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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2026 | Viewed by 5888

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Dr. Abbas Solouki

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
Interests: zero waste; zero carbon; geopolymer concrete; sustainable pavement; ultra-low carbon concrete; construction materials; waste recycling; smart materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Abir Al-Tabbaa

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Interests: intelligent infrastructure materials; soil mix technology; advanced and green binders and grouts; self-healing and self-repair materials; smart materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The success of our previous two editions of the Special Issue “Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials” underlines that the issues of sustainable construction materials are still open matters and require further research. This fact encouraged us to create a third Special Issue under the same title that will further present state-of-the-art advances in sustainable construction materials; such materials are fundamental to civil engineering, as they are used to build various buildings and infrastructures. Concrete, steel, and asphalt form the majority of the materials used, followed by bricks, glass, and different kinds of wood. However, the increased use of raw materials in the construction industry has led to the depletion of natural resources, such as aggregates and fossil fuels. As a result, researchers, agencies, and policymakers have been seeking sustainable alternatives to mitigate this issue.

As for the construction sector, there is a growing interest in manufacturing sustainable buildings and infrastructure with high percentages of recycled materials, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These sustainable solutions include, but are not limited to, recycling aggregates and other waste materials into new products. In addition to recycling, other sustainable practices are implemented in civil engineering. For instance, green building materials such as bamboo, straw bales, and recycled plastic are alternatives to traditional construction materials. These materials are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, researchers continue to push the boundaries and advance sustainable solutions that will result in zero-waste or zero-carbon infrastructures, for example. The field is experiencing rapid advancements as novel areas of discovery continue to emerge.

Thus, we invite everyone who works in this area to present their latest findings that provide a better understanding of Sustainable Construction Materials. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Abbas Solouki
Prof. Dr. Abir Al-Tabbaa
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

smart materials
low-carbon binders
sustainability
LCA
construction materials
concrete
asphalt
infrastructure
material characterization
waste fines

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Related Special Issue

Advance in Sustainable Construction Materials, Second Volume in Materials (22 articles)

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 6609 KB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Gypsum Panels with Recycled Fishing NET Fibers for Sustainable Construction: Development and Characterization

by Leonardo Lima, Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal, Daniel Ferrández and Paulo Santos

Materials 2025, 18(18), 4305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184305 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

Plastic waste is currently a major environmental issue but also plays a key role in the circular economy. Recycled plastics have become suitable for use in several applications, especially in construction, where they can improve the properties of conventional materials to enable sustainable development. This study designed new eco-gypsum composites containing recycled fishing net (FN) fibers and evaluated their mechanical, hygrothermal, fire and environmental performances. All the developed composites achieved the minimum standardized strengths. Regarding the impact hardness test, the composite with 40% recycled FN fibers (FN40%) reached a five times higher energy of rupture than the reference gypsum sample. Indeed, FN40% presented better properties in general, e.g., 33% less water absorption by capillarity, 17% lower thermal conductivity and 40% less environmental impacts. Moreover, the use of these FN40% gypsum composites was modeled in an LSF partition wall, and it was predicted that they increased the thermal resistance by 4.4%, taking traditional gypsum plasterboards (Ref.) with the same thickness as a reference. These promising results allow us to conclude that it is possible to obtain eco-friendly gypsum composite panels by incorporating recycled FN fibers, satisfying the mechanical resistance requirements (flexural and compressive) and even improving their impact hardness, as well as their functional performance regarding their hygrothermal behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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16 pages, 2421 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Performance Mortar with Epoxy-Coated Lightweight Aggregates for Marine Structures

by Jin-Su Kim, Ho-Yeon Lee and Jang-Ho Jay Kim

Materials 2025, 18(18), 4257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184257 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 143

Abstract

Due to the global growth of the construction industry, the use of concrete has increased rapidly. Consequently, the depletion of natural aggregates, which are essential components of concrete, has emerged as a critical issue. Simultaneously, the construction of marine structures has recently increased due to population growth and climate change. This trend highlights the growing demand for durable and sustainable construction materials in aggressive environments. To address the depletion of natural aggregates, extensive research has focused on artificial lightweight aggregates produced from industrial waste. However, the high porosity and low compressive strength of artificial lightweight aggregates have limited their effectiveness in ensuring the performance of sustainable marine structures. In this study, a high-performance mortar (HPM) incorporating artificial lightweight fine aggregates (ALWFAs) was developed to address the depletion of natural aggregates and to serve as a protective layer material in marine environments. To enhance the physical properties of ALWFAs, the aggregates were coated with epoxy-TiO₂ coatings applied to both their internal voids and external surfaces. The effectiveness of this enhancement was assessed by comparing the performance of mortars prepared with uncoated and coated ALWFAs. The HPM was evaluated for its porosity, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and chloride diffusion coefficient. The results showed that increases in the ALWFA replacement ratio led to a general reduction in performance. However, a comparison between uncoated and coated ALWFAs revealed that the coated aggregates led to improvements of up to 4.13%, 49.3%, 28.6%, and 52.0% in porosity, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and chloride diffusion coefficient, respectively. The study results are discussed in detail in the paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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19 pages, 5777 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Mechanical and Frost Resistance Properties of Sustainable Concrete Using Fired Pumice Aggregates

by Mahiro Hokazono, Momoka Ijichi, Takato Tsuboguchi and Kentaro Yasui

Materials 2025, 18(17), 4191; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174191 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 642

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of pumice deposits in the southern Kyushu region, which can cause landslides during heavy rainfall. To reduce this hazard, it is important to expand pumice applications and promote its use before disaster events occur. Among construction materials, this study explores the possibility of using pumice as a concrete aggregate, considering the global shortage of natural aggregates. Because of the low strength and difficulty of use, pumice must be fired to improve its properties. In our experiment, it was fired at 1000 or 1100 °C, and the performance of the resulting concretes was compared. Concrete incorporating pumice fired at 1100 °C achieved a maximum compressive strength of 54.6 N/mm² with an increase in the amount of cement, whereas concrete with pumice fired at 1000 °C remained within the 20–24 N/mm² range even when the amount of cement was increased. This difference arises because pumice has a lower strength than the cement paste, leading to material failure. Furthermore, freeze–thaw tests showed that concrete made with pumice fired at 1100 °C was resistant to frost damage. These results suggest that pumice fired at 1100 °C has an excellent potential as a sustainable building material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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20 pages, 7398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Application of Limestone Mine Dust Filter Slag as Concrete Admixture

by Yuehua Liang and Jie Wang

Materials 2025, 18(17), 3970; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18173970 - 25 Aug 2025

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Abstract

With rapid industrialization, large quantities of industrial solid waste are generated annually. In Panzhihua, China, approximately 300,000 tons of limestone mine dust filter residue (LMDFR) is produced. This study investigates the properties of LMDFR and its potential as a supplementary cementitious material. LMDFR was blended with fly ash (FA) to replace 30% of cement in mortar. Tests were conducted to measure the mortar’s flowability and its compressive and flexural strengths after 7 and 28 days of curing, and XRD, SEM, TG, and DSC analyses were conducted on 28-day specimens. LMDFR primarily comprises ≥95% CaCO₃, with a specific surface area of ~1.3 m²/g and density of 2.694 g/cm³. Mortar flowability increased with LMDFR content, reaching 112.83% when used alone. Flexural strength was largely unaffected, while the 7-day compressive strength significantly improved. However, the 28-day strength decreased when LMDFR was used alone, with a 28-day activity index of 61.10%, compared with 71.52% for FA. A 1:1 blend of LMDFR and FA improved the activity index to 83.18%. Microstructural and thermal results corroborated strength and flowability trends. In conclusion, LMDFR demonstrates promising potential as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete applications. When blended with fly ash at a 1:1 ratio, the composite admixture significantly enhances flowability and early compressive strength while maintaining adequate long-term performance. This synergistic combination not only improves the physical properties of cement mortar but also provides a sustainable solution for the large-scale utilization of industrial solid waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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17 pages, 3836 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Alkali-Activated Biomass Fly Ash and Diatomite Blends

by Darius Žurinskas and Danutė Vaičiukynienė

Materials 2025, 18(16), 3807; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163807 - 13 Aug 2025

Viewed by 323

Abstract

Biomass is one of the most important sources of renewable energy, generating large amounts of ash. This increases the amount of waste, landfill, and air pollution. This work focuses on the sustainable disposal of this ash by producing an innovative binder. The mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated biomass fly ash (BFA) and diatomite (DT) mixtures are currently insufficiently studied. New scientific knowledge of these properties is needed. This study presents the possibility of using BFA and diatomite as aluminosilicate precursors for the production of an alkaline-activated binder. It was found that the reactivity of BFA is relatively low. Based on XRD analysis, the mineral composition of BFA is dominated by quartz and calcite, both of which are non-reactive minerals. Therefore, mixtures with DT were created as precursors. According to Rietveld analysis data, an amorphous part was found in both precursor materials, BFA and DT. Comparing the chemical composition of BFA and DT using XRF and Rietveld analysis data, it was found that the amorphous part of BFA consists of CaO, while the amorphous part of DT consists of SiO₂. Thus, the combination of these precursors should complement each other during the geopolymerisation process. After 28 days of curing, the strength of the binders was dependent on the amount of DT, and the highest strength values, such as 16.4 MPa and 15.3 MPa, were obtained when DT contents were 10% and 30%, respectively. After geopolymerisation, XRD analysis showed that calcium silicate hydrate, hydrotalcite, and calcium aluminium silicate hydrate (zeolite A type) were formed. SEM analysis confirmed the XRD results and showed that DT additives (10% and 30% by weight) improved the microstructure of alkali-activated BFA, which is closely related to compressive strength values. The proposed binder will be useful in the preparation of concrete, which could be used for artificial aggregates or small architectural elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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18 pages, 3174 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Correction of the Shrinkage Prediction Model for Manufactured Sand Concrete

by Wei Fan, Yang Wei, Jiyang Yi, Kang Zhao, Binrong Zhu and Guofen Li

Materials 2025, 18(16), 3802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163802 - 13 Aug 2025

Viewed by 403

Abstract

With the continuous depletion of natural river sand resources and the escalating ecological degradation caused by excessive sand mining, manufactured sand has emerged as a sustainable and environmentally favorable alternative aggregate, playing an increasingly important role in the advancement of green construction materials. Nevertheless, the shrinkage behavior of manufactured sand concrete (MSC) exhibits significant deviations from that of conventional natural sand concrete due to differences in the material characteristics. Existing shrinkage prediction models—such as ACI 209, CEB-FIP 2010, B3, and GL 2000—fail to adequately incorporate the specific properties and substitution effects of manufactured sand, thereby limiting their predictive accuracy and applicability. To bridge this gap, the present study conducted a systematic evaluation of the four aforementioned classical shrinkage prediction models based on experimental data from MSC specimens incorporating varying replacement rates of manufactured sand. The findings revealed that models such as B3 and CEB-FIP 2010 neglected the influence of critical characteristics of manufactured sand—namely, particle morphology, gradation, and stone powder content—on the cementitious matrix and interfacial transition zone, which led to substantial prediction discrepancies. Accordingly, a nonlinear regression-based correction function was developed, introducing the manufactured sand content as a key influencing variable to recalibrate and enhance the ACI 209 and GL 2000 models for a more accurate application to MSC. The modified models exhibited markedly improved fitting performance and predictive robustness across the full range of manufactured sand replacement ratios (0–100%), thereby offering a more reliable framework for modeling the shrinkage development of MSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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13 pages, 3699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Ordinary Portland Cement–Sulfoaluminate Cement Repair Mortar

by Qun Zhou, Runzhuo Cao and Xiaodong Ma

Materials 2025, 18(16), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163748 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 428

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity are frequently considered as ideal nano-reinforced materials for the future. This paper investigated the potential application of MWCNTs in ordinary Portland cement–sulfoaluminate cement (OPC-SAC) repair mortar by analyzing mechanical and microstructural changes caused by MWCNTs. The test results revealed that MWCNTs greatly increased the strength of OPC-SAC binary repair mortar in the early days, and promoted sustained growth of long-term strength. The 10.39%/9.3 MPa increases in compressive strength can be attributed to 0.10 wt.% MWCNTs. MWCNTs promotes hydration of OPC-SAC composites through functional groups and nucleation effects, resulting in more C-S-H gels and AFt crystals. The X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results indicate that the nanofibers (MWCNTs) optimize the microstructure and microstructure of the composites. The nanofibers with high aspect ratio results enhance the crosslinking between hydration products, improve complexity (higher D_s) and integrity (more crosslinking sites), and reduce the formation and propagation of microcracks through bridging. The filling effect of nanoparticles refines the pore and reduces the pore volume, especially the volume of medium capillary pores. It is precisely these combined actions that improve the engineering performance of OPC-SAC binary repair mortar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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22 pages, 9028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanochemical Activation of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag: Insights into Particle Modification, Hydration Behavior, and Microstructural Development

by Maochun Xu, Liuchao Guo, Junshan Wen, Xiaodong Hu, Lei Wang and Liwu Mo

Materials 2025, 18(15), 3687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153687 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 412

Abstract

This study proposed a mechanochemical activation strategy using ethanol-diisopropanolamine (EDIPA) to improve the grindability and hydration reactivity of basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS), aiming for its large-scale industrial utilization. The incorporation of EDIPA significantly refined the particle size distribution and reduced the repose angle. As a result, the compressive strength of BOFS paste increased by 25.4 MPa at 28 d with only 0.08 wt.% EDIPA. Conductivity tests demonstrated that EDIPA strongly complexes with Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, and Fe³⁺, facilitating the dissolution of active mineral phases, such as C₁₂A₇ and C₂F, and accelerating hydration reactions. XRD and TG analyses confirmed that the incorporation of EDIPA facilitated the formation of Mc (C₄(A,F)ČH₁₁) and increased the content of C-S-H, both of which contributed to microstructural densification. Microstructural observations further revealed that EDIPA refined Ca(OH)₂ crystals, increasing their specific surface area from 4.7 m²/g to 35.2 m²/g. The combined effect of crystal refinement and enhanced hydration product formation resulted in reduced porosity and improved mechanical properties. Overall, the results demonstrated that EDIPA provided an economical, effective, and scalable means of activating BOFS, thereby promoting its high-value utilization in low-carbon construction materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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15 pages, 1251 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Adhesion Performance of Fast-Melting SBS-Modified Emulsified Asphalt–Aggregate Based on the Surface Free Energy Theory

by Hao Zhang, Haowei Li, Fei Guo, Shige Wang and Jinchao Yue

Materials 2025, 18(15), 3523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153523 - 27 Jul 2025

Viewed by 543

Abstract

Aiming at the problems of complex process flow, high energy consumption, and difficult emulsification in the preparation of traditional SBS-modified emulsified asphalt, a preparation method of fast-melting SBS (referred to as SBS-T) modified emulsified asphalt based on the integration of modification and emulsification is proposed. Based on surface free energy theory, the contact angles between three rapid-melting SBS-modified emulsified asphalts with different dosages and three probe liquids (deionized water, glycerol, and formamide) were measured using the sessile drop method. The adhesion performance of the asphalt–aggregate system was studied by means of micromechanical methods. The evaluation indicators such as the cohesion work of the emulsified asphalt, the adhesion work of asphalt–aggregate, the spalling work, and the energy ratio were analyzed. The results show that the SBS-T modifier can significantly improve the thermodynamic properties of emulsified asphalt. With increasing modifier content, the SBS-T-modified emulsified asphalt demonstrated enhanced cohesive work, improved asphalt–aggregate adhesive work, and increased energy ratio, while showing reduced stripping work. At equivalent dosage levels, the SBS-T-modified emulsified asphalt demonstrates a slight improvement in adhesion performance to aggregates compared to conventional SBS-modified emulsified asphalt. The SBS-T emulsified modified asphalt provides an effective technical solution for the preventive maintenance of asphalt pavements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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13 pages, 881 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Concrete Using Ceramic Tile Waste as a Substitute for Brick Aggregate

by Kamal Hosen and Alina Bărbulescu

Materials 2025, 18(13), 3093; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133093 - 30 Jun 2025

Viewed by 772

Abstract

Recycled materials have gained extensive recognition in many industrial sectors for enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. Combining ceramic tile waste (CTW) in concrete mixes with recycled aggregate will help lower natural aggregate demand and reduce the amount sent to landfill. This paper aims to study the mechanical properties of CTW in concrete mixes as a brick aggregate replacement and its impact on concrete strength and durability. To evaluate and assess their strength and durability, three types of concrete cubes were prepared using 20%, 40%, and 70% of waste ceramic tiles as a replacement for coarse aggregate. Two kinds of concrete samples were also prepared with conventional coarse aggregate as the control specimen (CC). A 1:2:4 concrete mixed ratio was used in this research with a 0.50 water–cement ratio. The samples were tested after 14 days and 28 days to assess their mechanical properties, including strength and durability. When CTW was added to concrete mixtures instead of brick chips, the mechanical strength rose considerably, and the water absorption performance increased. Moreover, replacing brick chips with ceramic waste in concrete could have significant environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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Review

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23 pages, 2213 KB

Open AccessReview

Influence of Length-to-Diameter Ratio on Static and Dynamic Behavior of Rocks: A Review and Perspective

by Kang Peng, Yansong Bai, Song Luo, Kun Luo, Haoyu He and Ze Xi

Materials 2025, 18(5), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051109 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 900

Abstract

The size effect in rock mechanics has long been a challenging issue, with the length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio emerging as a critical factor that has received substantial attention. Understanding the L/D ratio effect is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory tests. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies on the L/D ratio effect in rocks, examining its influence on static and dynamic mechanical behavior. The analysis encompasses the effects of specimen L/D ratio on rock mechanical properties, energy characteristics, and failure modes, integrating the findings from theoretical research and experimental studies. The results reveal that the L/D ratio effect varies significantly under different external loading conditions. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying the L/D ratio effect remain ambiguous, and a unified conclusion has yet to be reached. This review highlights the importance of selecting appropriate specimen dimensions for laboratory tests and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the L/D ratio effect to advance the understanding of rock mechanics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, Third Edition)

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