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Summary

We have shown that an algorithmic growth model, based on a dissolution/diffusion/reaction cycle, can simulate the microstructural development of cement paste around non-reactive aggregates. The resulting microstructure semi-quantitatively reproduces many real interfacial zone features. Aggregate edge effects on cement particle placement, as well as the newly identified one-sided growth effect, have been clearly shown, within the context of the model, to control the development of the interfacial zone, with the former being dominant in the 5-50 micrometer region, and the latter only contributing significantly at shorter length scales.