Advances in atomistic modeling and understanding of drying shrinkage in cementitious materials

Despite more than a century of research, drying shrinkage still causes unwanted stresses and cracks in our concrete infrastructures. This is partly due to the lack understanding underlying mechanisms governing cementitious materials. Inspired by tremendous impact atomistic simulations on materials science, we expect such innovative simulation techniques hold key unlocking enigmatic nature at nanoscale. In this treatise, first introduce basic physics concepts methods detail. Afterward, discuss progress brought other nanoporous nanolayered systems. review also highlights important remaining fundamental questions practical issues regarding delineates how can help resolve them.