Cement-Based Materials in Special Environments: Performance, Degradation, and Low-Carbon Engineering

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cement-based materials remain the most widely consumed construction materials globally, yet their production accounts for a substantial share of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. A fundamental understanding of the composition–structure–performance relationships of cement-based materials is essential for developing durable, sustainable, and low-carbon cement-based materials. The formation and evolution of cement microstructure—from early-age hydration to long-term service—directly determine the macroscopic physical and mechanical properties of cement-based materials, as well as their resistance to environmental degradation.

In deep-earth engineering contexts, cement-based materials are subjected to complex and harsh service conditions, including high hydraulic pressure, coupled hydro–mechanical loads, high ground temperature, and chemical attacks. The environmental behavior of structural concrete under such multi-field coupling conditions significantly influences the long-term stability and safety of underground structures. Elucidating the degradation mechanisms of cementitious materials in these special environments is therefore a critical concern for both materials science and structural engineering.

Furthermore, the utilization of industrial solid wastes as supplementary cementitious materials offers a promising pathway toward low-carbon construction. The hydration mechanisms of composite binders incorporating mineral admixtures, along with their influence on the stability and durability of cement-based materials, have drawn growing attention from both academia and industry. Bridging fundamental materials research with engineering practice—particularly in underground and deep-earth applications—is essential for advancing sustainable infrastructure development.

This Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research on cement-based materials, with a particular focus on the following: the fundamental relationships between composition, structure, and performance; degradation behaviors under special environmental conditions (e.g., deep-earth, hydro–mechanical coupling, aggressive exposure); and low-carbon strategies for engineering applications. We welcome contributions from both fundamental and applied perspectives, including but not limited to the following topics:

• Composition, microstructure, and properties of cement-based materials;
• Hydration mechanisms and microstructure evolution of composite binders;
• Degradation mechanisms under high hydraulic pressure, multi-field coupling, and aggressive environments;
• Durability of concrete materials and structures in underground and deep-earth engineering;
• Mechanical properties and environmental behavior of structural concrete under special service conditions;
• Utilization of industrial solid wastes and low-carbon cementitious systems;
• High-performance concrete: preparation, performance, and engineering applications;
• Multi-scale characterization and performance prediction of cement-based materials;
• Service life assessment and durability design of concrete structures.

Prof. Dr. Peiyu Yan
Prof. Dr. Weipei Xue
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	6.1	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	5.6	2011	15.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Corrosion and Materials Degradation cmd	2.4	4.3	2020	19.2 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	7.0	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	10.3	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Solids solids	2.4	3.3	2020	18.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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