What is the typical process that allows cement to harden called?

The typical process that allows cement to harden is known as hydration. During hydration, water reacts chemically with the components of the cement to form a solid structure. This process not only leads to the hardening of the cement but also contributes to the development of strength and durability in concrete.

When water is added to cement, a series of reactions begins that transforms the wet mixture into a hardened mass. The hydration products, primarily calcium silicate hydrate, are responsible for the strength of concrete. This process can continue for many years, as cement can keep reacting with water, leading to further changes in its properties.

In contrast, other terms like mixing refer to the initial combination of cement, water, and aggregates, while curing pertains to the maintenance of adequate moisture and temperature to ensure proper hydration occurs over time. Admixtures are substances added to the mix to alter properties such as workability, strength, or curing time, rather than being a fundamental part of the hardening process itself. Thus, hydration specifically captures the chemical transformation that is crucial to cement hardening.