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 and news
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”