Researchers of KTU Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture prof. Danutė Vaičiukynienė and prof. Vitoldas Vaitkevičius was invited to edit magazine “Materials” special issue “Research on Novel Sustainable Binders, Concretes and Composites”. According to the researchers, although the call for articles is still open, it can already be viewed HERE. This year’s study examines how to promote sustainability in the construction sector.
” In recent years, sustainability and sustainable building materials have become a priority of the construction industry. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the main component of building concrete. The production of Portland cement emits about 0.8 tons of carbon dioxide per ton. Possible replacement of the OPC with alternative binders is on the agenda around the world; therefore, new cementitious materials are created aimed at decreasing the levels of industrial pollution, CO2 emissions from the binder production, as well as use of the unrenewable natural resources,“ – said D. Vaičiukynienė.
According to researchers, binders with high levels of supplementary cementing materials (SCM) have been an object of study for many years. Therefore, it is possible to lower the amount of Portland cement in binder composition, in this way decreasing the negative impact of cement production on the natural environment. In order to avoid environmental problems and waste, it is important to scale down the consumption of Portland cement along with recycling of byproduct materials at the same time.
More attention is given to alkali-activated materials (AAM) as an ecological alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the concrete industry. Numerous studies have shown AAM concrete leaves a smaller carbon footprint; additionally, various industry byproducts can be utilized in production.
This Special Issue invites you to submit original papers on sustainable binders, concretes, and composites in the following areas:
Five publications are currently published and an additional six are under review. The invitation to articles published in the special is valid until December 31st. The year 2021.
Prof. Danutė Vaičiukynienė also invites you to get acquainted with the publication prepared by her and her colleagues from Ukrainian and Latvian universities on calorimetric research of alkali-activated blast furnace slag cement.
