In cement concrete technology, when all aggregate particles are uniformly coated with cement paste and the mass hardens into a heterogeneous solid, the product is called:

Introduction / Context:Concrete is the fundamental material for rigid pavements and many highway structures. Understanding what the hardened composite is—and how it forms—is essential for mix design and performance prediction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Aggregates are thoroughly coated with cement paste (cement + water).
• The mass sets and hardens in place.

Concept / Approach:Concrete is a heterogeneous composite material composed of coarse and fine aggregates bound together by a hydrated cement matrix. When the paste coats and binds aggregate, and hydration proceeds, the system develops strength and stiffness, becoming concrete. Mortar is the binder plus fine aggregate only; adding coarse aggregate yields concrete.

Step-by-Step Solution:Identify components: aggregates + cement paste.After hydration, the paste hardens and bonds particles.The resulting hardened mass with both fine and coarse aggregate is concrete.

Verification / Alternative check:Standard definitions in materials texts describe concrete exactly as a cementitious composite with aggregates; “gel” refers to hydration products at the microstructural level, not the whole macro material.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Hydration: the chemical process, not the product.
• Gel: microscopic hydration phase, not the bulk composite.
• Mortar: lacks coarse aggregate.
• Pozzolana: a supplementary cementitious material, not the end product.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing process (hydration) with product (concrete).
• Using the term “mortar” for mixes that include coarse aggregate.

Final Answer:Concrete