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Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials
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Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 6473

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daoyuan Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: mining sustainability; safety monitoring; mining with backfills; green mining
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Hongwei Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: underground sustainable backfill; solid waste resource utilization; new low-carbon cementitious materials; sustainable geotechnical engineering; mining safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Fang Yan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: mining safety; environmental protection of mining area; engineering risk field; geotechnical engineering monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of sustainable construction materials is a crucial step in the process of sustainable construction, serving as an essential strategy for reducing consumption, waste reuse, and recycling. Sustainable construction materials help minimize environmental impacts and facilitate the construction of eco-friendly buildings. By incorporating these materials, we can reduce the ecological footprint of the construction industry, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to the development of structures that are not only energy efficient but also environmentally responsible. This approach supports the global transition towards more sustainable building practices, offering long-term benefits for both the environment and society.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest research and advancements in the development and application of sustainable construction materials, addressing both environmental and performance-related challenges. This Special Issue seeks to bring together cutting-edge research that contributes to advancing sustainable practices in construction materials, focusing on improving environmental, economic, and social outcomes. We invite authors to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that offer new insights into the field of sustainable construction materials. The issue will cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Advances in Research on Construction Materials: This includes novel materials and innovative approaches to improve the sustainability of construction materials, such as eco-friendly alternatives, green manufacturing processes, and the integration of renewable resources.
  • The Performance Testing and Evaluation of Construction Materials: Research on the methodologies and technologies used to evaluate the mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and durability properties of construction materials is crucial for understanding their performance in diverse environmental conditions.
  • The Recycling and Resource Utilization of Construction Waste: Studies on the recycling of construction and demolition waste, as well as the effective use of solid waste materials, are essential for reducing the environmental footprint of the construction sector.
  • Optimizing Concrete Mix Designs: The development of optimized concrete mix proportions to enhance material properties, durability, and sustainability, as well as the use of alternative binding materials, is a critical area of research.
  • The Performance Analysis of Mining Backfill Materials: The study of materials used in mining fill, focusing on their performance under different conditions, as well as the development of sustainable, cost-effective alternatives for mining waste management.
  • Modification and Enhancement of Mining Backfill Materials: Research on the modification techniques for mining fill materials, including the use of additives and curing methods to improve their mechanical properties and long-term stability.
  • Improvement of Roadbed Materials’ Composition and Toughness: Investigating the composition and enhancement of roadbed materials to improve their toughness, resilience, and overall performance, contributing to the longevity and safety of road infrastructure.
  • The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Construction Materials: The integration of AI technologies to optimize material design, predict performance, and improve the efficiency of construction processes, leading to a more sustainable and intelligent approach to material development.

Dr. Daoyuan Sun
Dr. Hongwei Wang
Dr. Fang Yan
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. 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

  • sustainable construction
  • eco-friendly materials
  • waste recycling
  • resource efficiency
  • performance evaluation
  • concrete optimization
  • mining backfill
  • roadbed materials
  • artificial intelligence
  • environmental impact
  • safety and sustainability

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 2455 KB  
Article
Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Carbonation Depth Prediction in Concrete
by Moutaman M. Abbas and Alina Bărbulescu
Materials 2026, 19(6), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19061271 - 23 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 449
Abstract
The durability of reinforced concrete structures is significantly affected by the carbonation process, which decreases the alkalinity of the pore solution and initiates corrosion of the steel reinforcement. However, the square roots of time equations, which are Fickian diffusion-based, are not able to [...] Read more.
The durability of reinforced concrete structures is significantly affected by the carbonation process, which decreases the alkalinity of the pore solution and initiates corrosion of the steel reinforcement. However, the square roots of time equations, which are Fickian diffusion-based, are not able to accurately capture the nonlinear interactions of material properties with environmental factors. To overcome this limitation, this research introduces a novel hybrid model based on the integration of a physics-informed neural network (PINN) with residual regression via CatBoost, a categorical boosting algorithm. Using an expanded dataset of 6000 samples, the first stage of the model, which is based on the physics-informed neural network, is able to learn the underlying physics of the diffusion process by imposing monotonicity constraints. The second stage of the model, which is based on the CatBoost algorithm, is able to learn the residuals of the nonlinear interactions of factors such as the curing time, water–cement ratio, and supplementary cementitious material reactivity, which are not captured by the underlying physics of the diffusion law. Data augmentation via physics-based resampling increased the dataset from 3000 to 6000 samples. Validation of the model using 1200 samples resulted in R2 = 0.871, MAE = 15.362, and RMSE = 24.37. SHAP confirmed that the model was physically consistent with the principles of concrete technology, reversing the counterintuitive linear correlations to accurately capture the protective effect of longer curing times. The suggested framework offers a practical method for enhancing durability evaluation and aiding the maintenance and service-life management of reinforced concrete structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials)
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23 pages, 10519 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Slurry Concentration and Binder Reactivity on the Hydraulic Transport of Unclassified Tailings Backfill
by Ning Yang, Renze Ou, Zirui Li, Daoyuan Sun, Hongwei Wang, Qi Liu, Mingdong Tang and Xiaohui Li
Materials 2026, 19(4), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040768 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 333
Abstract
To address the safety and environmental challenges associated with deep mining, this study investigates the rheological behaviors and pipeline transport characteristics of cemented paste backfill (CPB) using unclassified tailings from a lead–zinc mine. Through the characterization of basic physicochemical properties—including chemical composition, particle [...] Read more.
To address the safety and environmental challenges associated with deep mining, this study investigates the rheological behaviors and pipeline transport characteristics of cemented paste backfill (CPB) using unclassified tailings from a lead–zinc mine. Through the characterization of basic physicochemical properties—including chemical composition, particle size distribution, and specific surface area—combined with L-shaped pipeline simulation tests, the effects of slurry concentration and pipe diameter on rheological parameters and transport resistance were quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, the mechanical performance and cost-effectiveness of four different cementitious binders were evaluated to identify the optimal material. The results indicate that the unclassified tailings possess a favorable particle size distribution with a significant fine-particle filling effect, making them suitable as backfill aggregates. Slurry concentration was identified as the critical factor influencing rheological performance; a concentration range of 68% to 72% was determined to be optimal, exhibiting superior fluidity and low pipeline resistance conducive to gravity flow. Additionally, increasing the pipe diameter was found to effectively reduce transport difficulty. Based on a comprehensive technical and economic analysis, Kunlun Mountain PO42.5 cement was selected as the optimal binder, achieving the required backfill strength with controlled costs. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical engineering guidance for the design and optimization of deep-well backfill pipeline systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials)
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21 pages, 5748 KB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Recycled Powder in Foamed Concrete: Influence of Powder Types and Replacement Ratios
by Xiaofang Tong, Zhiyu Zhang, Mingyi Zhang, Zhenxiang Jie and Yongfan Gong
Materials 2025, 18(23), 5470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235470 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 477
Abstract
The preparation of construction waste into eco-friendly recycled powder (RP), partially replacing cement to produce foam concrete with thermal insulation properties, provides a new approach for the resource utilization of RP. In this study, different components of construction waste were used to prepare [...] Read more.
The preparation of construction waste into eco-friendly recycled powder (RP), partially replacing cement to produce foam concrete with thermal insulation properties, provides a new approach for the resource utilization of RP. In this study, different components of construction waste were used to prepare recycled paste powder (RPP), recycled brick powder (RBP), and recycled concrete powder (RCP). The effects of RP on the microstructural and macroscopic properties of foam concrete were investigated at replacement rates ranging from 0% to 30%. The research results indicate that the microstructure of all three types of RP exhibits irregular shapes, and their chemical compositions show significant differences. Partial replacement of cement with these RP leads to the deterioration of the matrix microstructure, which negatively affects the workability and mechanical properties of the foam concrete. However, the addition of RP effectively mitigates the drying shrinkage of the foam concrete, with RBP showing particularly outstanding performance in this regard. Specifically, the maximum drying shrinkage rate of F-30RBP is 9.33% and 11.31% lower than that of F-30RPP and F-30RCP, respectively. Furthermore, the incorporation of RP has a minimal effect on the thermal conductivity of the foam concrete, indicating that RP is well-suited for use in foam concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials)
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21 pages, 8569 KB  
Article
Static Liquefaction of Tailings Containing Fines: Experimental Exploration, Mechanism Analysis and Evaluation
by Xiaoliang Wang, Hongru Li, Zhenpeng Chen, Yue Zhong, Zaiqiang Hu, Xi Yang and Miaozhi Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(5), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051123 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1723
Abstract
Under undrained monotonic static loading, saturated loose granular materials may undergo static liquefaction. Tailings, a kind of granular material, pose particularly serious hazards after static liquefaction. To understand the effects of the initial state and fines content on the static liquefaction of tailings, [...] Read more.
Under undrained monotonic static loading, saturated loose granular materials may undergo static liquefaction. Tailings, a kind of granular material, pose particularly serious hazards after static liquefaction. To understand the effects of the initial state and fines content on the static liquefaction of tailings, consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests and one-dimensional compression tests were carried out on tailings with different initial states and fines content. The critical state strength, undrained shear strength, instability line, brittleness index, and compressibility of tailings were investigated, and the tests results were analyzed and discussed using the critical state framework. The results show that tailings with different initial states have the same critical state line, and changes in fines content will cause the position of the critical state line to shift. An increase in the initial void ratio and initial confining pressure will increase the degree of static liquefaction, while the influence of fines content has a threshold value (30%), at which the degree of static liquefaction is the highest. Our analysis shows that compressibility has limitations for evaluating static liquefaction, while the state parameter is an effective indicator for evaluating the static liquefaction of tailings with different initial states and fines contents. The results provide valuable theoretical and practical insights regarding the static liquefaction of tailings and are of great significance for evaluating the stability and preventing the static instability of tailing dams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials)
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Review

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20 pages, 6030 KB  
Review
Review of Component Materials and Diverse Applications of Polymer Concrete
by Xiaolei Li, Jinyuan Gu, Yunsheng Xu, Shen Li and Rui Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122745 - 11 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
Polymer concrete (PC) refers to the use of a polymer as a replacement for cement, enhancing the mechanical and durability properties of traditional concrete. Introduced in the late 1950s and gaining prominence in the 1970s, the use of PCs has been rapidly increasing [...] Read more.
Polymer concrete (PC) refers to the use of a polymer as a replacement for cement, enhancing the mechanical and durability properties of traditional concrete. Introduced in the late 1950s and gaining prominence in the 1970s, the use of PCs has been rapidly increasing across various industries. This paper provides a comprehensive review, beginning with a brief historical overview of polymer concrete. It examines key review papers and books related to PC, summarizing the various materials commonly used in its formulation, such as resins, fillers, fibers, and nanofillers. Additionally, the paper explores the diverse applications of polymer concrete, ranging from structural repairs and architectural cladding to advanced uses in electrical insulation and 3D printing, with special attention given to sustainability aspects. Through this review, the paper highlights the growing importance of polymer concrete in modern construction and infrastructure projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Sustainable Construction Materials)
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