Manufacture/Construction Methods and Processing of Cementitious Composites

Cementitious composites, including cement paste, mortar, concrete, and strain-hardening cementitious composites (among others), play a pivotal role in modern construction due to their adaptability, durability, and mechanical performance. In fact, they are the most widely used man-made material in the world, without which today’s built environment would be unimaginable. To cover their wide variety and different practices of their implementation, this chapter examines their manufacturing and construction methods, starting with fundamental compositions of cement paste and mortar and progressing to normal-strength, lightweight, recycled aggregate, high-performance, fiber-reinforced, roller-compacted, self-compacting, and strain-hardening cementitious composites. It explores traditional production techniques, such as on-site batching and mixing, transport and placement methods, compaction, and curing, as well as precast element fabrication and finishing processes. Additionally, the chapter delves into advanced methods like 3D printing, enabling novel design freedom and automation. By covering both established practices and emerging innovations, it provides a comprehensive overview that supports sustainable, efficient, and high-quality construction, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners.