Advances in Concrete and Steel Construction Coatings: Materials, Mechanical Properties, Applications

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Corrosion, Wear and Erosion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 2087

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Interests: bridge structure dynamic analysis; dynamic load allowance; UHPC; bridge health monitoring
Department of Structural Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: low-carbon UHPC; multi-physics deterioration modeling for reinforced concrete structures; FRP-reinforced concrete structures; modular construction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Interests: impact resistance performance of concrete; fiber reinforced concrete; UHPC

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally, playing a crucial role in the development of infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, and more. However, its extensive utilization is accompanied by significant environmental implications, predominantly due to the substantial carbon emissions associated with its production and the depletion of natural resources. Recognizing these challenges, the concept of sustainable concrete has emerged as a vital area of research and innovation.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers to share their experimental or theoretical findings on the latest advancements in concrete technology. By highlighting new insights and solutions, we hope to contribute to the ongoing dialog about making concrete a more environmentally friendly and efficient material. Researchers are encouraged to cover a range of topics related to 

concrete, including performance characteristics such as strength and durability and environmental considerations.

Relevant themes for submission include but are not limited to innovative concrete design techniques that enhance material properties while lowering environmental impact. We also invite contributions on ultra-high-performance concrete, which showcases advanced characteristics, and functional concrete, which integrates additional features for specific applications.

Additionally, the exploration of fiber-reinforced concrete offers promising avenues for increasing durability and reducing susceptibility to damage, and the development of green concrete utilizing sustainable materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects. The use of recycled materials in concrete mixtures also presents an exciting opportunity to promote circular economy principles, aligning with life-cycle sustainability goals.

Other important topics include evaluating impact resistance properties, assessing long-term durability, and investigating concrete surface treatments that improve performance and longevity. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, this Special Issue intends to advance the field of sustainable concrete and address the pressing environmental challenges related to its use.

Topics for submission include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Concrete design;
  • Ultra-high-performance concrete;
  • Functional concrete;
  • Fiber-reinforced concrete;
  • Green concrete;
  • Recycled materials;
  • Life-cycle sustainability;
  • Impact resistance properties;
  • Durability;
  • Concrete surface treatment.

Prof. Dr. Yongjun Zhou
Dr. Peng Zhu
Dr. Yuan Jing
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • concrete design
  • ultra-high-performance concrete
  • functional concrete
  • fiber-reinforced concrete
  • green concrete
  • recycled materials
  • life-cycle sustainability
  • impact resistance properties
  • durability
  • concrete surface treatment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

37 pages, 8806 KB  
Article
Computational Insights into the Use of Polymer Cement Mortar for Negative Moment Strengthening in RC T-Beams
by Gathot Heri Sudibyo, Nanang Gunawan Wariyatno, Bagyo Mulyono, Yanuar Haryanto, Hsuan-Teh Hu, Fu-Pei Hsiao, Laurencius Nugroho, Banu Ardi Hidayat and Silvia Tiara Sari
Coatings 2026, 16(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16030303 - 1 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 533
Abstract
This study provides computational insights into the flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams in the negative moment region using steel-reinforced polymer cement mortar (PCM) overlays. A validated three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model was developed using the Advanced Tool for Engineering Nonlinear [...] Read more.
This study provides computational insights into the flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams in the negative moment region using steel-reinforced polymer cement mortar (PCM) overlays. A validated three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model was developed using the Advanced Tool for Engineering Nonlinear Analysis (ATENA) software (version 2023.0.0.22492) to simulate the behavior of beams retrofitted with 40 mm thick PCM layers embedded with 13 mm and 16 mm deformed bars. Model validation was performed against previously published experimental results reported by the authors, demonstrating excellent agreement, with normalized mean square error (NMSE) values expressed as fractions between 0.0001 and 0.0022, and experimental-to-numerical ultimate load ratios ranging from 0.99 to 1.01. Parametric analyses were then conducted to investigate the influence of key variables, concrete compressive strength, PCM overlay thickness, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the global flexural performance. The results revealed that increasing the overlay thickness raised the ultimate load capacity by up to 15.4% and improved energy absorption by 43%. Enhancing concrete strength led to gains of up to 12.5% in load capacity and 15.8% in stiffness. Variations in reinforcement ratio had the most significant impact, increasing peak load by up to a factor of 2.02 and improving energy absorption by up to a factor of 1.49. Despite these improvements, reductions in ductility were observed across all strengthening configurations, underscoring a strength–deformability trade-off critical for seismic applications. These findings affirm the efficacy of steel-reinforced PCM overlays and provide design-oriented insights for optimizing negative moment retrofitting strategies in RC bridge girders and continuous beam systems. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3711 KB  
Article
Insights into Performance Enhancement of Recycled Sand Concrete via Water Compensation and Recycled Powder Regulation
by Mingming Zhang, Weifeng Zhu, Qingling Wu and Degang Liao
Coatings 2026, 16(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16020192 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 347
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of recycled sand replacement rate, additional water compensation factor, and recycled powder content on the strength, volumetric water absorption, and impermeability of recycled sand concrete. A total of 12 groups of concrete specimens [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of recycled sand replacement rate, additional water compensation factor, and recycled powder content on the strength, volumetric water absorption, and impermeability of recycled sand concrete. A total of 12 groups of concrete specimens with different mixtures were tested for their mechanical properties, volumetric water absorption, and chloride ion penetration. Furthermore, NMR and SEM analyses were conducted to reveal the microstructural mechanisms by which the additional water level and recycled sand content influence the mechanical performance and durability of the concrete. The results indicate that although recycled sand particles inherently contain numerous micro cracks, adhered porous cement paste, and pre-existing interfaces that enhance capillary water absorption and lead to reductions in strength and durability, these shortcomings can be mitigated by compensating for the additional water and controlling the recycled powder content. Increasing the additional water slightly reduces the strength of the recycled sand concrete. More importantly, appropriate amounts of additional water can reduce water absorption and improve the penetration resistance of recycled sand concrete. Furthermore, with an increase in recycled sand content, the strength, and impermeability of the concrete first increase and then decrease, reaching their maximum values at a recycled powder content of 4%. The water absorption of recycled sand concrete gradually increases with higher recycled powder content. Overall, recycled sand concrete can achieve satisfactory performance by optimizing the additional water amount and recycled powder content. It is recommended that the pre-saturation water compensation factor of recycled sand be maintained at 70%–80% of its 24 h saturated water absorption, and that the recycled powder content be controlled within 4%–8%. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2384 KB  
Article
Analysis of Influencing Factors in the Preparation Process of Solid Waste-Based Ternesite Sulphoaluminate Cement
by Dunlei Su, Xin Liu, Haojian Tang, Yani Hao, Jiahui Wang, Dejin Xing, Hongxing Liu, Mingxin Yang and Weiyi Kong
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070773 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Based on a novel ternesite sulphoaluminate cement (NTSAC), the effects of various influencing factors on the calcination of clinker were studied, including mineral composition of clinker, grinding fineness of raw materials, molding technology of samples, and cooling methods of clinker. The research was [...] Read more.
Based on a novel ternesite sulphoaluminate cement (NTSAC), the effects of various influencing factors on the calcination of clinker were studied, including mineral composition of clinker, grinding fineness of raw materials, molding technology of samples, and cooling methods of clinker. The research was carried out by taking the calcination system and mineral content of clinker as evaluation indexes, and using RSM and QXRD as analytical means. The results indicate that the optimal calcination temperature of clinker varies with the design mineral composition, while the holding time remains basically unchanged. Clinker with high CaSO4 content has a relatively lower calcination temperature. The use of a calcination system of 1175 °C-49 min can control the mineral content error of the cement below 15%. Moreover, the molding pressure, molding methods, grinding fineness of raw materials, and cooling methods of clinker have significant effects on the clinker preparation to varying degrees, with the order of influence from high to low being molding methods, grinding fineness of raw materials, molding pressure, and cooling methods of clinker. Within the range of experimental parameters, the better preparation conditions are compression molding (molding method), 15 MPa (molding pressure), and 20 μm (grinding fineness). The above research conclusions provide reference data for cement preparation in the laboratory, offering useful guidance for developing novel types of cement. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop