As organizers of the Building Materials Symposium, held within the framework of the XVII National Materials Congress in the city of Málaga in June 2024, we are pleased to introduce this special issue of the Materiales de Construcción journal. This volume brings together a selection of outstanding articles developed from the presentations delivered during the symposium. Now in its second edition, the symposium has firmly established itself as a key forum for the exchange of ideas and the advancement of knowledge in the field of construction materials.

The symposium was aimed at researchers and professionals in the field of Building Materials Science and Technology, with a particular emphasis on hydraulic binders, especially cement-based materials. However, studies on other materials relevant to construction were also presented, providing a broad and diverse perspective on the latest trends and developments in the field.

The event, in its second edition, was structured into 8 sessions, which included a total of 47 oral presentations and 3 keynote lectures on various subtopics, such as waste valorization, characterization techniques, LC3-type eco-cements, and the immobilization of radioactive waste, among others. Additionally, there was a contribution of 29 posters, which further enriched the academic and professional exchange among the attendees.

The symposium was distinguished by high participation and the enriching exchange of knowledge among attendees, which is reflected in the quality of the works presented. This collaboration has resulted in a series of articles that not only represent the state-of-the-art in construction materials research but also propose new lines of inquiry and development for the future. The articles selected for this special issue are a representative sample of these contributions, and we trust they will serve as a reference for future studies and advances in the field.

Finally, we would like to express our most sincere gratitude to all the symposium participants for their valuable contributions, as well as to the editorial committee of Materiales de Construcción for making this special issue possible. We are confident that readers will find in these pages a valuable resource for deepening their knowledge and fostering innovation in the field of construction materials.

Sincerely,