Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies

Abstract submission deadline

20 June 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

20 August 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable construction materials and processes focus on reducing the environmental impact of building activities while promoting resource efficiency and long-term viability. This approach involves selecting materials that are renewable, recyclable, or have low embodied energy, such as bamboo, recycled steel and concrete, or fly ash concrete. Sustainable construction also emphasizes processes that minimize waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions during production, transportation, and installation. In addition, automation in construction, including 3D printing, aims to increase efficiency, productivity, and accuracy in construction projects, while also reducing the risk of human error and improving safety. This Topic focuses on the integration of these principles in the construction industry to create buildings and structures that are not only environmentally responsible but also economically and socially beneficial over their lifespan.

Dr. Ayman El-Zohairy
Prof. Dr. Ahmed A. Ibrahim
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Architecture architecture	1.4	2.2	2021	18.9 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	4.4	2011	15.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
CivilEng civileng	2.0	4.0	2020	21.7 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Infrastructures infrastructures	2.9	6.0	2016	18.3 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Modelling modelling	1.5	2.2	2020	24.9 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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47 pages, 1985 KB  

Open AccessReview

Engineered Laminated Bamboo for Structural Applications: A Critical Review of Materials, Systems, and Design Challenges

by Kunal Mohinderu, Sriram Aaleti and Saahastaranshu R. Bhardwaj

CivilEng 2026, 7(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng7020024 - 12 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Laminated bamboo (LB) has emerged as a promising sustainable structural material due to its rapid renewability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and favorable mechanical performance. Drawing on a comprehensive review of over 90 published experimental and analytical studies, this paper provides a critical synthesis of [...] Read more.

Laminated bamboo (LB) has emerged as a promising sustainable structural material due to its rapid renewability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and favorable mechanical performance. Drawing on a comprehensive review of over 90 published experimental and analytical studies, this paper provides a critical synthesis of the structural behavior of LB, with emphasis on its compression, tension, flexure, shear, and creep responses. Reported mechanical properties exhibit variability, largely influenced by bamboo species, fiber orientation, processing methods, adhesives, lamination quality, and loading configuration. While LB demonstrates high tensile and flexural strengths comparable to or exceeding conventional timber products, pronounced anisotropy and brittle failure modes are consistently observed, particularly under shear and rolling shear loading. Recent studies on cross-laminated bamboo (CLB) highlight the significant role of interlaminar behavior and adhesive performance in controlling failure mechanisms, indicating that rolling shear capacities often govern the design of planar elements. Beyond mechanical behavior, this review synthesizes available research on thermal and fire performance. Emerging research on LB connections indicates that joint behavior often governs global structural performance, with strength and ductility strongly influenced by fastener type and embedment behavior. Key knowledge gaps are identified, underscoring the need for unified design frameworks to enable broader structural adoption of laminated bamboo systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies)

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Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 99 KB)

18 pages, 369 KB  

Open AccessReview

Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainable Materials: A Comprehensive Analysis of Methodological Asymmetries and Environmental Trade-Offs

by Makram El Bachawati, Yassine Elias Belarbi, Henri El Zakhem and Rafik Belarbi

Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071385 - 1 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Comparative Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of bio-based materials are highly influenced by methodological choices, so the term “bio-based” does not necessarily imply a low environmental impact. This review analyzes over 50 peer-reviewed LCAs (2010–2024) to quantify how four methodological pillars—(i) attributional versus consequential [...] Read more.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of bio-based materials are highly influenced by methodological choices, so the term “bio-based” does not necessarily imply a low environmental impact. This review analyzes over 50 peer-reviewed LCAs (2010–2024) to quantify how four methodological pillars—(i) attributional versus consequential modeling, (ii) timing and storage of biogenic carbon, (iii) Direct Land-Use Change (LUC) and Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC), and (iv) allocation in multifunctional systems—drive variability across long-life construction and short-life packaging/composites; adding regionalized perspectives (e.g., water scarcity according to the AWARE initiative, and relevant inventories for the MENA region) and ex-ante LCA guidance aligned with technology readiness levels. Methods included systematic selection from Web of Science/Scopus databases, standardized functional units, system boundaries, impact methods (ReCiPe/EF/TRACI/AWARE), biogenic carbon conventions (GWP100, dynamic/GWPbio), LUC/ILUC handling, allocation rules, and end-of-life scenarios, followed by qualitative meta-synthesis. Results show ~85% of studies used attributional approaches; consequential models typically report higher climate impacts when ILUC is included. In the building applications, bio-based alternatives—particularly wood—reduced cradle-to-critical-state global warming potential (GWP) by 30–70%; a “negative GWP” only emerged when storage balances or dynamic characterization were applied. For bioplastics, climate benefits are context-dependent and can disappear once ILUC and agricultural inputs are considered; acidification and eutrophication frequently increase. We conclude that environmental performance is subject to methodological choices rather than bio-based origin; systematic trade-offs persist between reducing GWP, increasing eutrophication/acidification, and increasing pressure on water/biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies)

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26 pages, 3565 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of GGBFS and Fly Ash on Elevated Temperature Resistance of Pumice-Based Geopolymers

by Mohammed Shubaili

Infrastructures 2026, 11(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11010028 - 15 Jan 2026

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Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of geopolymer composites formulated from pumice dust partially replaced by ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash (FA) at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight. The mixtures were evaluated for flowability, compressive [...] Read more.

The current study investigated the effects of geopolymer composites formulated from pumice dust partially replaced by ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash (FA) at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight. The mixtures were evaluated for flowability, compressive strength (7, 28, and 56 days), density, and water absorption (28 and 56 days) at ambient temperatures. Moreover, compressive strength, mass loss, density, and water absorption were evaluated after exposure of the mixtures to elevated temperatures (250 °C, 500 °C, and 750 °C) at 28 days. All specimens were initially cured at 60 °C for 24 h, followed by storage under ambient laboratory conditions until testing. The inclusion of GGBFS into the mixtures decreased flowability, and the inclusion of FA resulted in its improvement. At ambient temperature, GGBFS-based mixtures, which were high in calcium content, exhibited substantially superior compressive strength and reduced absorption relative to FA-based mixtures due to the development of dense C-A-S-H gel networks. However, the compressive strength of FA-based mixtures considerably increased when exposed to a temperature of 250 °C. Moreover, at 750 °C, the FA-based mixtures showed superior residual strength (up to 18.1 MPa), lower mass loss, and reduced absorption, indicating enhanced thermal stability due to the dominance of thermally resistant N-A-S-H gels. X-ray diffraction results further supported these trends by showing the rapid deterioration of calcium-rich phases under heat and the comparative stability of aluminosilicate structures in FA-based systems. Overall, the inclusion of up to 40% GGBFS is beneficial for early strength and densification, whereas the incorporation of up to 40% FA improves durability and mechanical retention under high-temperature conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies)

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29 pages, 3861 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Modeling of Concrete Permeability Using XGBoost Based on Experimental and Real Data: Evaluation of Pressure, Time, and Severe Conditions

by Ali Saberi Varzaneh and Mahmood Naderi

Modelling 2026, 7(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling7010013 - 6 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Resistance against water penetration is one of the key indicators of concrete durability in humid and pressurized environments. An intelligent model based on the XGBoost machine-learning algorithm was developed to predict the water penetration depth, using 1512 independent experimental measurements. The influential variables [...] Read more.

Resistance against water penetration is one of the key indicators of concrete durability in humid and pressurized environments. An intelligent model based on the XGBoost machine-learning algorithm was developed to predict the water penetration depth, using 1512 independent experimental measurements. The influential variables included water pressure, pressure duration, thermal cycles, fiber content, curing, and compressive strength. The investigated concrete specimens and field-tested structures in this study were exposed to arid and hot climatic conditions, and the proposed model was developed within this environmental context. To accurately simulate the water transport behavior, a cylindrical-chamber test was employed, enabling non-destructive and in-situ evaluation of structures. Correlation analysis revealed that compressive strength had the strongest negative influence (r = −0.598), while free curing exhibited the strongest positive influence (r = +0.654) on penetration depth. After hyperparameter optimization, the XGBoost model achieved the best performance (R² = 0.956, RMSE = 1.08 mm, MAE = 0.81 mm). Feature importance analysis indicated that penetration volume, pressure, and curing were the most significant predictors. According to the partial dependence analysis, both pressure and duration exhibited an approximately linear increase in penetration depth, while a W/C ratio below 0.45 and curing markedly reduced permeability. Microstructural interpretation using MIP, XRD, and SEM tests supported the physical interpretation of the trends identified by the machine-learning model. The results demonstrate that machine-learning-models can serve as fast and accurate tools for assessing durability and predicting permeability under severe environmental conditions. Finally, the permeability of several real structures was evaluated using the machine-learning approach, showing excellent prediction accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies)

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18 pages, 1164 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Potential for Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Natural Aggregates Production (Slovenian Case Study)

by Janez Turk, Anja Kodrič, Rok Cajzek and Tjaša Zupančič Hartner

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10856; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910856 - 9 Oct 2025

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Abstract

The environmental performance of natural aggregates for concrete and road construction, extracted from a dolomite quarry, was investigated. Environmental hotspots were identified, and potential optimization measures to further reduce the environmental footprint were proposed. The natural aggregates extracted from the dolomite quarry have [...] Read more.

The environmental performance of natural aggregates for concrete and road construction, extracted from a dolomite quarry, was investigated. Environmental hotspots were identified, and potential optimization measures to further reduce the environmental footprint were proposed. The natural aggregates extracted from the dolomite quarry have relatively low GWP and a low environmental footprint in general. The GWP of 1 tonne of natural aggregates used in concrete production is 1.13 kg CO₂ equiv., while for 1 tonne of aggregates used in road construction, it is 0.97 kg CO₂ equiv. The dolomite rock in the quarry in question is tectonically fractured, such that very intensive extraction is not required, taking into account the blasting of the rock and further processing. The use of non-road mobile machinery is already optimized. Additional reductions in environmental impact could be achieved by powering the screening process exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, such as a photovoltaic system. In this context, integrating on-site battery storage systems might present a promising solution for addressing the seasonal mismatch between solar energy generation and processing demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies)

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20 pages, 3117 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Waste Mask Fabric Scraps on Strength and Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixture with Nano-Carbon-Modified Filler

by Mina Al-Sadat Mirjalili and Mohammad Mehdi Khabiri

Infrastructures 2025, 10(9), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10090233 - 3 Sep 2025

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Abstract

This research investigates the influence of waste mask fabric scraps (WMFSs) and nano-carbon-modified filler (NCMF) on the mechanical characteristics and durability of hot mix asphalt, aiming to improve pavement performance concerning tensile stress, fatigue, and moisture damage using recycled materials. Asphalt mixtures were [...] Read more.

This research investigates the influence of waste mask fabric scraps (WMFSs) and nano-carbon-modified filler (NCMF) on the mechanical characteristics and durability of hot mix asphalt, aiming to improve pavement performance concerning tensile stress, fatigue, and moisture damage using recycled materials. Asphalt mixtures were created with aggregate and WMFS/NCMF at 0.3% and 0.5% weight percentages (relative to aggregate), with fiber lengths of 8, 12, and 18 mm, utilizing a ‘wet mixing’ method where fibers were incrementally added to aggregates during mixing. The samples underwent indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and Marshall stability testing. The results demonstrated that incorporating WMFSs and NCMF initially enhanced tensile strength, moisture susceptibility resistance, and Marshall stability, reaching an optimal point; beyond this, further fiber addition diminished these properties. Data analysis identified the sample containing 0.3% fibers at a 12 mm length as the superior performer, showcasing the highest ITS and Marshall stability values. Statistical t-tests revealed significant differences between fiber-containing samples and control groups, verifying the beneficial impact of WMFSs and NCMF. Design-Expert software (Design-Expert 12.0.3) was used to develop functional models predicting asphalt properties based on fiber percentage and length. The optimal combination—12 mm fiber length and 0.3% WMFS/NCMF—demonstrated a 33% increase in tensile strength, a 17% improvement in moisture resistance, and a 70% reduction in fatigue deformation. Safety protocols, including thermal decontamination of WMFSs, were implemented to mitigate potential health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Construction Materials, Processes, and Automation Technologies)

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