Next-Generation Sustainable and Ultra-High-Performance Materials for Climate Resilient Structures

As climate change, urbanization and sustainability pressure intensify, there is a paradigm shift in construction materials for resilient infrastructure. Historically effective materials like concrete and steel are not, however, perfect for the job given their high carbon emissions and susceptibility to environmental degradation as well as increasing lifecycle costs. This review paper examines the development and utilization of next-generation sustainable and ultra-high-performance materials (NG-S&UHPM) to satisfy current requirements for sustainability, durability, and functional performance. The review organizes this diverse range of materials systematically, including cementitious composites (e.g., UHPC, geopolymers, carbon-negative cements), bio-based materials (engineered timber, bamboo and mycelium), recycled and circular economy-based options as well as advanced smart materials options (self-healing concretes, shape memory alloys and phase change materials). Their mechanical performance, resilience to hazards and environmental soundness are the most asymmetrically compared features, whereas weaknesses have rather strong asymmetry indexes in term of costly investment, lack of standardization and low adoption ratio. Case studies and research also highlight huge potential in the use of hybrid and multifunctional solutions, when coupled with digital tools like AI, BIM, or digital twins to enhance design process predictive maintenance, and lifecycle management. Overall, NG-S&UHPM are disruptive technologies that can help mitigate emissions and improve climate adaptation while stimulating sustainable urban development, however its adoption will need to be supported by shared research efforts, policy stimuli and upscaling production.