Home⇛Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal⇛vol. 14 no. 1 (2026)

Mapping the Innovation–Implementation Gap in Sustainable Construction Materials: Global Trends, Knowledge Structures, and Translational Priorities

Brent Begay

Discipline: Material Science

 

Abstract:

Background: The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions and resource depletion. Although sustainable construction materials (SCMs) support climate mitigation and circular development, implementationrelated research remains less explored despite advances in material innovation and laboratory validation. Methods: This study employed a bibliometric analysis of SCM research indexed in Lens.org from 2010 to 2025. Bibliometric mapping and performance analyses were conducted using Biblioshiny/Bibliometrix (R package) and VOSviewer to examine publication trends, collaboration networks, citation structures, and thematic evolution. Results: A total of 9,601 eligible records were analyzed. SCM research expanded rapidly, with a 23.95% annual growth rate, an average document age of 4.94 years, and 22.38 citations per document. Research outputs were led by China, the United States, Australia, India, and the United Kingdom. Influential journals and studies focused on geopolymers, alkali-activated materials, recycled aggregates, fly ash, durability, and low-carbon cement alternatives. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic analyses highlighted compressive strength, microstructure, durability, geopolymers, and circular economy, while regulation, standardization, scalability, and industry adoption remained underexplored. Conclusion: SCM research has expanded rapidly but remains dominated by studies of material performance and sustainability. Implementation-related themes remain underrepresented, indicating an imbalance between material innovation and practical deployment in the construction sector.



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