Concrete that heals its own cracks. Composites that store carbon instead of releasing it. Structures designed to help coral grow.
At the University of Miami, these are active research areas reshaping how cement is created and used. That work was on display this month as the University hosted the 16th Annual Advances in Cement-Based Materials Conference, bringing together researchers focused on one of the world's most essential materials.
The gathering, organized by civil engineering associate professor Prannoy Suraneni, brought nearly 200 researchers from around the world to campus, including 50 representatives from 25 companies working in the cement and construction industry. Expanded industry participation also helped increase student involvement, including $5,000 dedicated to travel stipends, along with on-campus accommodations that enabled researchers from across the country to attend.
"This conference has brought together academia and industry, and the strong interest from industry bodes well for the scaling and adoption of lab-developed technology," Suraneni said. "We maintained a high scientific level while expanding collaborative opportunities and showcasing the strength of cement research at the University of Miami."
The program included keynote talks from Cornell University professor Sriramya Nair and Evelien Martens, director of research and development at Terra CO₂, along with industry sessions and an event at the Titan America Innovation Hub, where companies engaged directly with researchers. The conference also featured discussions with leaders in the field, including National Science Foundation program manager Lesley Sneed, reflecting the growing intersection of research and real-world application.
Across sessions, a theme emerged. Cement research is increasingly focused on how materials interact with the environment, how they can reduce emissions, and how they can be designed for specific conditions, from cold climates to coastal waters, often with input from both academic and industry perspectives.
Cement at the smallest scale
In a session on AI and modeling, associate professor Luis Ruiz Pestana examined how the internal structure of cement forms at the nanoscale. That level of detail matters because even small changes in how particles organize can affect performance years later, including cracking and water absorption.
Looking to biology for solutions
Professor Ali Ghahremaninezhad and collaborators presented work on bio-based surfactants, naturally derived compounds that help create and stabilize microscopic air bubbles inside cement. Those air pockets give water room to expand during freeze-thaw cycles instead of breaking the material apart. By replacing chemical additives with renewable alternatives, the approach aims to improve durability and sustainability.
Xianming Shi, professor and chair of civil and architectural engineering, is developing concrete that incorporates engineered biochar, a material derived from biomass. The goal is to reduce reliance on traditional cement while embedding carbon directly into the material, turning concrete into a form of long-term carbon storage without sacrificing strength.
Working in Shi's lab, postdoctoral researcher Meili Liu is studying how graphene oxide interacts with cement at the molecular scale using advanced simulations. Her work helps explain why even small additions can strengthen concrete by accelerating hydration and shaping how its internal structure forms over time.
Together, these projects represent a shift. Concrete is no longer treated as a fixed material, but as one that can be tuned for specific performance and environmental needs.
Student research grounded in application
That shift was also visible in the poster session, where many projects focused on practical challenges, especially in marine and coastal environments.
Students presented work on 3D-printed concrete for ocean conditions, methods for reusing demolished concrete as new construction material, and systems that enable cement to capture carbon dioxide over time.
Among them, Kylee Rux earned second place for research on concrete that supports coral settlement on artificial reefs. The work examines how surface and composition can be engineered to encourage marine life to attach and grow.
Other projects explored self-healing concrete that repairs its own cracks, biochar-based composites for lower-carbon construction, and SEAHIVE® structures that reduce wave energy and protect coastlines.
Looking ahead
Individually, these projects address durability, emissions, and coastal resilience. Together, they reflect a field that is evolving in both scope and responsibility.
"The University of Miami has long been strong in concrete research," Suraneni said. "By working closely with industry and other universities, we are ensuring our work remains practically relevant. The level of industry participation at this conference reflects growing momentum in the field."
