete.
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- Cement mortar.
- Climate change.
- Concrete vs. steel.
- Concrete.
- Decarbonising concrete in the UK.
- Health in the built environment.
- Hempcrete.
- Hydraulic lime.
- Non-hydraulic lime.
- Portland cement.
- Precast concrete.
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- Survey reveals nearly two-thirds of construction workers risk dangers of dehydration
- The properties of concrete.
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