Recent advances in sustainable building materials for the construction industry: Mechanical performance and applications

Abstract

The development of modern buildings has emerged from innovative design, advanced materials, and sustainability considerations, all of which have collectively contributed to the evolving landscape of architectural achievements. As this progress continues, building material production, transportation, and utilization contribute significantly to overall carbon emissions, a growing concern within the infrastructure industry. Hence, there is an immediate requirement for green materials to be sought after, aiming to diminish environmental impacts and contribute to a more sustainable world. This study provides a brief review of sustainable building materials, such as hempcrete, adobe, sheep wool, timber, cork, natural fiber, basalt fiber, engineered cementitious composite, and metals such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, and smart shape memory alloy (Nitinol), focusing on their specific applications, advantages, disadvantages, carbon footprints, mechanical properties improvement, and so on. Furthermore, the fire-retardant performances of wood and bamboo composites are described. Finally, based on the extensive literature reviewed, recommendations are provided to choose the appropriate material for future building construction.