Aggressive chemicals − These include a wide range of chemicals that often come in contact with concrete. Examples include chlorides in coastal zones, sulfates often found in soils, and effluents in wastewater.

Calcium silicate hydrate − A substance formed by the hydration of cement in concrete and is the material that binds aggregates together.

Cement − Cement is a substance, when mixed with water, forms a paste that brings together the other elements of the concrete mixture (aggregates, sand, steel reinforcement) and hardens into a rock-like mass. Hydraulic cement specifically hardens with water. Portland cement is the general type of cement used in construction and has calcium sulfate as a prime component.

Chlorides − Salts that will penetrate concrete structures carried by moisture in coastal zones or de-icing salts.

Delamination − A process that occurs when a surface application of crystalline waterproofing does not adhere properly to a concrete surface. Delamination is usually due to improper surface preparation, inadequate wetting of the substrate or premature drying in hot weather.

Efflorescence − A substance caused by the deposit of soluble salts and calcium on the negative side of concrete surfaces after they have been carried to the surface by moisture flow through the concrete.

Green concrete − Refers to concrete that has reached an initial or final set but is not yet fully cured. Concrete will remain green for 7 to 28 days.

Heat of hydration − This refers to the heat generated by the reaction (hydration) of Portland cement and water. In mass concrete pours, this reaction can generate very high temperatures. Ice is sometimes used in concrete mixes to reduce the heat produced by hydration.

Laitance − Is the result of a process during which a layer of weak nondurable material (cement plus small aggregate particles) is brought by bleeding water to the surface over wet concrete.

Masscrete or mass concrete − This is concrete poured in very large volumes. Examples include thick slabs, large retaining walls, and dams. When concrete is poured in a large mass, the heat of hydration will generate large temperature releases, followed by rapid cooling resulting in shrinkage and cracking. Coolant systems, admixtures, retarders, and crystalline technology waterproofing all play a role in overcoming these problems.

Plasticizers − Chemical ingredients used to improve the workability of concrete mixes without resorting to adding more water to the mix.

Retarders - Set retarders are used in hot weather to delay the initial set of concrete mixes.

Saturation level− Refers to the amount of water in concrete, expressed as a percentage of the porosity or void space.

Slurry mixture − This is a mixture of water and any finely divided insoluble material like Portland cement or aggregates in a suspension. The advantage of a slurry mixture is that it flows easily.