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Most of the typical materials employed in today’s constructions present limitations, especially concerning their durability, in either common or severe environmental conditions, and their impact on the environment. In response to these issues, academic and industrial efforts around the world have been devoted to developing new smart materials that can provide efficient alternatives, improve the energy efficiency of buildings, or can upgrade, repair, or protect existing infrastructures. Different and wide technological innovations are, therefore, quickly fostering advancements in the field of construction materials. A new generation of materials (bricks, cement, coatings, concrete, FRP, glass, masonry, mortars, nano-materials, PCM, polymers, steel, wood, etc.) is gaining a prominent position in modern building technology, since they can overcome various limits and flaws of conventional materials employed in constructions, without neglecting the smart applications of pioneering materials in ancient constructions and historic buildings. Even though the adoption of innovative materials in the construction field has been a successful route in achieving enhanced performance, or even new and unexpected characteristics, some issues have not been completely solved. On top of them, the cost/performance ratio of novel solutions, since their introduction must be convenient, without compromising quality. Other concerns are related to their sustainability, with eco-friendly options, possibly exploiting recycled materials or by-products from other productions, being the most desirable solution. Finally, the use of materials or systems that are unconventional in this field raises the need to update or develop new specifications and standards. This special issue aims at providing a platform for discussing open issues, challenges, and achievements related to innovative materials proposed for the construction industry.

Research & information: general --- Technology: general issues --- isogrid --- aircraft load-bearing structures --- finite elements method --- nonlinear numerical analyses --- stability --- equilibrium path --- cement --- gypsum --- hydraulic lime --- mechanical properties --- mortars --- phase-change materials (PCM) --- sustainable materials for buildings --- thermal energy storage --- glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar --- ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) --- concrete headed GFRP rebar --- bond strength --- development length --- flexural strength --- precast concrete deck --- material selection --- project performance --- material property --- analytic hierarchy process (AHP) --- building construction --- concrete system form --- phase change material (PCM) --- thermal energy storage (TES) --- thermal properties --- Ca7ZrAl6O18 --- 27Al MAS NMR --- Sr-rich (Sr,C)3AH6 --- cement hydration --- refractories --- immobilization of radioactive Sr --- shrinkage-reducing agent --- compressive strength --- splitting tensile strength --- freezing and thawing --- spacing factor --- cultural heritage --- durability --- mechanical characterization --- retrofitting --- strengthening --- quasi-brittle material --- three-point bending test --- energy fracture --- NHL --- composite material --- jute --- MICP --- ureolytic bacteria --- biocement --- natural plant fiber --- ladle furnace slag --- reclaimed asphalt pavements --- cold in-place recycling --- simple compressive strength --- bitumen emulsion --- waste --- circular economy --- bacteria --- biocementation --- construction --- microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation --- n/a

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Most of the typical materials employed in today’s constructions present limitations, especially concerning their durability, in either common or severe environmental conditions, and their impact on the environment. In response to these issues, academic and industrial efforts around the world have been devoted to developing new smart materials that can provide efficient alternatives, improve the energy efficiency of buildings, or can upgrade, repair, or protect existing infrastructures. Different and wide technological innovations are, therefore, quickly fostering advancements in the field of construction materials. A new generation of materials (bricks, cement, coatings, concrete, FRP, glass, masonry, mortars, nano-materials, PCM, polymers, steel, wood, etc.) is gaining a prominent position in modern building technology, since they can overcome various limits and flaws of conventional materials employed in constructions, without neglecting the smart applications of pioneering materials in ancient constructions and historic buildings. Even though the adoption of innovative materials in the construction field has been a successful route in achieving enhanced performance, or even new and unexpected characteristics, some issues have not been completely solved. On top of them, the cost/performance ratio of novel solutions, since their introduction must be convenient, without compromising quality. Other concerns are related to their sustainability, with eco-friendly options, possibly exploiting recycled materials or by-products from other productions, being the most desirable solution. Finally, the use of materials or systems that are unconventional in this field raises the need to update or develop new specifications and standards. This special issue aims at providing a platform for discussing open issues, challenges, and achievements related to innovative materials proposed for the construction industry.

Research & information: general --- Technology: general issues --- isogrid --- aircraft load-bearing structures --- finite elements method --- nonlinear numerical analyses --- stability --- equilibrium path --- cement --- gypsum --- hydraulic lime --- mechanical properties --- mortars --- phase-change materials (PCM) --- sustainable materials for buildings --- thermal energy storage --- glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar --- ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) --- concrete headed GFRP rebar --- bond strength --- development length --- flexural strength --- precast concrete deck --- material selection --- project performance --- material property --- analytic hierarchy process (AHP) --- building construction --- concrete system form --- phase change material (PCM) --- thermal energy storage (TES) --- thermal properties --- Ca7ZrAl6O18 --- 27Al MAS NMR --- Sr-rich (Sr,C)3AH6 --- cement hydration --- refractories --- immobilization of radioactive Sr --- shrinkage-reducing agent --- compressive strength --- splitting tensile strength --- freezing and thawing --- spacing factor --- cultural heritage --- durability --- mechanical characterization --- retrofitting --- strengthening --- quasi-brittle material --- three-point bending test --- energy fracture --- NHL --- composite material --- jute --- MICP --- ureolytic bacteria --- biocement --- natural plant fiber --- ladle furnace slag --- reclaimed asphalt pavements --- cold in-place recycling --- simple compressive strength --- bitumen emulsion --- waste --- circular economy --- bacteria --- biocementation --- construction --- microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation