Construction and Building Materials Review Time: Time to First Decision and Publication

Realistic timeline breakdown

Here's what to expect at each stage:

Initial editorial screening: 1-2 weeks

After submission, the editor's office conducts initial formatting and scope check. Desk rejections happen here (35-40% of submissions).

Peer review assignment: 1-2 weeks

Papers passing initial screening are sent to reviewers. The editor sends invitations to 2-3 expert reviewers. First reviewer typically agrees within 2 weeks (or the editor finds alternatives).

Peer review: 6-12 weeks

This is the longest variable stage. Typical review time is 6-8 weeks, but can extend to 12 weeks if:

• Reviewers are slow responding
• One reviewer takes significantly longer
• The paper requires specialized knowledge and finding experts is difficult
• Initial reviews conflict and a third reviewer is needed

Construction and Building Materials generally receives timely reviews—it's a respected journal with engaged reviewers who prioritize it.

Editorial decision: 1-2 weeks

After reviews arrive, the editor synthesizes feedback and makes a decision: accept, minor revisions, major revisions, or reject.

Total time to first decision: 100-150 days (3.5-5 months)

If revisions are required (most common outcome)

Most decisions (even acceptances) include requested revisions:

• Minor revisions: You have 1 month to resubmit with revision letter. Editor may accept on resubmission without additional review.
• Major revisions: You have 2-3 months to conduct additional experiments or analysis, rewrite sections, and resubmit. Most major revision papers go back to reviewers (adding 6-8 weeks).
• Rejection: No further path forward at this journal (but appropriate for another journal).

Timeline for papers with revisions

• First decision: 100-150 days
• Minor revisions submitted: +30-45 days
• Acceptance after minor revisions: +7-14 days
• Total to acceptance with minor revisions: 150-210 days (5-7 months)

• First decision requesting major revisions: 100-150 days
• Major revisions completed and resubmitted: +60-90 days
• Second round review: +50-90 days
• Final decision: +7-14 days
• Total to acceptance with major revisions: 240-350 days (8-12 months)

Acceptance to publication timeline

After acceptance, the journal handles copyediting and typesetting:

• Copyediting: 1-2 weeks
• Proofs to author: You approve final proofs (3-5 days)
• Online publication: 30-60 days after acceptance
• Print publication: 90-120 days after acceptance

Most researchers cite the online publication date, so expect your paper online 1.5-2 months after acceptance.

Total timeline from submission to publication

Best case (minor revisions only): 150-210 days + 30-60 days = 180-270 days (6-9 months)

Typical case (major revisions): 240-350 days + 30-60 days = 270-410 days (9-13 months)

Worst case (multiple revision rounds): 400+ days (13+ months)

Factors that speed up review time

• Clear, well-written paper: Reviewers understand your work quickly
• Responsive revision: Detailed revision letter and prompt resubmission
• No major methodological concerns: Papers needing new experiments take longer
• Field relevance: If your topic aligns with recent special issues, editorial interest is high

Factors that slow down review time

• Complex methodology: Reviewers take longer to evaluate novel or specialized methods
• Incomplete data: Requests for additional experiments add 4-8 weeks
• Slow reviewer responses: One slow reviewer delays the entire process
• Conflicting reviews: Additional reviewers needed to arbitrate

Planning tip: If you need publication within a specific timeframe (grant deadline, job application), understand that Construction and Building Materials takes 6-13 months. Plan accordingly or consider faster-track journals if your timeline is tight.