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Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction

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A Special Issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309) belonging to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2026) | Viewed by 9556

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Editors

Prof. Dr. Ruby Mejía de Gutiérrez

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Guest Editor

Composites Materials Group (CENM), School of Materials Engineering, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 #100-00, E44, Cali 760032, Colombia
Interests: alkali-activated materials; geopolymers; building materials; valorization of industrial wastes and construction and demolition wastes; corrosion, durability and sustainability of cementitious materials; eco-friendly construction materials; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Rafael A. Robayo-Salazar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Composites Materials Group (CENM), School of Materials Engineering, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 #100-00, E44, Cali 760032, Colombia
Interests: alkali-activated materials; geopolymers; building materials; recovery of industrial wastes and construction and demolition wastes; durability and sustainability of cementitious materials; eco-friendly construction materials; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The search for emerging technologies that promote environmental sustainability is a priority for the construction sector. Rapid urbanization, promoted by exponential population growth, will cause a 60% increase in housing demand by 2030, making cities the generators of 75% of the world's global carbon emissions. Likewise, by 2050, an increase in natural resources equivalent to almost three planets worth is estimated to be necessary to sustain current lifestyles. A model called “sustainable cities” proposes sustainable consumption and production, seeking to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation to increase resource efficiency, to reduce the extraction of raw materials and the final disposal of the waste generated (“zero waste” approach), and to move towards green (circular) economies with low carbon emissions. To preserve these, non-renewable raw materials can be used as alternative materials to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based materials with a lower “carbon footprint” or global warming potential (GWP) and with superior mechanical performance and durability. In general, the use of industrial wastes, and especially construction and demolition wastes, is considered essential for the construction sector to be sustainable in a circular economy model. Technologies, such as additive manufacturing, can be widely employed by the construction sector for 3D printing housing sustainably and at a more affordable cost with numerous advantages.

This Special Issue aims to publish a wide range of articles that address topics including, among others, alternative construction materials, use of by-products and industrial wastes, eco-efficient and carbon-neutral construction materials, durability, life cycle analysis, geopolymers, and innovative technologies of construction.

Prof. Dr. Ruby Mejía de Gutiérrez
Prof. Dr. Rafael A. Robayo-Salazar
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.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

circular economy
sustainable and low-carbon building materials
eco-friendly materials and processes
utilization of by-products and waste materials in construction
construction and demolition wastes
recycled aggregates
alternative binders to Portland cement, geopolymers
3D concrete printing
concrete durability
life cycle analysis

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 5842 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strength Prediction and Mixture Optimization of Cement–Industrial-Solid-Waste-Stabilized Waste Soil Using Projection Pursuit Regression

by Mingyuan Wang, Ao Shen, Miaomiao Gong, Yiyi Wang and Jinhua Ding

Buildings 2026, 16(17), 3429; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16173429 - 27 Aug 2026

Viewed by 400

Abstract

Waste soil generated by building and underground construction is commonly characterized by high water content and low strength, while conventional cement stabilization entails high cement consumption. This study develops two low-cement binders incorporating ordinary Portland cement (P), carbide slag (CS), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and fly ash (FA) and establishes projection pursuit regression (PPR) models for predicting the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized soil. Orthogonal and supplementary tests were conducted by varying total binder content, curing age, solid-waste replacement ratio, and compaction pressure. Separate PPR models were calibrated for the P–CS–GGBS (PC) and P–CS–GGBS–FA (PF) systems using 12 training and 10 within-domain validation mixtures. The mean relative errors for the training and validation sets were 3.46% and 5.68% for PC and 3.09% and 4.87% for PF, respectively. For both systems, the solid-waste replacement ratio was the dominant variable, followed by curing age, binder content, and compaction pressure. Model-based optimization identified binder compositions containing 75% solid waste for PC and 60% for PF, with recommended internal proportions of 25% P–18.75% CS–56.25% GGBS and 40% P–15% CS–22.5% GGBS–22.5% FA, respectively. The proposed framework provides a practical tool for strength prediction and mixture design of low-cement-stabilized waste soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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24 pages, 2621 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interpretable Prediction of Geopolymer Concrete Compressive Strength Using DBO–CatBoost and SHAP Analysis

by Nima Saeedi, Zahra Mohammadipour Novin, Amirreza Shirini, Sina Samadi Gharehveran, Siamak Pedrammehr and Mohammad Fotouhi

Buildings 2026, 16(16), 3326; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16163326 - 21 Aug 2026

Viewed by 442

Abstract

The construction sector faces a critical need to minimize its carbon footprint, which is currently stimulating the development of geopolymer concrete using recycled coarse aggregates as an eco-friendly material compared with Portland cement. Accurate prediction of the compressive strength of this eco-efficient concrete is complex, however, as a result of the complex, non-linear interactions between many of the mix-design and curing parameters. Although modern scientific literature and engineering practices have increasingly adopted machine learning (ML) for concrete strength prediction, a significant scientific gap remains. Most existing studies rely on “black-box” models that lack sufficient interpretability and frequently overlook the severe risk of data leakage during validation, limiting their practical engineering application. To address this gap, this study proposes a robust, data-leakage-aware framework driven by a rigorous nested GroupKFold cross-validation strategy. By grouping concrete samples by their unique Mix_ID, this approach ensures genuine generalization to entirely unseen mixtures. Within this reliable validation scheme, the CatBoost algorithm is utilized for compressive-strength prediction, with the Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO) serving as an effective tool for hyperparameter tuning. The evaluation results across multiple random seeds show that the DBO–CatBoost model significantly outperforms the default CatBoost, rigorously tuned baseline models (Support Vector Regression and Random Forest), and a comparative metaheuristic benchmark (PSO–CatBoost). It achieves the most stable distribution of errors and excellent predictive accuracy (Test

R^{2} = 0.9995 \pm 0.0002

, RMSE =

0.3828 \pm 0.0909

). In addition, the model predictions were demystified using the methods of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and partial dependence plots (PDPs). The interpretability analysis revealed strong statistical associations, showing that Curing Time and Coarse Aggregate are the most prominent predictive features and the strongest pairwise interaction between each other; the NaOH molar concentration is the most important second-level influence on optimization of strength. Overall, the framework provides a robust data-driven screening tool that can assist in preliminary mix-design evaluation. By reducing the reliance on extensive empirical “trial and error” approaches, this predictive model supports more efficient material usage and facilitates preliminary optimization of low-carbon concrete formulations. Theoretically, this study advances the fundamental science of geopolymer materials by explicitly quantifying the complex, non-linear interactions between alkaline activators, curing conditions, and recycled aggregates. This provides a robust data-driven theoretical foundation for designing and optimizing next-generation eco-friendly concrete products and structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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25 pages, 10703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Damage Evolution and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Continuously Graded Cemented Gangue Filling Bodies

by Wenwen Zhao, Jian Gong, Huazhe Jiao, Liuhua Yang and Yingran Liu

Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081572 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 506

Abstract

The particle size of aggregate is a key factor affecting the mechanical properties and deformation capacity of cemented gangue filling body. In this study, coal gangue with a particle size range of (0.05, 20) mm was sieved into six groups of aggregate particles. Based on the Talbot gradation theory, cubic specimens with gradation indices n = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 were prepared for acoustic emission (AE) monitoring tests. The microstructure of the filling body was analyzed, and the failure characteristics and damage evolution laws of the cemented gangue filling body with different gradation indices were explored. The results show that the compressive strength reaches its maximum when n = 0.5. As the gradation index increases, the compressive strength of the specimens first increases and then decreases, and the specimens shift from primarily experiencing cleavage failure to shear failure. The curve of cumulative AE ringing count shows a bimodal distribution pattern, with both surge points and fracture points coexisting. The surge points can be regarded as precursor signals of backfill failure. The spatiotemporal evolution of AE events exhibits complex phased changes. An excessively small gradation index tends to form micropores and striped microcracks, reducing the compactness of the microstructure. An excessively large gradation index can lead to the formation of penetrative weak channels. A reasonable gradation index enables the mutual interlocking of aggregate particles, constructing a stable three-dimensional spatial skeleton structure. The dynamic trend of damage in the filling body can be captured based on AE analysis, and reverse guidance can be provided for parameter optimization of Talbot gradation, achieving a dynamic closed loop of “gradation design-AE monitoring-damage assessment-parameter optimization”. This not only enriches the application scenarios of acoustic emission analysis in graded materials, but also provides a new research approach and technical method for gradation design and safety assessment in scenarios where particle sizes are missing in practical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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14 pages, 2991 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde on Moisture-Related Properties of Lime–Cement Plaster

by Adam Fišer, Miloš Jerman, Martin Böhm, Vojtěch Pommer, Jakub Vrzáň and Klára Kobetičová

Buildings 2026, 16(2), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020443 - 21 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1000

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) addition on selected properties of lime–cement plaster were investigated. The algicidal effect of TCA on natural biofilm isolated from lime–cement plaster was investigated in the first experiment. Concentrations of 200 mg/L or higher caused complete inhibition of algal growth. Two TCA solutions (0.02% and 1.5% w/w relative to binders) were then used for the preparation of plaster according to the results of biological testing and previous research. The results did not indicate any practically relevant statistically significant effect of TCA on compressive and bending strength, while the total porosity increased with higher aldehyde concentration in the matrix and the matrix and bulk density decreased. Samples with 1.5% TCA showed reduced moisture uptake, indicating improved moisture-related behavior under high-humidity conditions. The occurrence of micropores in the structure compared to the reference was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The main conclusions of the study are that TCA can be considered for the improvement of algicidal formulations in the form of protective coatings and as an additive influencing the moisture-related behavior of plaster, with beneficial effects observed at a TCA content of 1.5% w/w. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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30 pages, 21519 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Use of Steatite Powder Waste as an Aggregate for the Manufacture of Earth Blocks—An Evaluation of Its Impact on Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Conductivity Properties

by Carlos Alberto Casapino-Espinoza, José Manuel Gómez-Soberón and María Consolación Gómez-Soberón

Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101605 - 9 May 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2656

Abstract

Earthen construction is a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials due to its low environmental impact; however, both its mechanical strength and durability differ from conventional building materials. Different physical and chemical stabilization techniques are used to improve the mechanical properties of the incorporated elements, although these increase the carbon footprint. The present research focuses on studying mineral stabilization, specifically the incorporation of powdered steatite residues (PSRs) in matrices for the manufacture of earth blocks (EBs) to improve their physical, mechanical and thermal properties. Through an experimental study to analyze the EB, it is established that the use of this mineral as an aggregate in the different matrices studied registered the following extreme values: a reduction in porosity by 27.43%, an increase in bulk density by 3.73%, a 58.91% reduction in dimensional variation, an increase in compressive strength of 24.7% and in flexural strength of 41.2%, a 36.33% reduction in erosion, and a maximum extreme value in thermal conductivity equal to 1.48 W/(m·k). These results allow us to establish that the use of PSRs as a mineral stabilizer in the manufacture of EBs contributes to sustainability criteria and provides physical, mechanical and thermal improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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21 pages, 4667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Additives on the Strength and Deformation Behavior of Loam Blocks

by Florian Soßna and Jeanette Orlowsky

Buildings 2025, 15(6), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060919 - 14 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1114

Abstract

After Germany’s planned withdrawal from coal-fired power generation by 2030, the by-product known as FGD gypsum will no longer be available. As an alternative, loam can be utilized as a building material for non-load-bearing interior walls. Recycling loam is advantageous as it is readily available in large quantities. However, its unique properties, such as moisture retention and drying shrinkage, are crucial for its usability. Loam samples are modified with various additives and molded into prisms to investigate and optimize these aspects. These prisms are tested for drying shrinkage and strength behavior. The most effective mixtures undergo further evaluation of their long-term behavior when subjected to changes in moisture—the addition of 20 wt.-% brick dust results in a reduction of the drying shrinkage by 25%. In long-term tests, swelling deformation has been reduced by 35%. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of additives in minimizing moisture-inducted deformations while maintaining the same compressive strength. Additionally, it compares various measuring methods for recording length changes in loam blocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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21 pages, 9454 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Incorporating Fine Aggregates and Polypropylene Microfibres on the Cracking Control of 3D Printed Cementitious Mixtures

by Armando Vargas, Rafael Robayo-Salazar and Ruby Mejía de Gutiérrez

Buildings 2025, 15(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15010055 - 27 Dec 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2275

Abstract

One of the most significant challenges for 3D printing of construction elements from cementitious materials is the control of cracking caused by various contraction–shrinkage mechanisms, such as drying, chemical, plastic and autogenous shrinkage. This study addresses the effects of incorporating fine aggregates (maximum size ≤ 1.18 mm), both natural and recycled, as well as short (6 mm long) polypropylene (PP) fibres on the control of cracking in cementitious mixtures based on Portland cement. Admixtures and/or mineral additions (modifiers), such as metakaolin, micro-silica, calcium carbonate, and fine powders obtained from construction and demolition wastes were used in the mixtures. Mini-slump, flow rate and buildability tests were used to characterize the mixtures in their fresh state. Extrudability was evaluated using laboratory-scale 3D printing tests conducted with a plunger–piston extrusion system. It was demonstrated that the physical characteristics of the aggregates directly influence the extrusion capacity. Mixtures containing natural aggregates exhibited greater fluidity and lower water demand than those containing recycled aggregates. The results indicated that the maximum allowable volume of fibres was 0.75%. To evaluate the cracking susceptibility of the mixtures, both with and without reinforcement, hollow beams composed of seven layers were printed, and subsequently the elements were exposed to the outdoor natural environment and inspected for a period of 90 days. The inclusion of the PP fibres effectively prevented the occurrence of fissures and/or cracks associated with shrinkage phenomena throughout the inspection period, unlike in unreinforced mixtures, which cracked after 14 days of exposure to the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials in Construction)

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