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.
- Cellular concrete.
- 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.
- Prestressed concrete.
- Recycled concrete aggregate RCA.
- Survey reveals nearly two-thirds of construction workers risk dangers of dehydration
- The properties of concrete.
- Types of concrete.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.

















