Low carbon dioxide concrete () has emerged as a critical strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction industry, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions as a result of the production of traditional Portland cement. This review paper examines the environmental implications of technologies, including supplementary cementitious materials, alkali-activated binders, approaches for carbon dioxide capture and utilisation, and novel aggregate alternatives. Life cycle assessment results from numerous studies were synthesised to evaluate reductions in embodied carbon dioxide, energy consumption and resource depletion relative to conventional concrete. The paper also explores challenges related to durability, materials availability, standardisation and performance variability, which can influence both environmental outcomes and large-scale adoption. In addition, the review highlights emerging trends such as bio-based binders, carbon-negative concrete formulations and digital optimisation techniques for mix design. Overall, this paper demonstrates that can significantly reduce environmental burdens, often achieving 20-70% carbon dioxide savings, but emphasises that holistic evaluation - including durability, transport and end-of-life considerations - is essential for accurate impact assessment. The review concludes with recommendations for research priorities and policy interventions needed to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient concrete industry.

This comprehensive review examines the fire resistance of Geopolymer Concrete (GPC), focusing on its composition, manufacturing processes, and structural applications. Compared to conventional Portland cement concrete, GPC demonstrates significantly superior performance at elevated temperatures. Experimental studies indicate that GPC can retain approximately 60–80

This paper examines advancements in 3D concrete printing (3DCP), emphasizing material innovations, reinforcement methods, and sustainability. It outlines the evolution of 3DCP from prototyping to large-scale construction and focuses on advanced cementitious mixtures incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume, along with nanomaterials like nanosilica and carbon nanotubes. These additions enhance compressive strength, flowability, shrinkage control, and durability while lowering the carbon footprint. The role of chemical admixtures, including superplasticizers and rheology modifiers, is discussed for improving printability and interlayer bonding. The paper further explores reinforcement strategies, such as steel, glass, and polymer fibres, that improve tensile strength and crack resistance. It also reviews extrusion-based additive manufacturing techniques that enable the construction of complex geometries with high precision. In addition, self-healing mechanisms and environmentally conscious material choices are evaluated for extending service life and promoting circular construction practices. Through recent studies and case examples, the paper demonstrates that combining SCMs, nanomaterials, and optimized reinforcement systems significantly enhances the structural performance, sustainability, and scalability of 3D-printed concrete. The findings highlight 3DCP’s potential to deliver resilient, cost-effective, and eco-efficient infrastructure for the future built environment.

This review explores the use of biochar as a sustainable additive in concrete and its potential to reduce the environmental impact of construction materials. It begins by outlining the environmental challenges associated with conventional concrete production, particularly its high carbon emissions, and highlights the growing interest in biochar as a low-carbon alternative. A scientometric analysis is conducted to examine publication trends, leading researchers, influential institutions, and key research themes within this field. The review then discusses the fundamental properties of biochar, including its sources, feedstocks, and production methods, as well as the factors that influence its quality and performance. Its influence on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete is evaluated, together with its role in long-term carbon sequestration. The paper further explains the interaction between biochar and cementitious matrices through mechanisms such as pozzolanic reactions, water retention capacity, and microstructural refinement. Finally, environmental and economic implications are considered through life-cycle and cost assessments, and key research gaps and future directions are identified to support broader implementation.

Construction-scale three-dimensional (3D) printing (C3DP) is reshaping building by enabling automated, low-cost and environmentally friendly construction. Yet it struggles with material variability, process control and limited real-time adaptability. This paper explores how machine learning (ML) can address these barriers. Through supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and deep learning methods, ML strengthens quality control, robotic path planning, predictive maintenance and adaptive optimisation. Continuous sensing and feedback improve structural performance and reduce waste. Case studies from ICON, Apis Cor and WASP demonstrate practical gains from combining ML with large-scale 3D printing – such as better print reliability, smarter robotics and more sustainable materials. Critical enablers are also discussed in this paper, including sensor integration, edge artificial intelligence (AI) for low-latency decision making and ongoing regulatory challenges. Finally, emerging opportunities are identified in autonomous construction and generative AI–driven design. ML-enabled C3DP offers a promising route toward smarter, more sustainable and scalable building systems. This paper provides both a literature-based review and a conceptual framework outlining how these technologies can shape future adaptive construction.

Durability remains a critical challenge in achieving sustainable and resilient concrete infrastructure. As the construction sector transitions toward more environmentally friendly binders, such as binders with emerging supplementary cementitious materials, low clinker contents, alkali-activated materials and other alternative systems, the applicability of conventional durability test methods, developed primarily for concretes based on Portland cement, is increasingly questioned. Several established procedures could fail to capture the distinct transport, reaction and degradation mechanisms of these new materials, potentially leading to inconsistent or misleading performance assessments. This review critically examines current test methodologies for key deterioration processes, including chloride ingress, carbonation, sulfate attack and freeze-thaw damage, and evaluates their relevance to emerging binder chemistries. Advances in accelerated and natural exposure testing, as well as hybrid approaches integrating experimental data with modelling frameworks for service-life prediction, are discussed. Particular attention is given to the need for calibration, validation and standardisation of adapted test methods to ensure the reliability and comparability of results. By synthesising recent developments and identifying key research gaps, this paper outlines pathways toward robust, mechanism-based durability testing protocols that can bridge laboratory investigations and real-world performance, supporting the deployment of durable, concrete solutions with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

The augmentation of micro-cracks in concrete is unavoidable, and under varying external ambience, such cracks have the potential to cause concrete deterioration due to the ingress of deleterious substances. The utilization of bacteria enabled self-healing methods displayed promising outcomes in the sealing of such minute cracks, offering considerable benefits and reducing the need for human intervention. From this point of view, this article aims to provide comprehensive review of the existing literature on bacteria based self-healing concrete using Bibliometric analysis. The critical evaluation of the significant features that have a notable impact on the self-healing efficacy of cementitious composites incorporating bacteria is presented. These factors encompass primary aspects involving bacteria selection, healing conditions, influence of crack width, effect of pre cracking, influence of carrier compounds etc., emphasizing their significance on the healing performance. Also, the improvement in mechanical and durability properties through the utilization of bacteria-enabled cementitious composites for self-healing purposes is scrutinized. Furthermore, the performance of bacteria based self-healing concrete in aggressive environments like corrosion and carbonation exposure are critically reviewed. Additionally, this article delves into research on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in relation to bacteria enabled self-healing concrete. Finally, suggestions for future research directions and practical implementations in this domain are put forward.

This study investigates the integration of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash to sustainably reduce the usage of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in 3D printable mortar to enhance printability and engineering performance. Four mortar mixes were developed, and their printability parameters, such as flowability, extrudability, open time, yield stress, shape retention, and buildability, were assessed. Among mixes, O70G30 (70% OPC, 30% GGBS) showed the best printability, with an 18.3% and 54.3% higher shape retention factor than the control and O70F30 mixes, respectively, which can be attributed to improved particle packing and 5.5% higher yield stress. However, its open time was 22.2% lower than the control. This reduction can be attributed to the finer particle size and higher specific surface area of GGBS, which increased water demand and accelerated the loss of workability. In the hardened state, O70G30 exhibited 24% lower water absorption and 18.5% reduced permeable porosity than the control, indicating a denser microstructure. Printed specimens exhibited anisotropic strength, with the highest values observed on the YZ plane and the lowest on the ZX plane. Depending on the loading direction and mix composition, their compressive strength was 9.4-35.6% lower than that of mould-cast samples, while the flexural strength improved by 16.19% to 40.18%. Microstructural analysis revealed a denser matrix with a lower Ca/Si ratio and enhanced secondary hydration, evidenced by stronger C-S-H peaks in XRD, pronounced Si-O-Si/Al bands in FTIR, and 41.22% higher bound water (WH) with reduced portlandite (CH) in TGA compared to O70F30. These promising results can be attributed to GGBS's role in enhancing hydration, refining the microstructure, and improving the performance of 3D printable mortar, offering a sustainable and effective pathway for digital construction. Also, the Life Cycle Impact Analysis (LCIA) revealed that the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) significantly reduces environmental impacts compared to the control mix.

This review paper explores the use of natural and recycled fibres in concrete, focusing on their impact on mechanical properties and sustainability. Natural fibres, such as those from plants and animals, and recycled fibres, including synthetic and metallic varieties, are evaluated for their ability to enhance concrete's compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. The paper also examines durability factors like freeze-thaw resistance, chemical stability, and fire resistance. A comparative analysis highlights the benefits and limitations of both fibre types, emphasising their roles in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable construction practices. In addition, the review addresses the challenges of fibre-reinforced concrete, such as technical barriers and the need for standardised testing methods. Overall, the paper underscores the potential of natural and recycled fibres to improve concrete performance while contributing to more sustainable building materials.

This review paper investigates the use of cementitious materials for energy storage, emphasizing their role in advancing sustainable development. It starts with a comprehensive overview of energy storage technologies and explores the key properties of cementitious materials that make them suitable for energy storage, alongside the challenges and opportunities they present. The review covers different energy storage mechanisms, including chemical, thermal, and electrical methods, highlighting the efficiency and capacity of each approach. Performance evaluation is addressed through specific criteria, experimental techniques, and case studies, with numerical outcomes provided to illustrate the effectiveness of these materials in energy storage. The paper also discusses potential applications in energy infrastructure and construction, identifying emerging technological advancements and trends. Environmental and economic considerations, such as sustainability benefits and cost analysis, are evaluated in detail. Finally, the review summarizes key insights, outlines the implications for sustainable energy systems, and offers specific recommendations for future research and development to optimize the use of cementitious materials in energy storage.

This comprehensive review highlights the transformative potential of nano-engineering in cement and concrete for the construction industry. To provide context, the introduction outlines the motivation and objectives of integrating nano-engineering principles, establishing a foundation for subsequent sections. Building on this, the fundamentals section explores nanotechnology in construction materials, nanoparticle characteristics, and synthesis methods. Transitioning to applications, the focus shifts to nano-engineered cement, examining additive types and their effects on setting time and strength. Further advancing the discussion, nano-engineered concrete composites are analyzed, with emphasis on nanofibre and nanotube reinforcement and their impacts on mechanical and durability properties. Addressing challenges, the review critically examines dispersion issues and durability concerns. Finally, the conclusion synthesizes key findings and discusses implications for the construction industry, offering valuable insights for researchers and professionals in this evolving field.

This manuscript examines the quantification of CO2 uptake, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, CH) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3, CC) formed for processed recycled concrete fines (RCF), supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and various sustainable fine aggregate alternatives subjected to accelerated carbonation process. A thermogravimetric (TG) analyser was used to enumerate the mass loss consequential from these compounds' breakdown at particular temperature range (400-500 degrees C for CH, 600-800 degrees C for CC, and CO2). The increased areas of peaks from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of calcite and vaterite polymorphs for carbonated RCF and SCMs at 875 cm-1 and 714 cm-1 respectively whereas the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (Ca2.25[Si3O7.5(OH)1.5].8H2O or CSH gel) is confirmed by the increased stretching vibrations of Si-O bond at 970 and 1030 cm-1. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) found the presence of useful compounds such as aragonite, calcium silicate hydroxide (Ca4Si5O13.5(OH)2) and portlandite that further confirmed the carbonation of RCF, SCMs and various fine aggregate alternatives. The formation of these compounds in carbonated specimens resulted in a significant fall in Ca/Si atomic ratio to a maximum of 98 % that further signifies the denseness in microstructure owing to precipitation of CaCO3 and CSH gel deposition. The filled cracks and pores represented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images in carbonated specimens demonstrates the suitability of adopted carbonation regimes. The physical performance of RCF, SCMs and various fine aggregate specimens post accelerated carbonation highlights the increase in bulk density, specific gravity and reduced water absorption levels and volume changes that is an area of grave concern for incorporating recycled materials in construction sector. In addition, the CO2 uptake of various carbonated specimens is found using TG analysis demonstrates the highest uptake for RCF at 32.4 % surpassing various other utilised SCMs and fine aggregate alternatives used in the research work. It is to be noted that metakaolin and ultrafine fly ash shows minimal CO2 uptake owing to the manufacturing process. The findings of this study recommend the use of processed RCF and various other SCMs and fine aggregate alternatives for potential carbon dioxide sequestration through accelerated carbonation technology.

Concrete production accounts for approximately 8

This review paper provides a comprehensive exploration of integrating data-driven approaches in the domain of concrete science. The paper commences with an introduction elucidating the background and context of data-driven concrete science, outlining objectives and scope, and underscoring the importance of data-driven methodologies. Subsequently, it delves into the traditional analytical approaches and the potential for data-driven methods. The paper elucidates data collection and pre-processing techniques tailored to the domain, encompassing concrete-related data types, collection methodologies, and data pre-processing strategies. Moreover, it extensively covers data-driven modelling and prediction in concrete science, presenting an overview of data-driven models, machine learning techniques deep learning approaches and integration of big data analytics. The review consolidates insights into diverse applications, including concrete strength prediction, durability analysis and concrete microstructure characterisation, employing data-driven approaches. Furthermore, it highlights challenges and opportunities in this burgeoning field, encompassing data quality and availability, interpretability and explainability of models, and ethical consideration. The paper concludes with recommendations for researchers and practitioners aiming to harness the full potential of data-driven methodologies.

This review comprehensively explores low-carbon construction materials for pavements, emphasizing their role in advancing sustainable infrastructure. It examines various material types—including recycled, industrial by-products, and bio-based alternatives—highlighting their properties, availability, and suitability for pavement applications. Performance metrics such as mechanical strength, durability, environmental impact, and life cycle assessments are discussed in detail. Real-world case studies demonstrate successful implementations, underscoring practical benefits. The review also identifies key challenges—including technological, economic, and regulatory barriers—and proposes directions for future research. Overall, the findings affirm that integrating low-carbon materials in pavement construction offers significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.

This manuscript examines the quantification of CO2 uptake, hydration and carbonation phases such as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, CH), calcium carbonate (CaCO3, CC), magnesite (MgCO3), hydromagnesite (MgCO3.Mg (OH)2.4H2O, Hmgs), siderite (FeCO3) and subsequent carbonation and hydration degrees (CD, HD) in cementitious mortar (CM) incorporating colloidal nano silica (CNS) and carbonated and uncarbonated recycled concrete fine aggregates (RCF) subjected to accelerated carbonation curing (carbonated RCF- CRCF, Non-carbonated RCF- NCRCF). The RCF was prepared through multi cycle jaw crushing technology followed by repeated abrasion cycles and subsequently treated using accelerated carbonation. The mass loss resulting from the breakdown of these compounds at specific temperature ranges (220-350 degrees C for Hmgs, 250-400 degrees C for FeCO3, 400-500 degrees C for CH, 460-900 degrees C for MgCO3, and 600-800 degrees C for CC and CO2) was calculated using a thermogravimetric (TG) analyzer. The main findings of this research work confirms the presence of vaterite, calcite, tobermorite (Ca2.25[Si3O7.5(OH)1.5].8H2O or CSH gel), and magnesite polymorphs for CM incorporating 6-9 % CRCF and 1 % CNS as validated by the increased areas of peaks from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis at 714 cm-1, 875 cm-1, 1007 cm-1, and 1405 cm-1, respectively which is further recognized by the increased peak intensities in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The important findings from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the development of additional C-S-H and calcite phases filling the pores and densifying the matrix in CRN mixes while the Ca/Si atomic ratio significantly decreased up to 67 % for CRN-19 mix as found by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The fresh and hardened state properties of blended mixes highlight the increase in dry density and compressive strength that are found maximum for CRN-19 mix of 57.9 MPa at 28 days owing to the highest rate of strength contribution of 27.95 % from the mix components such as 9 % CRCF and 1 % CNS. However, the flowability is observed to get reduced for all the mixes with CRN-13 mix illustrating approximately 83 % flow values with reference to the control mix. Furthermore, the durability performance of CRCF based primary mixes and all the secondary blends are found to show lowest ingress of chloride ions and permeable porosity values, illustrating up to 73 % and 39 % fall respectively to that of control mix at 28 and 56 days cured samples. Based on the comprehensive investigation and analysis, it is recommended to use pre-carbonated RCF and CNS for developing sustainable CM and achieving CO2 sequestration.

In this comprehensive review, the utilisation of rice husk ash (RHA) in concrete is examined. The paper discusses various aspects including the properties and composition of RHA, its incorporation in concrete as a partial replacement for cement and its impact on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Furthermore, the review investigates the potential of RHA as a supplementary cementitious material and its influence on cementitious systems. Applications in both structural and non-structural contexts are presented, while also addressing the challenges and limitations associated with the use of RHA. The review concludes by highlighting future perspectives and research opportunities in this area. Overall, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the utilisation of RHA in concrete, showcasing its potential for enhancing performance and contributing to sustainability efforts.

Conventional concrete faces limitations in durability, sustainability, and adaptability to modern structural demands, constraining its use in high-rise, bridge, and extreme-environment applications. This study examines emerging concrete mixes-HPC, UHPC, SCC, FRC, GPC, and 3D-Printed Concrete-by evaluating their mechanical properties, implementation challenges, and future opportunities. A review of experimental data, case studies, and comparative analyses was conducted to assess strength, durability, workability, and structural applications. Results show that HPC and UHPC reach compressive strengths of 60-200 MPa, GPC achieves 40-80 MPa with reduced CO2 emissions, SCC demonstrates slump flows of 600-800 mm, and fibre reinforcement enhances tensile strength to 8-15 MPa. These findings highlight superior performance, sustainability, and constructability, though high costs, lack of standards, and scalability issues remain obstacles to widespread adoption. This review uniquely integrates comparative insights on High-Performance, Ultra-High-Performance, Self-Compacting, Fibre-Reinforced, Geopolymer, and 3D-Printed concretes, bridging laboratory findings with real-world applications. Unlike existing reviews, it emphasizes structural implementation challenges and opportunities. Key obstacles-including high cost, lack of standards, and scalability-are outlined to contextualize pathways for sustainable adoption. Overall, next-generation concretes deliver enhanced strength, durability, and sustainability, making them viable for critical infrastructure. Future studies should focus on advancing standardization, integrating nanotechnology and AI for mix optimization, and developing cost-effective, large-scale deployment strategies.