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
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.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.