  We propose a heterogeneous reaction-diffusion model for the hydration and
setting of cement. The model is based on diffusional ion transport and on
cement specific chemical dissolution/precipitation reactions under spatial
heterogeneous solid/liquid conditions. We simulate the spatial and temporal
evolution of precipitated micro structures starting from initial random
configurations of anhydrous cement particles. Though the simulations have been
performed for two dimensional systems, we are able to reproduce qualitatively
basic features of the cement hydration problem. The proposed model is also
applicable to general water/mineral systems.
