This journal is designed to reflect current developments and advances being made in the general field of cement-concrete composites technology and in the production, use and performance of cement-based construction materials in general. The word cement is interpreted here in a wide sense to include not only Portland cement but also other matrices such as composite cements, resins, polymers and sulphur. The journal will therefore cover a wide range of composite materials such as fibre cement/concrete composites, polymer cement composites, polymer impregnated composites ferrocement resin concretes, lightweight, wood composites, use of waste material, composite cements, adhesion bonding and fibre reinforced plastics as applied to construction, and material and structural composite systems. Original papers dealing with microstructure, material properties, testing and test methods, fracture mechanics, durability aspects, structural characteristics, composite mechanics/technology, modelling, design, fabrication and practical applications of these materials will therefore form the major themes of the journal. Papers dealing with structural behaviour, in situ performance and field studies will also be accepted as well as those dealing with implications of energy conservation, thermal insulation, repair and maintenance costs and serviceability behaviour of structures made with these materials. The journal has within the above context several specific objectives. It wants to foster a better understanding of construction materials, provide a forum for unusual and unconventional materials, encourage the development of low cost energy saving materials and bridge the gap between materials science, engineering performance, environmental effects, in situ behaviour, design/service life and construction. It is the intention of the journal to have particular issues devoted to specific themes to focus attention on topical issues. Hopefully, the journal will provide a unifying basis to bring together materials scientists, engineers, designers and fabricators. Each year the journal publishes several special issues focusing on topical themes.