Supplementary Cementitious Materials: Recent Developments, Performance Insights and Potential Applicability

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials due to its strength, durability, and versatility. However, the production of conventional concrete contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the high carbon footprint associated with Portland cement, the primary binding agent in concrete. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) into concrete to reduce its environmental impact while improving its performance. SCMs are materials that can partially replace Portland cement in concrete mixtures, offering multiple benefits such as enhanced durability, reduced permeability, and increased long-term strength. In general, this method yields concrete that is better for the industry in terms of cost, environmental effect, long-term strength, and durability.

The goal of this research topic is to investigate recent advances in the comprehension of the function of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete. SCMs are widely used in the construction industry to enhance the performance and sustainability of concrete structures. However, there is still a need for deeper insights into their mechanisms, interactions with cementitious systems, and overall impact on concrete properties. This research topic aims to bridge the knowledge gap and provide valuable insights for optimizing SCM utilization in concrete production. Further, improvements can be made by trying out new materials, increasing replacement amounts, refining testing procedures, undergoing material treatment or modification, and including additives (such as limestone or nano silica) into the mix. Knowledge growth in these areas can help highlight the research's significance.

The use of SCMs in concrete has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance the performance and sustainability of concrete structures. SCMs, such as fly ash, slag, silica fume, and metakaolin, are by-products or waste materials that can partially replace Portland cement in concrete production. They offer various benefits, including improved durability, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced mechanical properties. This research topic will cover the following themes to explore recent advances in comprehending the function of SCMs in concrete and their influence on concrete properties (but not limited to):

1. Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on Concrete Performance

2. Characterization of Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Improved Durability of Concrete Structures

3. Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

4. Evaluating the Influence of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on Concrete Microstructure and Porosity

5. Assessing the Environmental Benefits of Supplementary Cementitious Materials

6. Geopolymer concrete and the effect of incorporating supplementary cementitious materials.

7. Supplementary Cementitious Materials from By-Products and Wastes

8. Sustainability performance and the use of supplementary cementitious materials in the concrete industry

9. Nanomaterials as additives for supplementary cementitious materials

Keywords: Durability, Geopolymer concrete, Machine learning, Recycled plastic, Supplementary cementitious materials

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