Future of Calcined Clays for Low-Carbon and Durable Concrete Construction

Call for Papers

Future of Calcined Clays for Low-Carbon and Durable Concrete Construction

JOURNAL NAME: Advances in Cement Research

PUBLISHER: ICE Publishing (Institution of Civil Engineers)

ABSTRACT DEADLINE: 01 May 2026

FULL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 01 October 2026

ABOUT THIS SPECIAL ISSUE

The global renewed interest in calcined clay–based low-carbon cements is one of the most promising options to reduce the carbon footprint of the 14 billion m³ of concrete produced each year globally. To accelerate the adoption of low-carbon calcined clay concretes, it is essential to understand material selection, composition, reactivity testing, and the design and performance of composite cement blends like Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³).

This special issue seeks contributions that deepen knowledge in calcined clay research — including sourcing local materials, activation methods, hydration processes, durability research, as well as field applications and life-cycle evaluations. The aim is to establish a unified platform for sharing innovations globally, promoting the widespread use of calcined clays in sustainable, durable, low-carbon concrete construction.

SCOPE & THEME AREAS

We invite submissions addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:

1. Alternative clay sources for supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) — Exploration of low-purity or non-kaolinitic clays, excavation waste, mine tailings, dredged sediments, and other alternative sources.

2. Thermal activation and processing of clays — Temperature optimisation, grinding, and combined activation methods for calcined clay production.

3. Reactivity assessment and characterisation — Methods and frameworks for evaluating and characterising the reactivity of calcined clays.

4. Composite blended cements incorporating calcined clays — Hydration mechanisms, phase assemblage, and microstructure of LC³ and other calcined clay-based composite cements.

5. Alkali-activated binders and geopolymer systems — Development and performance of alkali-activated and geopolymer systems based on calcined clays.

6. Mechanical performance and durability — Strength, long-term durability, and performance evaluation of calcined clay-based concretes.

7. Carbonation performance — Carbonation behaviour of low-clinker calcined clay-based concretes.

8. Environmental and economic life cycle assessment — LCA and economic analysis of calcined clay binders and their impact on sustainability goals.

9. Field-scale applications and case studies — Practical implementation examples and real-world demonstrations of calcined clay concrete in construction.

GUEST EDITORS

Yuvaraj Dhandapani ✉️ Contact via journal submission system

Edgardo Fabian Irassar ✉️ Contact via journal submission system

KEY DEADLINES & DATES

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

How to submit: Submissions are made using the River Valley platform. Registration and access available at: https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/journal/jadcr

Selecting the special issue: Once registered, navigate to the journal, choose article type "Special Issue" and then select the specific special issue name from the drop-down menu.

Abstract first: Authors must submit their abstract by 01 May 2026 before proceeding to full manuscript submission.

Author guidelines: Must be strictly followed as per journal requirements.

Eligibility: Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication elsewhere while under review.

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