CONTENT Preface to the first edition vii Preface to the second edition ix 1 Introduction 1 2 Composites and multiphase materials 5 3 Concrete-like composites: main kinds 39 4 Components of matrices of cement-based composites 67 5 Reinforcement of cement-based composites 110 6 Structure of cement composites 137 7 Interfaces in cement composites 184 8 Strength and deformability under short-term static load 207 9 Cracking in cement matrices and crack propagation 252 10 Fracture and failure in the structures of the material 277 11 Behaviour of cement matrix composites in various service conditions 346 12 Design and optimization of cement-based composites 426 13 High strength and high performance concretes 459 14 Application and development of cement-based composites496 Subject Index518