As the most widely used material in the world, concrete is a typical heterogeneous material and multi-scale in nature. The calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) structure in concrete at the nanoscale has a significant influence on the properties at all scales. Understanding the formation mechanism and structure of C-S-H is the key to improving properties of concrete material. With the help of advanced equipment and powerful simulation tools, a more realistic C-S-H model using combined expertise has been developed. By using the up-scaling technique and the multi-scale modeling, the mechanical properties of concrete will be related to the characteristics of the nanoscale structure. An understanding of concrete properties will provide guidelines for enhancing its macroscopic properties through modifying the microstructure. It will lead to innovative techniques for developing advanced sustainable materials. It will also lead to new ways to manipulate a nanostructure such as through the addition of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and supplementary materials to enhance properties such as toughness, ductility, durability and serviceability. Finally, a new generation of more sustainable materials with energy saving features for the built environment will be developed and applied.

As the most widely used material in the world, concrete is a typical heterogeneous material and multi-scale in nature. The calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) structure in concrete at the nanoscale has a significant influence on the properties at all scales. Understanding the formation mechanism and structure of C-S-H is the key to improving properties of concrete material. With the help of advanced equipment and powerful simulation tools, a more realistic C-S-H model using combined expertise has been developed. By using the up-scaling technique and the multi-scale modeling, the mechanical properties of concrete will be related to the characteristics of the nanoscale structure. An understanding of concrete properties will provide guidelines for enhancing its macroscopic properties through modifying the microstructure. It will lead to innovative techniques for developing advanced sustainable materials. It will also lead to new ways to manipulate a nanostructure such as through the addition of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and supplementary materials to enhance properties such as toughness, ductility, durability and serviceability. Finally, a new generation of more sustainable materials with energy saving features for the built environment will be developed and applied.