The intial defects induced at early age of concrete hardening: thermal strains, shrinkage, creep and the associated risks of cracking are one of the governing factors for long-term performance of concrete. Proposing a simplified but intergrated scenario of concrete life cycle simulation method, this book examines and explains the vast amount of experimental observations related to hardening concrete using a common set of physical laws. The methods used focus on the three primary processes common to the development of all cementitious materials: hydration, moisture transport and structure formation.

The authors describe an intergrated theoretical and computational platform from which to examine and assess the quality and structural durability of concrete at an early age. This represents a new approach to the problem of evaluating durability performance and presents a practical methodology for researchers and practitioners in the field of concrete technology. The proposed scheme may be used in practical computational simulation methods, with the relevant software available on the Internet, and is a valuable guide to those engaged in concrete design.