Geopolymer Concrete Composites for Sustainable Construction

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2027 View: 33 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editor(s)

Prof. Dr. Peng Zhang

Email: zhangpeng@zzu.edu.cn

Affiliation: School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

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Research Interests: preparation and properties of geopolymer concrete composites

Dr. Zhen Gao

Email: gao-zhen@zzu.edu.cn

Affiliation: School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

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Research Interests: preparation and properties of geopolymer concrete composites

Summary

Geopolymer concrete has emerged as a promising low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete, utilizing industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, and metakaolin to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. However, the widespread adoption of geopolymer concrete in sustainable construction still faces challenges related to material variability, mix design optimization, curing requirements, mechanical performance under various loading conditions, durability in aggressive environments, and long-term structural behavior.

This Special Issue, "Geopolymer Concrete Composites for Sustainable Construction", aims to collect high-quality research on the design, preparation, characterization, performance evaluation, and engineering application of geopolymer concrete composites. The focus is placed on innovative raw materials, mix proportioning methods, activation systems, fiber reinforcement strategies, and performance enhancement techniques that can improve the mechanical properties, durability, sustainability, and practical applicability of geopolymer-based materials.

We welcome interdisciplinary contributions related to geopolymer binders, alkali-activated materials, fly ash, slag, metakaolin, industrial by-products, fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete, hybrid fiber systems, nano-modified geopolymers, lightweight geopolymer composites, self-compacting geopolymer concrete, 3D-printed geopolymer materials, and advanced characterization methods. Particular attention will be given to studies that combine experimental investigation, microstructural analysis, mechanical testing, durability assessment, life-cycle assessment, numerical modeling, and field applications.

This Special Issue also encourages studies that connect geopolymer concrete with structural performance, long-term durability, repair and rehabilitation, intelligent construction, sustainability assessment, and low-carbon infrastructure development.

We invite original research articles, review papers, and short communications, but not limited to, the following topics:
·Mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete under static and dynamic loading;
·Durability and long-term performance of geopolymer concrete;
·Mix design optimization for geopolymer concrete;
·Activation systems, reaction kinetics, and reaction mechanisms;
·Fiber reinforcement and toughening mechanisms;
·Nano-modification of geopolymer composites;
·Hybrid fiber systems and synergistic effects;
·Lightweight geopolymer composites;
·Self-compacting geopolymer concrete;
·3D-printed geopolymer materials;
·Bond behavior between geopolymer concrete and reinforcement;
·Structural performance of geopolymer concrete members;
·Shrinkage, creep, cracking behavior, and fracture properties;
·Chloride penetration, freeze-thaw resistance, sulfate attack, and carbonation resistance;
·Elevated temperature resistance and fire performance;
·Life-cycle assessment, carbon footprint evaluation, and environmental impact analysis;
·Numerical modeling, machine learning, and AI-assisted prediction of geopolymer concrete performance;
·Field applications and case studies.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this Special Issue and to advancing the sustainable development and engineering application of geopolymer concrete composites for durable and low-carbon infrastructure.

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