At a time when energy concerns and sustainability issues are high on international agendas, the role of concrete is paramount. Concrete's versatility and global availability make it the world's first choice in many applications, both onshore, offshore, above and below ground. It is also unique, being the only cold, mouldable, inorganic plastic that can be used on a significant engineering scale. However, for concrete and other cementitious derivatives to be developed further, we need to understand the use of alternative hydraulically active materials used with or without plain Portland Cement, the impacts of using secondary aggregates, engineering properties, sustainability and durability issues. Both fundamental and best practice issues need to be addressed.

Magazine of Concrete Research covers every aspect of concrete manufacture and behaviour from performance and evaluation of constituent materials to mix design, testing, durability, structural analysis and composite construction.