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
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.