  This paper studies the evolution of internal damage in fresh cement mortar
over the 25 hours of hardening. In situ timelapse X-ray computed
micro-tomography ({\mu}XCT) imaging method was used to detect internal damage
and capture its evolution in cement hydration. During {\mu}XCT scans, the
hydration heat was measured, which provided insight for the internal damage
evolution with a link to hydration heat development. The measured hydration
heat was compared with an analytical prediction, which showed a relatively good
agreement with the experimental data. Using 20 CT scans acquired throughout the
observed cement hydration, it was possible to obtain a quantified
characterisation of the porous space. Additionally, the use of timelapse
{\mu}XCT imaging over 25 hours allowed to study the crack growth inside of the
meso-structure including its volume and surface. Observed results provide
valuable insights to cement mortar shrinkage.
