Cement concrete and concrete-polymer composites: Two merging worlds

The search for durable and sustainable construction materials inspires the developments in the world of cement concrete, as well as in the world of concrete-polymer composites. Both worlds recognize, strive for and accept each other's contribution to the synergetic effects that are realized by the combination of classical building materials and polymers. A better knowledge of materials behaviour, especially in the field of admixtures, and a better understanding of curing processes allowed the development of highly performing mineral or modified mineral concretes, mortars and grouts. CPC-science becomes an invaluable element in the development of sustainable construction materials. ICPIC brings together practitioners and scientists, dealing with concrete-polymer composites in all industrial fields, but with emphasis on construction industry. The 11th International ICPIC Congress took place in Berlin, 2-4th June 2004. New trends and evolutions have been presented and discussed. The highlights of the Congress, and the synergies for the construction world that emerge from this congress on polymers in concrete in combination with cement concrete, are presented.