We propose a heterogeneous reaction-diffusion model for the hydration and setting of cement. The model is based on diffusional ion transport and on cement-specific chemical dissolution–precipitation reactions under spatial heterogeneous solid-liquid conditions. We simulate the spatial and temporal evolution of precipitated microstructures starting from initial random configurations of anhydrous cement particles. Though the simulations have been performed for two dimensional systems, we are able to reproduce qualitatively basic features of the cement hydration problem. The proposed model is also applicable to general water-mineral systems. © 1996 The American Physical Society.

• Received 4 August 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.53.2629