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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 6799

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Qimin Liu

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: cement hydration; concrete durability; green concrete; multiphysics modeling; 3D printed concrete

Dr. Xingji Zhu

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
Interests: cement hydration; concrete durability; material corrosion; theoretical model; material characterization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of the building systems that sustain our living spaces and societal economy requires the extensive utilization of various construction materials. Current building structures demand innovation, sustainability, energy efficiency, and resilience, necessitating a new breed of construction materials that possess excellent qualities, including long durability, environmental friendliness, tailored functionality, and esthetic appeal. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to compile a comprehensive array of research papers focusing on the development of advanced cement and concrete materials, which may drive construction materials to a higher level. The scope covers but is not limited to, experimental and theoretical aspects of cement hydration and durability, design and fabrication of low- and negative-carbon concrete, ultra-high-performance concrete, fiber-reinforced cementitious composites, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, chemical, microstructural, and structural characterization, advanced theoretical models and numerical techniques, and applications of the cement and concrete.

Dr. Qimin Liu
Dr. Xingji Zhu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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Keywords

concrete design
cement hydration
concrete durability
ultra-high performance concrete
low-carbon concrete

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 6878 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Energy Dissipation in Concrete Under Dynamic Impact: Integration of Dynamic Strength Enhancement and Deformation Coordination

by Xiaoyu Jia, Yingkang Yao, Jinhao Zhang, Mengqing Cao and Kang Li

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010199 - 2 Jan 2026

Viewed by 118

Abstract

As a widely used structural material in construction, the energy dissipation characteristics of concrete under dynamic impact are crucial for evaluating a structure’s impact resistance and safety performance. However, conventional methods for evaluating energy dissipation characteristics fail to adequately account for the multi-parameter coupling effects during dynamic impact processes. Herein, the dynamic behavior of C15, C20, C30, and C40 concrete specimens was investigated using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus. The dynamic response and energy dissipation mechanisms under impact loading were analyzed. The correlation between energy dissipation density and multiple parameters—including initial loading conditions, peak strain, dynamic compressive strength, and strain rate—was examined. Based on this analysis, a performance index P_i, grounded in energy dissipation density, was proposed for evaluating dynamic energy dissipation. The results show that under dynamic impact loading, concrete specimens of different grades basically show brittle damage mode and obvious strain-rate strengthening effect. Specifically, the dynamic compressive strength of C15-3 is 22.10 MPa, representing an increase of approximately 47.3%, while that of C40-3 is 46 MPa, showing an increase of approximately 15%. The energy transfer in concrete specimens is influenced by initial loading conditions, concrete material properties, and damage modes, among other factors. All of these parameters exhibit a strong correlation with the energy dissipation density. The comprehensive multi-parameter performance index P_i for dynamic energy dissipation yields superior evaluation results compared to using energy dissipation density alone. The research results provide an innovative reference for structural safety protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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21 pages, 4311 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Fragility Analysis of Shield Tunnels Considering the Flexural Capacity of Longitudinal Joints

by Guochen Zhao, Zheng Yang, Jingzhou Zhu, Shibin Lin and Yujin Wang

Buildings 2025, 15(23), 4265; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15234265 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 201

Abstract

The longitudinal joints in shield tunnels connect the segments in a ring and can predominantly influence the mechanical behavior of the lining. The axial force environment influences the flexural capacity of longitudinal joints in shield tunnels and is a key indicator of the damage state of shield tunnels under seismic loading. In addition to increased seismic demand, the flexural capacity of the longitudinal joints is also enhanced at higher seismic intensities. However, existing seismic fragility analyses of shield tunnels have overlooked the influence of axial force, so the conclusions do not accurately reflect actual conditions. To address this gap, this paper proposes an analytical model to estimate the flexural capacity of longitudinal joints and develops a probabilistic model based on a Bayesian approach. The fragility curves for shield tunnels in three different damage states, considering the influence of the axial force environment, are presented. The results show that, for the example used in this paper, when PGA = 0 and the tunnel is in a homogeneous condition, the mean flexural capacity of the lining is 196 kN·m. When the tunnel joint is considered, the mean joint capacity is 142 kN·m for the positive bending moment loading condition and 91 kN·m for the negative bending moment loading condition. When PGA reaches 1.6 g, the mean estimation of the flexural capacity of the tunnel joint is about 310 kN·m. Therefore, the flexural capacity of the longitudinal joints gradually increases with the increase in the seismic demand. The fragility analysis results show that shield tunnels are more susceptible to failure at longitudinal joints at low seismic intensities and more vulnerable in segments at higher seismic intensities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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15 pages, 3327 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism of Grinding Mineral Binders During Mechano-Magnetic Activation

by Ibragimov Ruslan, Korolev Evgeny and Zigangirova Leysan

Buildings 2025, 15(22), 4076; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15224076 - 12 Nov 2025

Viewed by 345

Abstract

The study of the destruction mechanisms of mineral component particles during processing in grinding units is a relevant scientific problem that requires further theoretical and experimental solutions. This work is dedicated to determining the kinetic characteristics of ferromagnetic bodies moving under the influence of an electromagnetic field within a vortex mill. Dependencies of the velocity of these bodies on the radial coordinate for various values of magnetic induction and its gradient were obtained, establishing that velocities can reach approximately 50 m/s. A model for the disintegration of Portland cement particles, caused by their interaction during mechanical processing in a vortex mill, has been developed. It is shown that the average number of disintegration events for the predominant portion of the studied particles is two, which is significantly lower than the total number of collisions. An analysis of the key factors influencing the intensity and nature of particle destruction was conducted, including the magnitude of magnetic induction, the switching frequency of electromagnets, and the magnetic susceptibility of the processed materials. Based on a statistical analysis of the particle size distributions of the mineral raw material after dispersion, a principle for dividing the space within the working volume of the unit into functional zones was formulated: (1) a zone of mixing, grinding, and particle activation (at ferromagnetic element speeds of 0–12 m/s); (2) a zone of intensive grinding and particle activation (with speeds of 12–50 m/s). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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19 pages, 2212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Safety Evaluation Model for Small-Diameter Tunnel Construction Based on Physical Information

by Kai Hu, Junwu Wang, Yingang Wang and Shuwen Guo

Buildings 2025, 15(21), 3972; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213972 - 3 Nov 2025

Viewed by 630

Abstract

Small-diameter tunnels play a crucial role in urban infrastructure, managing functions such as sewage, rainwater, and electrical systems. However, the safety assessment of small-diameter tunnel shield construction faces difficulties due to unclear physical relationships and the limitations of traditional physical information models in predicting complex risks. To address this issue, the integration of physical information with data-driven analysis methods offers a promising approach. Combining these advantages, a hybrid model was proposed to establish a robust construction safety risk evaluation framework for small-diameter tunnels under geological conditions. The presently proposed method mainly consists of a clustering of risk factors, physical information stratification, and risk early warning. Specifically, the K-means clustering method optimized by the Harris Hawks algorithm was used for risk identification, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was used for risk analysis, and the physical information output from the risk analysis was used for risk warning. A case study was produced, utilizing the proposed hybrid model for the Wuhan East Lake Deep Tunnel project. The results show the risk transfer path through inadequate personnel safety awareness and protection, mechanical system failures and installation deviations, substandard material quality and improper stacking, outdated or immature construction technology, and environmental risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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20 pages, 2091 KB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Classification of Large Deformation in Soft-Rock Tunnels Using an Improved Matter–Element Extension Model with Asymmetric Proximity

by Shuangqing Ma, Yongli Xie, Junling Qiu, Jinxing Lai and Hao Sun

Buildings 2025, 15(21), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213943 - 1 Nov 2025

Viewed by 474

Abstract

An integrated evaluation framework merging the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and an improved matter–element extension model based on asymmetric proximity is developed to classify large deformation risk levels in soft-rock tunnel construction. From geological surveys and real-time monitoring, ten core indicators spanning three dimensions—geology (surrounding rock grade, groundwater condition, strength–stress ratio, adverse geological condition), design (excavation cross-sectional shape, excavation span, excavation cross-sectional area), and support (support stiffness, support installation timing, construction step length)—are selected. AHP constructs and validates a judgment matrix to derive subjective weights for each indicator. Within a three-tier hierarchy (indicator, criterion, and target layers), the asymmetric proximity quantifies each tunnel’s proximity to the matter–element representing predefined risk levels. Risk levels are then automatically assigned by selecting the maximum composite proximity. Application to representative soft-rock tunnel cases confirms the method’s high accuracy, stability, and operational feasibility, closely matching field observations. This framework enables precise risk stratification and intuitive visualization, offering critical technical support for optimizing tunnel design and operations, and ultimately enhancing the safety, resilience, and sustainability of large-scale infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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18 pages, 6143 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Stray Current on Chloride Ingress in Underground Reinforced Concrete Structures

by Xudong Cheng, Xueying Liu, Enze Xiang, Minghao Chen and Chuan Ma

Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3301; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183301 - 12 Sep 2025

Viewed by 875

Abstract

The proliferation of electrified rail systems has intensified stray current effects on chloride-induced corrosion in underground reinforced concrete (RC) structures, yet coupled mechanisms of stray current and chloride ingress—particularly in cracked concrete—remain insufficiently researched. This study establishes numerical models integrating chloride diffusion and electromigration to investigate stray current impacts on chloride transport in intact and cracked RC structures. Results reveal that stray current accelerates chloride ingress, with non-uniform electric fields causing 20–50% faster depassivation time of rebar than uniform fields at equivalent intensities. Cracked concrete exhibits 2–5 times shorter depassivation times of rebar compared to intact concrete, where crack depth–concrete cover thickness ratios exceeding 0.6 reduce service life by 40–60%. A novel deterioration coefficient β is formulated, demonstrating quadratic dependence on stray current voltage and linear correlation with cover thickness. These findings provide a predictive framework for durability assessment and corrosion mitigation in underground infrastructure exposed to synergistic chloride-stray current aggression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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21 pages, 5183 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Drying and Wetting Cycles on Deformation Characteristics of Compacted Loess and Constitutive Model

by Pengju Qin, Yuqi Liu, Chungang Yang, Qingchen Yan, Yubo Liu, Li Gong and Xingji Zhu

Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071124 - 30 Mar 2025

Viewed by 842

Abstract

Owing to the alternating processes of rainfall and evaporation, the compacted loess employed in ground and roadbed construction frequently experiences drying and wetting (D-W) cycles. These cycles are prone to induce substantial deformation of the soil mass, posing a risk to the integrity of buildings and infrastructure. Consequently, this study delved into the effects of D-W cycles on the deformation behavior of compacted loess, considering varying initial dry densities and water contents. To achieve a profound understanding of the deformation characteristics of the compacted loess, we meticulously monitored the resistivity ratio, crack ratio, and microstructure throughout the tests. Furthermore, a constitutive model was developed to forecast the deformation of compacted loess under D-W cycles. The findings revealed that both the vertical strain and crack ratio exhibited an upward trend with the increase in D-W cycle numbers, while they exhibited a downward trend as dry density increased. Notably, water content was identified as a significant factor affecting both the crack ratio and resistivity ratio. Additionally, the occurrence and progression of D-W cycles and cracks led to a slight increase in particle abundance and the proportion of total pore area. Meanwhile, during the wetting process, the infiltration of water softened the cementing substances, resulting in a disruption of the connections between aggregates. This made it much easier for cracks in the soil to expand after the sample dried. The constitutive model was meticulously constructed by incorporating yield surfaces that account for decreasing and increasing water contents. The validity of the proposed model was substantiated through a comparative analysis of the measured and calculated data. This comprehensive investigation furnishes a theoretical foundation for assessing the stability of compacted loess ground and roadbeds subjected to D-W cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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22 pages, 15911 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Properties of Concrete with the Incorporation of Recycled Polypropylene Plastic

by Jasim Alnahas, Abderrahim Lakhouit, Majed Alnchiwati, Masaud Albalawi, Abdelrahman Elrazzaz, Naif Alanzi, Abdulaziz Alghamdi, Ahmed H. A. Yassin and Hassan M. Hijry

Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071055 - 25 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1426

Abstract

This study explores the integration of recycled polypropylene (PP) plastic (PL) pellets into concrete mixtures, to evaluate their impact on compressive strength, workability, and weight reduction. Concrete samples were prepared by replacing conventional aggregates with PL pellets at varying percentages (1%, 3%, and 5%) by weight. The primary objective was to determine the optimal PL content that enhanced the properties of concrete. The experimental results demonstrated that incorporating 3% PP-PL pellets led to an 11.3% increase in compressive strength compared with the reference mix (0% PL). Furthermore, the 3% PL mix maintained a slump value comparable to that of the reference mix, indicating that this level of PL inclusion did not negatively affect workability. However, increasing the PL content beyond 3% resulted in a significant reduction in workability, suggesting that excessive PL may limit practical applications. The inclusion of PL pellets also contributed to a decrease in the overall weight of the concrete, showcasing the potential for producing lightweight, high-performance concrete. These findings highlight the feasibility of utilizing recycled PL in concrete production as a sustainable strategy to enhance material properties while addressing the growing issue of PL waste. This study identified 3% PL as the optimal dosage for achieving the best balance between strength, workability, and weight reduction. This research contributes to the development of more sustainable construction materials while also offering insights into the role of recycled PL in improving concrete performance. Future research could focus on evaluating the long-term durability, microstructural behavior, and environmental impact of PL-modified concrete to better understand its potential for broader application in eco-friendly infrastructure, ensuring it meets the demands of sustainable and cost-effective construction practices. In addition, this study’s findings pave the way for future investigations into optimizing other types of recycled PL for use in concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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17 pages, 3153 KB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Regularity and Performance of Steel Reinforcement Passive Film Under Electric Field

by Lianfang Sun, Pangang Wu, Wenshan Peng, Hong Fan, Jinze Li, Li Ma and Zihao Wei

Buildings 2025, 15(4), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040585 - 13 Feb 2025

Viewed by 938

Abstract

Steel reinforcement undergoes passivation in the alkaline environment of concrete, resulting in the spontaneous formation and growth of a protective passive film. Understanding the growth pattern of passive films is crucial for enhancing the corrosion resistance of steel bars. This study investigates the impact of various electric potentials on passive film growth and its dynamic interaction with chloride ions. Furthermore, the behavior of the passive film after removal from the solution under different conditions is also examined. This study visually demonstrates the process of increasing the passivation potential of the passivation film and the degradation and thinning of the over-passivation potential. Chloride ions can significantly reduce the polarization potential and increase the degree of over-passivation degradation. After prolonged detachment from the solution, the integrity of the passivation film decreases. This study comprehensively evaluates the combined effects of external electric fields, the presence of chloride ions, and separation from an alkaline solution on the growth characteristics of the passive film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Cement and Concrete)

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