Advances in Building Technologies and Construction Materials

Abstract

The development of civil engineering in the course of centuries meant a constant struggle with available materials, spans, or height, active loads, and the forces of nature: water, fire, wind, and earthquakes. While construction activities improve the quality of human lives, they also have significant impact on the environment. The production of construction materials requires energy and generates greenhouse gases. Low cost or affordable construction technologies and building materials are often pushed as a magic potion in meeting the ever-growing demand for rapid housing delivery in developing economies. New advanced materials offer opportunities to change the way in which we construct and retrofit buildings. They give added value in terms of increased performance and functionality. The reduction of carbon footprint for construction materials can start at the production phase, where energy efficient processes can be developed and waste or recycled materials can be employed. New materials can also help address the new challenges of durability in a changing climate.