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High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring
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High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 3428

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Tao Shi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
Interests: high-performance concrete; nanomaterials in concrete; sustainable construction materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Hongbo Tan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: high-performance concrete; sustainable construction materials; concrete admixture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yufeng Song

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
Interests: nanomaterials in concrete; sustainable construction materials; carbonization of cement-based materials; microscopic characterization
Dr. Tao Jin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
Interests: structural health monitoring; deep learning; computer vision; damage detection; structural condition assessment
Dr. Yubing Ouyang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
Interests: nanomaterials in concrete; high-performance concrete; machine learning applications; molecular dynamic simulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

High-performance concrete (HPC) is an advanced type of concrete distinguished by its superior mechanical properties, enhanced durability, and improved sustainability compared to its conventional form. With the increasing demands of HPC applied in modern infrastructure, this Special Issue explores the performance of HPC in terms of synergies between material innovation and structural health monitoring, aiming to address critical challenges in optimizing HPC’s mechanical properties, durability, and environmental sustainability while advancing real-time performance assessment and predictive maintenance frameworks. Overall, this Special Issue seeks to combine the benefits between new material design and advanced structural health monitoring technology, thereby fostering the development of resilient and intelligent concrete infrastructures.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: nanomaterials, engineered cementitious composites, AI-driven property prediction models, and integrated sensor networks for damage detection.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Tao Shi
Prof. Dr. Hongbo Tan
Guest Editors

Dr. Yufeng Song
Dr. Tao Jin
Dr. Yubing Ouyang
Guest Editor Assistants

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. Materials 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

  • high-performance concrete
  • fiber reinforcement
  • ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)
  • sustainable construction materials
  • engineered cementitious composites (ECCs)
  • nanomaterials in concrete
  • structural health monitoring
  • non-destructive testing
  • smart sensors
  • machine learning applications

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 6063 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Steel Slag Powder and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag on the Hydration and Performance of Alkali-Activated Magnesium Phosphate Cement
by Mingze Wang, Shixing Han and Guoqing Wang
Materials 2026, 19(4), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040813 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is widely used in rapid repair applications due to its fast setting, high early strength, and high-temperature resistance. However, the high cost of magnesium oxide (MgO) and the rapid hydration reaction make it challenging to control the setting time. [...] Read more.
Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is widely used in rapid repair applications due to its fast setting, high early strength, and high-temperature resistance. However, the high cost of magnesium oxide (MgO) and the rapid hydration reaction make it challenging to control the setting time. In this study, steel slag powder (SSP) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were incorporated to partially replace MgO. The reactivity of SSP and GGBS was enhanced by an alkaline activator, promoting the dissolution of their glassy phases, which facilitated the formation of C-(A)-S-H gels and improved the performance of MPC. Experimental methods, including compressive strength testing, water resistance measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), were used to evaluate the 28-day compressive strength and the microstructural characteristics of the modified MPC. When both SSP and GGBS were incorporated at 10 wt.%, the modified MPC achieved a 7-day compressive strength of 37.2 MPa, with the 28-day strength increasing to 50.2 MPa. The addition of an alkali activator with a modulus of 1.3 significantly boosted the 28-day strength to 62.3 MPa, while maintaining high flowability (215 mm). Microscopic characterization revealed that C2S and C3S in SSP undergo continuous hydration under alkaline conditions, while reactive silica-aluminum in GGBS reacted with phosphate to form a water-resistant C-(A)-S-H gel phase, optimizing the pore structure of MPC. This study provides a novel approach to developing low-cost, high-durability modified MPC with improved performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring)
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14 pages, 1925 KB  
Article
Nitrogen Adsorption Measurement for Pore Structure Characterisation of Cement–Oil Shale Ash Composite Exposed to an Aggressive Salt Environment
by Regina Kalpokaitė-Dičkuvienė
Materials 2026, 19(4), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040772 - 16 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 473
Abstract
Despite cement remaining a dominant material in the construction industry, researchers are increasingly exploring strategies to reduce its consumption by incorporating supplementary cementitious materials or by developing alternative binder systems utilising various ashes produced by power plants during the combustion of different waste [...] Read more.
Despite cement remaining a dominant material in the construction industry, researchers are increasingly exploring strategies to reduce its consumption by incorporating supplementary cementitious materials or by developing alternative binder systems utilising various ashes produced by power plants during the combustion of different waste streams. In this context, the present study investigates the influence of two types of oil shale ash on the pore structure of C–S–H under aggressive environmental conditions. To address these issues, a comprehensive pore structure analysis was conducted using nitrogen gas physisorption, applying multiple analytical approaches including Dubinin–Radushkevich, Horvath–Kawazoe, quench solid density function theory, and Barett–Joyner–Halenda for pore volume and pore size distribution. Pore surface fractal dimension obtained by Neimark Kiselev and Frenkel–Halsey–Hill was compared. The results revealed that the deterioration of C–S–H structure depends on the ash type and the exposure duration to the sulfate–chloride solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring)
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29 pages, 6206 KB  
Article
Mechanical and Environmental Performance of Chemical Pretreated Incineration Bottom Ash as a Supplementary Cementitious Material
by Xiaoyan Wei, Jiaze Wang, Yanlin Zhang, Mingxuan Wu, Jie Yang, Tao Meng, Su Wang, Zhen Shyong Yap, Yinjie Huang, Wu Zhou and Yanfang Wu
Materials 2026, 19(4), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040706 - 12 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 416
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (IBA), a major by-product of waste-to-energy plants, is typically landfilled or utilized as low-grade aggregate due to its low intrinsic reactivity and complex composition. This study systematically investigates the efficacy of chemical pretreatment in enhancing the cementitious [...] Read more.
Municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (IBA), a major by-product of waste-to-energy plants, is typically landfilled or utilized as low-grade aggregate due to its low intrinsic reactivity and complex composition. This study systematically investigates the efficacy of chemical pretreatment in enhancing the cementitious behavior of IBA, specifically examining the effects of alkali type (Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and Na2CO3) and pretreatment duration on reactivity, microstructure, and mechanical performance. The results indicate that Ca(OH)2 activation provides the most significant enhancement; a one-day treatment yielded a 28-day strength activity index (H28) of 76% and facilitated the formation of a compact microstructure rich in ettringite (AFt) and C-S-H gels. Conversely, NaOH and Na2CO3 treatments were less effective, leading to increased porosity and reduced strength attributed to charge imbalance and excessive carbonation, respectively. Prolonged alkaline treatment yielded diminishing returns, causing premature gel densification or excessive silicate depolymerization. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that Na2CO3 pretreatment entails the highest carbon footprint due to its high molar mass and energy-intensive production, whereas NaOH offers the highest CO2 efficiency per unit of reactivity. Overall, Ca(OH)2 represents a balanced strategy, combining strong activation potential, chemical compatibility, and moderate carbon emissions, thereby supporting the sustainable valorization of IBA in low-carbon cementitious systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring)
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21 pages, 7929 KB  
Article
Influence of Simulated Radioactive Waste Resins on the Properties of Magnesium Silicate Hydrate Cement
by Enyu Sun, Huinan Gao, Min Li, Jie Yang, Yu Qiao and Tingting Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(23), 5385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235385 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Ion exchange resins are commonly utilized for treating liquid radioactive waste within nuclear power plants; however, the disposal of these waste resins presents a new challenge. In this study, magnesium silicate hydrate cement (MSHC) was used to immobilize the waste resin, and the [...] Read more.
Ion exchange resins are commonly utilized for treating liquid radioactive waste within nuclear power plants; however, the disposal of these waste resins presents a new challenge. In this study, magnesium silicate hydrate cement (MSHC) was used to immobilize the waste resin, and the immobilization effectiveness of the MSHC-solidified body were assessed by mechanical properties, durability, and leaching performance. Hydration heat, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were used to study the hydration process of the MSHC-solidified body containing Cs+, Sr2+, and Cs+/Sr2+ waste resins. The results demonstrated that the presence of waste resins slightly delayed the hydration reaction process of MSHC and reduced the polymerization degree of the M-S-H gel, and the composition of the hydration products were not changed. The immobilization mechanism for radionuclide ions in resin included both mechanical encapsulation and surface adsorption, and the leaching of Cs+ and Sr2+ from MSHC-solidified body followed the FRDIM. When the content of the waste resin was 25%, the MSHC-solidified body exhibited satisfactory compressive strength, freeze-thaw resistance, soaking resistance, and impact resistance. These results strongly indicated that MSHC possessed the ability to effectively immobilize ion exchange resins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring)
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24 pages, 5729 KB  
Article
Prediction of Elastic Modulus of Leached Fly Ash Concrete Based on Non-Uniform ITZ Model
by Xiaoping Zhao, Misha Zhan, Zhiwei Chen, Jian Zhang, Qiang Li and Wenbing Song
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163779 - 12 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 888
Abstract
The incorporation of fly ash into concrete reduces cement consumption by 10–30%, lowers CO2 emissions by 30–50%, cuts costs by 15–25%, and enhances durability, thus reducing maintenance expenses. However, the predictive model for the elastic modulus of fly ash concrete subjected to [...] Read more.
The incorporation of fly ash into concrete reduces cement consumption by 10–30%, lowers CO2 emissions by 30–50%, cuts costs by 15–25%, and enhances durability, thus reducing maintenance expenses. However, the predictive model for the elastic modulus of fly ash concrete subjected to calcium leaching is still lacking. Regarding the theoretical method, the content of calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate in fly ash–cement systems is quantitatively calculated according to the hydration reaction relationship between cement, fly ash, and water, and then the porosity of the fly ash–cement matrix and interface transition zone (ITZ) after calcium leaching can be obtained. Based on the theory of two-phase composite spheres and the non-uniform ITZ model, the prediction method for the elastic modulus of leached fly ash concrete can be constructed, which comprehensively considers key parameters such as fly ash content, non-uniform characteristics of the ITZ, and the water–binder ratio (w/b). Additionally, the corresponding experimental investigation is also designed to study the variation regulation of the leaching depth, leaching extent, and elastic modulus of fly ash concrete with leaching time. The prediction method for the elastic modulus of leached fly ash concrete is validated via self-designed experimental methods and third-party experiments. This study further delves into the specific effects of w/b, aggregate volume fraction (fa), fly ash content, and ITZ thickness (hITZ) on the elastic modulus of leached concrete (E). The research findings indicate that an appropriate amount of fly ash can effectively enhance the leaching resistance of concrete. For a leaching degree of 10.0%, 30.0%, and 50.0%, E at w/b = 0.40 exceeds that of w/b = 0.60 by 26.71%, 28.43%, and 30.28%, respectively; E at hITZ = 10 μm exceeds that of hITZ = 50 μm by 16.96%, 15.80%, and 15.11%, respectively; and E at fa = 65% is 39.82%, 43.15%, and 46.12% higher, respectively, than that of concrete with fa = 45%. Furthermore, a linear correlation exists between the elastic modulus and the degree of leaching. The prediction method for the elastic modulus offers a theoretical foundation for in-depth exploration of the durability of leached mineral admixture concrete and its scientific application in practical engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Concrete: Synergies Between Material Innovation and Structural Health Monitoring)
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