Sustainable Reinforcement with Cementitious Composites for Resilient Construction

Cementitious composites are at the core of modern construction, underpinning both masonry and reinforced concrete systems. However, their extensive use contributes substantially to embodied carbon emissions and resource depletion. While conventional reinforcement, such as steel rebars and synthetic fibres, offers structural robustness, it often comes at the cost of high energy consumption, suboptimal durability in harsh environments, and unsustainable production practices.
Recent advances in sustainable reinforcement alternatives, including natural fibres, recycled metallic elements, and hybrid/multi-scale systems, have demonstrated the potential to reduce environmental impacts while simultaneously enhancing key performance indicators (e.g., crack control, toughness, and durability). Despite this promise, research focused on eco-friendly reinforcement solutions remains limited compared to the extensive studies on green binders, highlighting a critical gap in the literature.

Aims and Scope

The goal of this Research Topic is to advance the state of knowledge on sustainable reinforcement strategies for cementitious composites, with special emphasis on their application in masonry and reinforced concrete structures. Contributors are invited to address the pressing challenge of developing reinforcement systems that satisfy structural and durability requirements, yet minimize carbon footprint and promote resource efficiency.

We seek original research articles, reviews, and case studies that explore innovative reinforcement solutions across mechanical, microstructural, and environmental dimensions. Of particular interest are studies that:

o Investigate natural fibers (plant-, animal-, or mineral-based) and their effects regarding geometry, dosage, and distribution.
o Assess recycled metallic and polymeric fibers, including those sourced from industrial by-products or waste streams.
o Develop and evaluate hybrid/multi-scale reinforcement systems integrating both natural and synthetic elements.
o Characterize reinforcement–matrix interactions through advanced microstructural and durability analyses.
o Assess mechanical performance under flexural, compressive, and cyclic loading.
o Evaluate resistance to deterioration, such as moisture ingress, freeze-thaw cycles, chemical exposure, and long-term service conditions.
o Quantify environmental impacts through life-cycle assessment, benchmarking sustainable alternatives against conventional reinforcements.
o Advance predictive modeling and data-driven approaches, especially those validated through experimental studies or real-world applications.

Call for Contributions
We encourage submissions of experimental research, theoretical works, and applied case studies that link laboratory insights with engineering practice or design implementation. Studies demonstrating scalability, design integration, or pilot projects are particularly welcome.

By bringing together cutting-edge research on sustainable reinforcement, this Research Topic aims to foster the development of cement-based materials and systems that marry structural performance with a reduced environmental footprint—enabling a more resilient and sustainable built environment.

Keywords: Sustainable cementitious composites, Natural fiber reinforcement;, Recycled metallic fibers, Recycled metallic fibres, Hybrid reinforcement systems, Fibre-matrix interaction, Durability performance, Life-cycle assessment, Resilient infrastructure

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.