Cement of the Past and Present: Concrete Innovations for the Future

Abstract

Concrete, the most extensively used material in construction, continues to evolve significantly. Today's concrete is no longer just a basic blend of cement, water, and aggregates—it increasingly incorporates mineral additives, chemical admixtures, fibers, and other advanced components. While conventional infrastructure applications will remain the dominant market for concrete, specialized or "à la carte" smart concretes are also gaining traction in niche sectors.

The emergence of these smart concretes is driven by advancements in concrete science, innovations in admixture technology, and the use of cutting-edge instruments that allow detailed analysis of concrete at both micro and nano scales. Interestingly, modern cements are not necessarily superior to those produced 30 or 40 years ago. High concentrations of C3S (tricalcium silicate) and C3A (tricalcium aluminate), along with elevated Blaine fineness, are no longer essential for producing high early-strength concrete. Instead, reducing the water-to-cement or water-to-binder ratio is key to achieving high strength.