“Future of calcined clays for low-carbon and durable concrete construction”

Call for Papers – Special Issue: “Future of calcined clays for low-carbon and durable concrete construction”

Journal: Advances in Cement Research
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Submission deadlines: 01 May 2026 (Abstract) | 01 October 2026 (Full Paper)

Overview

This special issue—published by Emerald—addresses one of the most promising strategies to decarbonize the global concrete industry: the use of calcined clay-based low-carbon cements. As annual concrete production hits 14 billion m³, transitioning to sustainable binders is a critical challenge. This issue seeks to consolidate global innovations in material selection, activation methods, and hydration chemistry. It invites research ranging from material characterization and durability studies to large-scale field applications and life-cycle assessments, aiming to establish a unified platform for the widespread adoption of calcined clays in durable, low-carbon construction.

Key Research Themes

• Alternative Source Materials: Utilizing low-purity clays, non-kaolinitic sources, excavation waste, mine tailings, and dredged sediments as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs).

• Thermal Activation: Optimization of activation temperature, grinding methods, and combined thermal/mechanical activation pathways.

• Binder Performance: Hydration mechanisms and microstructural phase assemblages in composite cements (e.g., Limestone Calcined Clay Cement - LC³).

• Advanced Systems: Research on alkali-activated binders and geopolymer systems based on calcined clays.

• Durability & Mechanics: Mechanical performance, long-term durability, and carbonation resistance of low-clinker calcined clay concretes.

• Sustainability Metrics: Life-cycle environmental and economic assessments of clay-based binders.

Submission Details

• Abstract Deadline: 01 May 2026.

• Full Submission Deadline: 01 October 2026.

• Submission portal: https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/journal/jadcr

• Special Instructions: You must select “Special Issue” and the specific issue title from the drop-down menu during the submission process. All research must adhere to the Advances in Cement Research Author Guidelines.

Guest Editor Team

• Yuvaraj Dhandapani, University of Leeds (y.dhandapani@leeds.ac.uk)

• Edgardo Fabian Irassar, UNICEN (firassar@fio.unicen.edu.ar)

Why This Issue Matters

Calcined clays represent a significant, viable path toward reducing the massive carbon footprint of modern construction. By bringing together experts to share breakthroughs in reactivity testing, durability performance, and practical implementation, this special issue helps close the gap between laboratory success and the widespread industrial utilization of low-carbon concrete.

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