Advancements in Concrete Materials for Sustainable Construction

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability imperatives press hard for radical changes in the construction industry. The current trend is toward more innovative construction methods with less environmental impact and, at the same time, with improved performance. Such a transition places concrete in the foreground as the enabling material.

This Special Issue is dedicated to reviewing the recent progress on SCC (Self-Compacting Concrete), UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete), UHPFRC (Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforcement Concrete), and other novel materials with the aim of tackling, in particular, the most critical problems related to durability, strength, and sustainability while renewing construction standards. SCC has been characterized by its very good flowability without mechanical vibration; more recent developments include the inclusion of recycled aggregate, industrial by-products, and nano-additions with enhanced performance and ecological friendliness. While UHPC reaches outstanding compressive strength and durability, other binder alternatives are introduced, such as alkali-activated materials, with the aim of reduction in CO₂ emissions. UHPFRC, by using state-of-the-art developments of sustainable fibers and optimized mixes, combines unexcelled tensile strength and crack resistance.

Other recent developments include bio-cemented composites, geopolymer concretes, and recycled waste materials, which will lead to greener construction. These developments will increase the service life of structures, reduce maintenance, and improve resource efficiency.

This Special Issue is concerned with such transformative technologies that enable sustainable construction to be in harmony with environmental needs and contribute toward a resilient, eco-conscious built environment.

Prof. Dr. Mouhcine Benaicha
Guest Editor

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