I created this website to share a play my students and I perform each year in my concrete materials course.  In this play we reenact the reaction or hydration between Portland cement and water.  We have named   this play “Hydration Theater” (meant to be said with a thick British accent). 

I believe a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of cement hydration allows great insight into all other areas of concrete as a building material.  Because of this I put a lot of emphasis on learning about hydration in my class.  While teaching hydration, I tried to provide written and oral discussions but it was too challenging to  communicate the complexity and excitement of Portland cement hydration with just a pencil, paper, and words.  This is why I decided to create a play to supplement my notes that students could experience.  After a few revisions, I decided to film the play and share it with you.

In addition to students at OSU, many other universities have used these videos to supplement their lectures.  I have also been fortunate to take "Hydration Theater" on the road to perform with all-star ensembles at the historic Portland Cement Association Teaching Workshop and as dinner theater at the National Concrete Consortium.  

I have also worked with 1984 Studios to create a poster to help remember "Hydration Theater," which can be found on the "Notes" page.  

Please remember, "Hydration Theater” is meant to augment a lecture on Portland cement hydration, so you may want to start by reviewing your favorite concrete textbook or the notes provided that I use in the play.  

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to email me at [email protected].

ROCK ON!

Tyler Ley, Ph.D, P.E.
Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Fall 2012

If you have any questions, comment, suggestions or reviews, let us know!  

Email Dr. Ley

Thanks for watching!