Research and development of alternative cementitious materials became mandatory for construction industry to manage global warming as well as energy scarcity due to huge energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions entailed by conventional cement technology. Researchers are trying to replace Portland cement with low temperature cementitious materials such as special cement (e.g., calcium sulfoaluminate (Yelimite) and dicalcium silicate (Belite) cement) and geopolymeric binders. The benefits are not limited to energy savings and low carbon emissions. In fact, the alternative cement has promising properties that can overcome certain limitations of Portland cement. For example, shrinkage leading to cracks can be overcome using calcium sulfoaluminate cement; spalling of concrete during fire accidents can be minimized by geopolymeric cement. Therefore, binary and tertiary systems of cementitious materials (e.g., concrete) are being developed to achieve better properties for concrete and building materials. In addition to low CO₂ emission and energy consumption of alternative cement production, recycling of wastes, such as combustion by-products and lime-rich sludge and slag, is also feasible. It, therefore, conveys an image of being environmentally friendly production.

Besides using alternative cement for traditional construction, its composites with other inorganic materials, like zeolites, nanoclays, clay minerals, carbon fibers, electroceramics, or even organic materials, can be smart building materials and work for many other applications (e.g., toxic waste encapsulation and environmental cleaning up). Alternative cementitious materials for constructions are not only limited to inorganic cement but also extended to organic binders used in the production of building materials. Durability of building materials made of alternative cementitious materials is a very important aspect related to economic and environmental issues. Therefore, research focusing on durability improvement of cementitious and building materials is essential for the future of construction industry.

This special issue will review the state of the art in the field of alternative cementitious materials and their composites.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Synthesis of special cement (Belite, Yelimite, etc.) and its composites
• Synthesis of geopolymers and their composites
• Admixture interaction, chemical reaction, phase development, and microstructures of alternative cementitious materials related to their performance and/or durability
• Mechanical properties and/or durability of alternative cement and its composites
• Modeling and simulation related to phase development and engineering properties of alternative cement and its composites
• Functional properties and other specialties of alternative cement and its composites
• Alternative cementitious materials blended with conventional cement
• Organic binders and their composites
• Building materials based on alternative cementitious materials and their composites
• Environmental properties and perspectives of alternative cementitious materials