The aim of this review article is to examine solutions and challenges associated with composite construction. Structural steel and concrete, each of the two materials can be used to its best advantage and, therefore, composite structures have proved economical in terms of overall cost. Combination of steel and concrete systems has been conceived on the premises that each type of construction of...

For many concretes and mortars, self-desiccation results in the creation of empty capillary porosity within the cement paste microstructure, accompanied by a decrease in achieved hydration, an increase in internal stresses, and an increased propensity for early age cracking. One solution to this problem for low water-to-cement ratio concretes where external curing is ineffective has been the de...

The influence of cement fineness on early-age properties of cement-based materials is investigated using a variety of experimental techniques. Properties that are critical to the earlyage performance of these materials are tested, including heat release, temperature rise, chemical shrinkage and autogenous deformation. Measurements of these properties for two cements of widely different fineness...

Cracking is a major concern in building applications. Cracks may arise from shrinkage, freeze/thawing and/or structural stresses, amongst others. Several solutions can be found but superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) seem to be interesting to counteract these problems. At an early age, the absorbed water by the SAPs may be used to mitigate autogenous and plastic shrinkage. The formed macro pores may...