This text investigates the fundamental chemical processes that lead to the degradation of cement-based materials in various environmental conditions. Authors J. F. Young and K. L. Scrivener, both recognized experts in cement chemistry and materials science, synthesize decades of research to explain how internal and external chemical reactions compromise the structural integrity of concrete. The book provides a rigorous framework for understanding the kinetics of hydration, leaching, and sulfate attack, offering a scientific basis for predicting the service life of infrastructure.

Reader & Expert Consensus: Experts in civil engineering and materials science frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for understanding the long-term durability of concrete structures. Readers often note the high academic density of the prose, which is intended for researchers and advanced practitioners in the field of construction materials.