Role of cement in improving concrete durability

The role of cement in improving concrete durability is complex. Generally the role played by cement is secondary to the role of concrete mix design and curing. Some of these interacting effects are illustrated by discussing the roles of calcium hydroxide, and of C3A and ettringite on durability. It is important to understand these interactions better to support the improvement in cement sustainability through the increasing use of supplementary cementiting materials in blended cements.