In spite of decades of research over replacement by green agro-industrial materials, cement is still being produced at somewhat same rate. We all are well aware, cement costs us environmentallye as well as depletion of natural resources.
The binding quality & strength of concrete are still unmatched by other materials. Hence Cement continues to maintain its dominance.
Beyond quality, strength and cost, Portland Cement's simplicity enables a user to achieve their intended outcome with little to no training. The last point is that it is a commodity that is virtually available anywhere on Earth at a similar quality standard and defined price point, therefore, no market analysis required.
I've just stumbled upon this question, so forgive me for being "late to the party". As have been said before, cement is cost effective and can be produced pretty much anywhere across the globe (I heard somewhere that Burkina Faso is the only country without any limestone deposits). The level of technology required to use it is low, and the material generally performs well.
I also have to disagree with the comment that Portland cement is inherently an environmentally unfriendly material. Sure, there are considerable emissions arising from cement production, and widespread abiotic depletion, but this can be attributed to the huge quantities of Portland cement produced each year, not due to the inherent nature of the material itself. Indeed, when compared on a "per unit performance" basis, Portland cement concrete compares favourably to steel and timber. (see for example the work of a colleague, Phil Purnell).
This does not mean that we should be complacent. It is important that work continues to reduce the environmental impact of Portland cement further and the adoption of increased levels of cement replacement, or the adoption of more energy efficient kilns, are both welcome. Furthermore, we should be striving to use ALL materials, not just cement, more efficiently and remember: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN INHERENTLY GREEN MATERIAL. There are just efficient and inefficient uses of a range of materials.
Now time has come ,seriously think about alternative to cement to avoid air pollution due to carbon di oxide liberation, though the cost of cement is less , keeping aside cost issue
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